Travel tips - How to travel with just hand luggage

Why do it?

Baggage handling staff shortages have caused chaos at airports this year, so the idea of flying without check-in luggage is appealing. 

You can walk straight from passport control to customs and be on your way to your hotel or home while other passengers are still waiting at the luggage belt. This is particularly meaningful at unsocial hours. 

Of course, it also takes away the worry of your bag being lost or the contents are broken. 

It’s handy if you are unable to check your luggage through to your final destination on connecting flights, or when you have other transport to catch or a meeting looming. 

You’ll be able to arrive later at the airport if you have used online checking and don’t have to queue to check your bags in. 

You can also maximise your time post-arrival, should you wish, by not going straight to your hotel, particularly if you have a small rucksack. 

If you’re touring, having one carry-on bag takes the stress out of moving heavy luggage between hotels and transport. 

It could also save you money because many airlines charge separately for checked luggage at their lowest fares. The savviest travellers can use RFF to find the best BA reward flights for their Avios and then also swerve the airline’s basic fare baggage charge. 

Choose the right cabin bag 

Choose your hand luggage carefully, checking airline websites for the maximum size allowed for each leg of your journey. Weight can vary from around 6kg to up to 15kg or more depending on your ticket type. Luggage dimensions vary again, for instance, easyJet allows 45 x 36 x 20cm but British Airways’ rule is 56 x 45 x 25. 

Remember, wheels and handles will be included in the measurements of your bag.

Check if your airline or ticket type allows additional personal items such as a handbag or camera. If you’re taking BA reward flights, it’s good to know the airline allows an additional laptop case or handbag up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and this and your other cabin bag can be a combined weight of 23 kg. 

If you’re visiting friends and relatives and taking a lot of presents, consider a squashable piece of luggage that you can use as, or stow inside, cabin baggage on the way home. 

Plan your packing

If you’re new to hand luggage-only, start with a situation requiring fewer, lighter, more casual clothes, like when you’ve used our Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to bag yourself a bargain short break somewhere warm.

Think carefully about your daily activities and plan your clothes and footwear accordingly.

Check the weather for the week ahead at your destination.

Pack a few days before, then go back and edit your case with fresh eyes before departure.  

Take only trousers and skirts that can be worn with more than one top and go for neutral or compatible colours.

Try to limit shoes to two pairs, one worn. 

Small accessories may help you adapt an outfit from day to night or for a second day’s wear. 

Choose clothes that are quick drying and you can hand wash some mid-trip. You could, alternatively, pay for the hotel laundry. 

If you pack end-of-their-life clothes you can leave them behind to make room for souvenirs on your return, though do recycle if you can.

Money no object? Consider using a luggage shipping service that will take your hold luggage ahead so you can travel light on the day. 

Maximise space

Pack clothes and other large items first, then fit accessories in the gaps. 

Roll all but your chunkiest clothes; they’ll take up less room. 

Stuff shoes in your luggage with socks or valuables. 

Scarves, hats and the like can be attached outside your bag so long as they fit within the allowed dimensions. 

Naturally, you won’t want a coat in your hand luggage but also make sure you wear your chunkiest shoes and jumper rather than packing them. 

Shrink your liquids

Remember liquids need to be under 100ml for security reasons. You can buy empty bottles to fill pre-trip or travel versions of toiletries at airport chemists. Saving hotel toiletries will prove handy for future trips. 

Consider small travel pouches instead of bottles as they pack flatter and may weigh less. 

Look for solid versions of shampoo and toothpaste in chemists and health shops. These don’t have to fit the 100ml rule and may also save you space. 

Think face wipes rather than liquid cleanser - they avoid the 100ml rule and pack flatter.

If you’re travelling business class, check which toiletries you’ll receive in your amenities kit. 

Think multi-use. A combined shampoo and shower gel, for instance, could also wash your clothes. 

If you need something over 100ml, buy it airside at the airport. Use click and collect to ensure it’s in stock. 

Leave what you can behind

Certain electronic items will not be allowed in your hand luggage and this may differ between airlines.

Remember hotels usually provide hairdryers, soap, shampoo and beach towels and you can request irons.

A multi-adapter with several USB outlets will help you avoid taking too many plugs and leads.

Remember there are shops overseas! 

Buy packing aids

Whether or not you’re going hand luggage-only, zip-up packing cubes will help you keep your clothes and kit in neat compartments. 

For full squashability, consider compression bags, you can suck or squeeze the air. Look out for the rollable kind or you’ll need to take a pump or borrow a vacuum cleaner. 

Finally, a set of hanging scales will help you weigh your luggage before you leave for the airport.

Be airport savvy

If you’ve used our Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to save cash on your flight, being hit with a hefty excess fee at the boarding gate will really take the shine off. Use the frames provided near check-in to ensure your luggage is within permissible size. 

Don't overload external pockets last minute or you may push your bag over the dimensions allowed. 

Keep items security will want to see, like a laptop or liquids, on top for ease of access, with liquids in a sealed, see-through plastic bag. 

Board the flight as soon as you can. This way you’re more likely to find a locker room for your luggage.