Sommaire
- The complete guide to avoiding unpleasant surprises at the airport
- General rules for cabin baggage
- Tips for optimising the space and weight of your hand luggage
- Liquid products and cabin restrictions
- Items prohibited and authorised in the cabin: a non-exhaustive list
- Everything you need to know to travel with peace of mind with your cabin baggage
The complete guide to avoiding unpleasant surprises at the airport
Preparing your luggage for a plane trip can sometimes be a real ordeal, especially when it comes to ensuring that the products you want to take into the cabin are actually permitted.
In this comprehensive guide, find out what items are allowed in the cabin and how to avoid unpleasant surprises when boarding at the airport.
The long-awaited flight is approaching, and your suitcase is ready for that much-deserved holiday. A treasure trove of options seems to be opening up before you… But be careful when you leave! Boarding can be a surprise if you haven’t taken the time to check the airlines and their specific rules.
Remember to compare prices, because transporting items in the cabin is a subtle art that you need to master to make your flying experience a complete success.

General rules for cabin baggage
First of all, it’s essential to know the general rules on cabin baggage. Each airline may have specific restrictions in terms of weight, dimensions and the number of items authorised in hand baggage. It is therefore important to check this information before departure.
In general, hand baggage must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm, while the maximum authorised weight varies between 7 and 12 kg depending on the airline. Personal bags (handbags, laptop bags, etc.) must fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
In addition, some low-cost airlines may charge an extra fee for carrying hand baggage in the cabin.
As far as products allowed in the cabin are concerned, there are certain restrictions imposed by airport security:
- Liquids, for example, must be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml and placed in a one-litre transparent plastic bag;
- Medicines and baby food are permitted in reasonable quantities and are often subject to specific checks. Sharp or blunt objects (knives, scissors, etc.) must be placed in the hold, as must items considered dangerous (such as external batteries).
Tips for optimising the space and weight of your hand luggage
To make your journey easier and avoid complications at the airport, here are a few tips for optimising the space and weight of your hand luggage:
- Choice of baggage: opt for a light, flexible suitcase, which will save you a few precious kilograms.
- Sort your belongings: select only the clothes and accessories you need for your trip, and avoid excess.
- Roll your clothes: this technique saves space and prevents creases.
- Use compression bags: they save space by compressing your clothes.
- Optimise storage: put shoes and other bulky items first, then fill in the gaps with smaller items.
In conclusion, it’s essential to find out about the rules and restrictions imposed by the airline and airport security before you leave. That way, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises when boarding and enjoy your plane trip to the full. Enjoy your flight and your holiday!
Liquid products and cabin restrictions
Let’s now turn to the question of liquids in the cabin. Whenboarding a plane, travellers must comply with strict rules concerning the liquids allowed. In fact, for safety reasons, there is a capacity limit for these products. The general rule is as follows: each bottle must not exceed 100 ml and all bottles must be placed in a transparent bag of no more than one litre. This measure is designed to avoid problems associated with the transport of dangerous substances and allows security officers to inspect baggage easily.
It is essential to prepare your baggage carefully to take account of these restrictions. This can be done by buying travel-specific bottles, using product samples, or even favouring solid products (for example, solid shampoo over liquid shampoo). Certain exceptions apply to medicines and baby food, which may be carried in quantities of more than 100 ml. However, it is advisable to inform the airline in advance and to present these items separately at the security check.
Items prohibited and authorised in the cabin: a non-exhaustive list
Let’s continue with the items you can take with you in the cabin. Certain categories of objects are strictly prohibited, such as firearms, sharp objects or explosive items. Other items, however, are permitted under certain conditions. These include electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Particular attention should be paid to spare batteries for electronic devices. They are permitted in the cabin, but not in the hold, as they may present a fire hazard. It is therefore important to pack them well and check their power (expressed in watt-hours) to ensure that they comply with the limits imposed by the airline.
I invite you to read our article dedicated to the list of products and objects prohibited in the hold and cabin of aircraft.
The size and weight of hand baggage
It is essential to take into account the authorised dimensions and weight of hand baggage. Each airline applies its own rules in this respect, but generally speaking, the maximum authorised size for cabin baggage is around 55 x 40 x 20 cm. As for the weight, this often varies between 7 and 10 kg. It is therefore advisable to check this information with the airline before departure.
Options for hold baggage
Finally, if cabin baggage is not enough to contain all the items you need for your trip, you can opt for hold baggage. This involves additional costs, the rates for which vary according to the airline and the weight of the baggage. It is therefore important to anticipate this expense and to prepare your hold baggage carefully, respecting the rules and restrictions imposed.
Everything you need to know to travel with peace of mind with your cabin baggage
When all is said and done, preparing your baggage for air travel requires special attention and compliance with the rules governing products and objects authorised in the cabin. By following this advice and checking with the airline, you can avoid unpleasant surprises at theairport. Enjoy your flight and your holiday!
By having a better understanding of the products authorised in the cabin, travellers can avoid unpleasant surprises when travelling by air. To make the most of your hassle-free holiday and discover some charming destinations, consider visiting the Bergerie Corse near Porto-Vecchio, an idyllic place to relax after a well-prepared flight.
What products are authorised in the cabin?
The complete guide to avoiding unpleasant surprises at the airport
Can I take my favourite perfume with me on the plane?
Yes, you can take perfume bottles of less than 100 ml in the cabin. Just make sure they are placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.
Can I bring food onto the plane?
Solid foods such as sandwiches, fruit and biscuits are permitted in the cabin. However, liquids such as soups or yoghurts must be placed in a container of less than 100 ml or purchased after the security check. Restrictions may vary depending on the destination and airline, so it is advisable to check with your airline before departure.
Product | Authorised in the cabin | Maximum quantity |
---|---|---|
Hydro-alcoholic gel | Yes | 100ml |
Lotions and creams | Yes | 100ml per container |
Fragrance | Yes | 100ml per container |
Liquid make-up | Yes | 100ml per container |
Eau de Cologne | Yes | 100ml per container |
Eau de Toilette | Yes | 100ml per container |
Nail scissors | Yes | Blade less than 6cm |
Tweezers | Yes | – |
Knives | No | – |
Lighters | Yes |