Hand luggage or cabin baggage (also commonly referred to as carry-on in North America) is the type of luggage that passengers are allowed to carry along in the passenger compartment of a vehicle instead of moving to the cargo compartment. Passengers are allowed to carry a limited number of smaller bags with them in the vehicle and contain valuables and items needed during the journey.
There is normally storage space provided for hand luggage, either under seating, or in overhead lockers. Trains usually have luggage racks above the seats and may also, especially in the case of trains travelling longer distances, also have luggage space between the backs of seats facing opposite directions or in extra luggage racks for example at the ends of the carriage near the doors.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines for cabin baggage/hand luggage/carry-on luggage size.[1] They are not mandatory, however, and individual airlines can and do vary their requirements. The IATA guideline states:
Cabin baggage should have a maximum length of 56 cm ( 22 in ) , width of 45 cm ( 18 in ) and depth of 25 cm ( 10 in ) including all handles , side pockets , wheels etc.
Since 6 November 2006 there is a common regulation for cabin baggage restrictions.
- Restrictions on liquids:
- only liquids with max 100 ml per piece
- all pieces assembled in a single zippable plastic bag of max 1000ml (1 liter)
- liquids include gels and lotions (shampoo, tooth paste), lip sticks, moist paper tissue
- Exceptions:
- prescribed medicine of any size (non-prescribed medicine-only items allowed well)
- baby milk and other items for infants
- nutrition for diabetes diet
- Restrictions on abusable objects:
- weaponry, including imitations and sports utilities (e.g. archery)
- sharp objects, even small ones, including dart arrows and razor blades.
- The recommendation allows for light knifes and scissors with blades up to 6 cm but some countries do not accept these either (e.g. nail care items).
- blunt objects, clubs and all larger sticks, including sports utilities (e.g. skateboard)
- inflammable objects, including ethanol, alcoholic beverage above 70%, some match sticks
- toxic chemicals, including pepper spray, liquid batteries, blood samples
