Packing for a flight: hand luggage and hold bag tips

By the Safarly team · Updated 13 November 2026 · 4 min read

Pack documents, medicines, valuables and power banks in your cabin bag, check your airline's size and weight limits, keep liquids in small containers, and always confirm the rules with your airline and airport before you travel.

A good packing plan saves money and stress. Most problems at the airport come from bags that are too big, too heavy or contain something that is not allowed. Rules differ between airlines, airports and countries, so use this guide as a checklist and confirm the details with your airline and the airport before you fly.

1. Check your baggage allowance first

Your ticket shows what is included: a cabin bag, a hold bag, both, or neither. Cheaper fares often include only a small bag. Check the size and weight limits on your airline's own website, and weigh your bag at home. Adding a bag at the airport is usually more expensive than adding it when you book. Our guide to baggage and fare types explains the differences.

2. What belongs in your cabin bag

• Passport, tickets or boarding passes, and any documents you need on arrival.
• Medicines you need, ideally in their original packaging. If you take prescription medicine, check the rules of your destination, as some countries restrict certain medicines.
• Phone, charger, and valuables such as jewellery and cash.
• Power banks and spare batteries. Airlines generally require these in the cabin, not the hold, and many limit the number and capacity. Check your airline's policy.
• One change of clothes and basic toiletries, in case your hold bag is delayed.

3. Liquids, aerosols and gels

The UK Civil Aviation Authority states that liquids, aerosols and gels in containers over 100ml are not allowed in hand baggage through UK airport security, although larger amounts can go in the hold or be bought after security. Some airports have started to relax this with new scanners, and others have not, so the rule can differ from airport to airport. Check the website of your departure airport, and of any airport where you change planes, before you pack. The UK Civil Aviation Authority publishes the official list of what is allowed.

4. What goes in the hold bag

• Larger toiletries, spare shoes and bulky clothes.
• Sharp items such as scissors, razors and tools, which are usually not allowed in the cabin.
• Gifts you plan to bring home. Check what you may bring back, as customs rules differ by country.

Do not put anything you cannot afford to lose in the hold. Bags can be delayed, so keep essentials with you.

5. Pack smart

• Roll clothes or use packing cubes to save space.
• Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane if you are close to the weight limit.
• Leave a little spare room if you expect to buy things on your trip.
• Put a name and phone number inside and outside each bag, and take a photo of your bag in case you need to describe it.

6. Know the rules for where you are going

Some countries restrict items such as certain medicines, drones, e-cigarettes, food, plants and large amounts of cash. Look up the rules for your destination on the official government travel advice, for UK passport holders the GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages, and on the destination's own customs website.

7. On the day

Keep your passport and boarding pass easy to reach. Take liquids and laptops out if the airport asks you to. Arrive early enough for bag drop and security. For more on the airport process, read our check-in and security tips.

Plan the rest of your trip

Need an eSIM so your phone works on arrival, a transfer from the airport, or a hotel? See our travel extras. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Looking for flights? Ask for a quote or message us on WhatsApp.

Quick answers

Can I take a power bank in my hold bag?

Airlines generally require power banks and spare batteries to be carried in the cabin, not the hold. Many also limit the number and capacity, so check your airline's policy.

Is the 100ml liquids rule the same everywhere?

No. It is the standard rule at many airports, but some airports have changed it with new scanners. Check your departure airport and any airport where you change planes.

What should I keep in my cabin bag?

Passport, documents, medicines, valuables, phone and charger, power banks, and a change of clothes in case your hold bag is delayed.

Rules, fees and entry requirements change. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check official sources and your supplier's terms before you book.

← All travel guides