In January 2008 the Department for Transport relaxed the 'one bag' rule for hand luggage at most UK airports. This is a welcome after restrictions on cabin baggage were introduced in 2006. But be aware that the increased carry on luggage allowance is not universal - Gatwick, the second busiest UK airport, is still operating the old luggage restrictions.
And the complications go on- even though your local airport may allow two pieces of hand luggage through security, your airline operator may be less happy about getting it on the plane.
Airlines have pointed out that the piecemeal relaxation of the 2006 rules will lead to confusion, with many passengers still unsure of what they can and cannot take on to the plane. Easyjet is only allowing one piece of hand luggage, even if the departure airport is allowing passengers to take two bags.
Confusing rules are not the only reason we should try to take as few bags as possible. Many airlines now charge to check-in bags. Once you've added on the cost for checking in your bags, the bargain that you thought you'd found might not be as good value as you first thought. To check in luggage at the airport for a family of four can cost a staggering £96.
There are some simple steps that will not only help you stay within the rules, but also save you a small fortune!
• Check the luggage rules of the airline you're flying with. Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline so make sure you are familiar with the weight and size limits. If you're going on a package holiday, check with the tour operator who will be able to give you this information. The travelsupermarket.com flights comparison tool lists the allowances for each airline for both hold and hand luggage.
• The Department for Transport has the latest baggage rules for UK airports. Be mindful of the fact that some airports are still operating under the 'one bag' rule. Click here for full details of current restrictions.
• Don't forget that you're still limited to liquids of no more than 100ml, contained in transparent, re-sealable bags.
A sure fire way of making sure you're within the limits of both the airline and the airport is to take as few bags as possible. Here are my top 10 tips for packing your suitcase.
1. Plan your outfits before you pack. Try and take clothes that can be mixed and matched so that you won't need to take as many. One good rule of thumb when deciding what to pack and what to
leave at home is to pack those items that are not easily or
cheaply purchased at your destination, and leave behind those
items you can easily purchase once you arrive.
2. Roll your clothes rather than folding them. This will not only save space but also reduces creases!
3. Don't take too many shoes. Wear the biggest or heaviest for travelling in. To save even more space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes.
4. Take the bare minimum of toiletries. You can always share toiletries with your travelling partner and most likely be able to buy some when you arrive.
5. Use your beach bag as hand luggage. This will save taking a bag in your suitcase.
6. Split luggage with your travelling partner. This will help if one person packs more than the other. It will also help if one bag goes missing; you'll each then have at least some spare clothes.
7. Check with the hotel before departure if towels for the beach or pool are available. This will save valuable space and weight when packing if you don't have to take cumbersome towels with you in your case.
8. Pick up your holiday reading at the airport. You won't have to pack heavy books in your case and most airlines allow one bag of airport shopping to be taken in addition to your hand luggage.
9. It is also important to pack travel size toiletry items into
your backpack. Shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, toothpaste
and even toothbrushes all come in small travel sizes, so be sure
to gather these travel size items for your trip. These travel
size items are a great way to keep the weight of your backpack
to a minimum. Leave behind any toiletries you can before returning home. This will leave more space for souvenirs and shopping in your case.
10. If you've bought any shopping or souvenirs on holiday, consider posting them back home. This can often work out cheaper than packing them and paying excess baggage charges at the airport.
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