What can you take in hand luggage?

What can you take in your hand luggage is the first question that arises for those who have just bought a plane ticket.

This is because we know that there are rules for this type of luggage.

But what are they? What is prohibited in the cabin? What is allowed to take?

If you are going through this impasse, know that today's material can help you.

That's because we'll look at everything about hand luggage, in order to help you assemble yours with peace of mind.

So, if you want to complete this stage of your trip in a simpler way, be sure to check it out! 

Understanding hand luggage: what is it for?

The first plane trip is always a reason for great celebration.

After all, traveling is always positive, and when we talk about going by plane, the excitement increases even more.

But, while this possibility brings excitement, it also comes with doubts.

And the main one is luggage, after all, what is allowed to take on the plane?

The first thing you need to understand is that when purchasing any type of airline ticket you are entitled to one hand luggage.

This is determined by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), which says: “the passenger has the right to take up to 10 kg of hand luggage at no extra cost”.

But what could this hand luggage be? What is it for?

Hand luggage is everything you take with you on the aircraft.

You know that classic movie scene where people put a bag in the compartment above the seat? This bag is the carry-on bag! 

By determination, this luggage can be up to 10 kg, therefore, it can be used for two occasions.

The first one is when you travel and don't need a lot of luggage, so all your things fit in those 10 kg.

This way, there is no need to check luggage, and everything is taken with you on the aircraft.

The second option is when you have checked luggage, but want to take specific items with you.

These items comprise personal items, electronics and documents.

In this case, the idea of hand luggage is to allow you to have essential items nearby, which guarantee greater safety and comfort on the flight.

So, the main idea of this type of luggage is to allow the passenger to carry their personal items during the trip, offering them more comfort and safety.

Items prohibited from taking in hand luggage 

In the previous topic we gave you an explanation about what hand luggage is.

Therefore, you already understand that any passenger on a domestic or international flight has the right to take their belongings with them, as long as they do not exceed 10 kg.

But is everything allowed? What can you take in hand luggage?

Before answering this question, it is important to clarify everything about the volume of this luggage.

This is because 10 kg is a considerable weight, so some rules exist.

It is worth mentioning that this 10 kg baggage must comply with the airline's volume and dimensions criteria.

This means that when choosing your hand luggage you need to check whether your suitcase meets the dimensions authorized by the company.

This aims to ensure that the suitcase or bag fits in the luggage compartments, and thus does not cause inconvenience during the flight.

But, in addition to the volume of luggage, there are some other rules regarding prohibitions for hand luggage.

Let's see what they are.

Explosive or flammable substances

The first item prohibited from taking in hand luggage is flammable and/or explosive substances.

This is because the plane is a confined environment, where any type of explosion or ignition of flammable materials can have serious consequences.

Therefore, pay attention to some items that cannot go in your hand luggage:

• Alcohol;
• Aerosol containers exceeding 300 ml on domestic flights and 100,000 on international flights;
• Lighters and matches.

It is worth mentioning that some flammable items such as acetone, perfumes and others are allowed, but it is important to consult the airline's rules.

Sharp items 

When we talk about what you can't take in hand luggage, sharp items are the most relevant.

This is because, for these, there is no exception like there is with flammable liquids.

Therefore, no matter the size or need, these are not allowed.

Let's look at a list of what is prohibited:

• Knives;
• Ice pick;
• Switchblade;
• Razor; 
• Scissors;
• Needles.

Therefore, if the object is sharp or sharp, it is retained before boarding.

Some sharp items such as pliers and razors are allowed, under some rules.

In general, companies request that this type of object be shipped, or that it be packaged securely.

Any type of weapon 

There are those who believe that weapons are not prohibited on the plane, as long as there is authorization to carry them.

But be careful, weapons of any kind are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

This includes both lethal weapons and stun weapons, such as pepper spray or electric discharge devices.

Furthermore, even toy weapons cannot be taken in the cabin, as they can be confused with ordinary weapons.

It is worth mentioning that objects that can be transformed into a weapon are also not allowed.

This includes knives, a baseball bat, box cutters or chains.

So, if the object poses any risk and can be used as a weapon, you cannot take it in your hand luggage.

Work tools

This item is widely discussed, as many people question weapons precisely because they are objects of work.

However, it is worth mentioning that work tools cannot be carried in hand luggage.

This includes scalpels, guns, hammers, pliers, knives, guillotines, and many others.

This item follows the same rule as the others, which determines the prohibition of anything that poses a risk.

In this case, you must ship your work tools, following the company's rules.

Toxic chemical products

We have already seen that you cannot take flammable and explosive products on the plane.

But, it is worth mentioning that any type of toxic chemical product is also not allowed.

This is because, as we have already seen, the plane is a confined environment, so any type of leak can cause serious damage.

Therefore, in general, chemicals are prohibited, but if they are toxic, you cannot take them in your hand luggage under any circumstances.

If these are necessary for your trip, you must inform a company attendant, who will ask you for documents proving the need.

After this proof, your products can be dispatched.

Any item that poses a risk to passengers 

And finally, we've already seen all the specific items that you can't take in hand luggage.

But, it is important to say that any item, no matter how harmless it may seem, can be prohibited.

This is because airlines are obliged to guarantee the comfort and safety of passengers and the aircraft.

Therefore, any object or substance that may pose risks may be prevented from boarding.

Therefore, it is important that you keep an eye on the company's rules, in order to see what you can include in your luggage! 

After all, what can you take in your hand luggage?

Once we have seen everything that should not be included, it becomes easier to know what you can take in hand luggage.

This is because, if you avoid prohibited items, your luggage will be approved.

But, let's now look at a more specific explanation, which will help you assemble your suitcase more easily.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the volume and weight of your luggage.

Therefore, avoid items that are too large or too heavy, as they will make it difficult for you to carry what is really necessary.

And speaking of which, it is very important that when assembling your luggage you select everything that is essential.

Therefore, prioritize taking;

• Documents;
• Personal hygiene items;
• Medications for continuous use;
• Clothing for an emergency;
• Electronics (computers, cell phones, etc.);
• Items that will help you with comfort, such as headphones, neck pillows, etc.
• Wallet with money, cards and documents;
• Coat.

It is worth mentioning that to take medication it is important that you take a prescription and respect the limits established by the airline.

Additionally, electronics must be in airplane mode.

So, it is clear that in your hand luggage you must carry personal and essential items for your trip.

Therefore, dangerous, very bulky or non-essential items should preferably be carried in checked baggage, if necessary.

This makes it easy to know what to pack in your hand luggage! 

Roberta Updated October 3, 2024