The rules that govern passengers’ carry-on luggage are referred to as hand luggage allowance. Although the rules differ from one airline to the next, there are some commonalities. The majority of these policies limit the number of items and the size of those items that a passenger may bring aboard the plane. The handbag allowance usually applies to all passengers, but in some cases, certain passengers are subject to different conditions.
A person’s hand luggage allowance usually allows them to bring one carry-on item onto the plane. Although it is commonly a small suitcase or other type of bag, it is not required. A box or a small musical instrument, for example, could be used as a carry-on item. However, there are generally limitations on the size of the item.
These restrictions usually impose maximum height, width, and weight limits. A national authority sets the standards for some jurisdictions. The Federal Aviation Administration, for example, determines the acceptable dimensions for hand luggage in the United States (FAA).
Rules like these are enforced in a variety of ways. A specially designed metal container shaped like a suitcase is used by many airlines. Passengers can put their hand luggage in it, and if it fits, they know their belongings meet the size requirements. Passengers may be asked to place their hand luggage on a scale when checking in to ensure that it meets the weight requirements. As passengers board the plane, many airlines have staff conduct visual inspections.
A passenger is usually allowed to bring a personal item in addition to the single piece of carry-on luggage. Laptop cases, briefcases, and diaper bags are just a few examples of items that fall into this category. The hand luggage allowance is generally the same for all passengers, with the exception that women are frequently allowed to bring purses in addition to their other belongings.
Other exceptions to the hand luggage allowance can be divided into two groups. The first is for travelers who travel in business or first class. These passengers pay a higher fare and are occasionally allowed to bring more or larger luggage than is allowed by the general rules.
Second, some laws forbid airlines from classifying medically necessary materials as hand luggage or imposing size restrictions on them. Consider the case of a passenger who requires a device to aid breathing. She’d be allowed to bring it on the plane with her one personal item and carry-on luggage.