Taking the plane means respecting strict safety rules that also apply to all your luggage. To avoid being caught off guard, here is a summary of the main restrictions you should know before going to the airport.
Hold Baggage
Weight
Scheduled airlines generally allow passengers to travel free of charge with a suitcase weighing 20 to 23 kilos maximum (weight may vary from one airline to another). Above this weight, a luggage supplement will be charged. It is possible to benefit from a certain tolerance from the hostess if your suitcase only has an excess of one kilo but do not expect to be entitled to a free allowance beyond that... In this case, you will have to transfer part of your suitcase into your carry-on baggage to arrive at the right weight (often tedious and embarrassing operation in a corner of the airport and in front of the eyes of all the passengers...) or, if it is impossible, pay for the extra kilos.
Dimensions
Your luggage should measure up to 158cm (Total height+length+width). These are common standards for all airline tickets..
Carry-on baggage
Weight
The weight of cabin baggage varies from airline to airline, but is generally between 10 and 12 kilos maximum. And don't think about faking it by overloading your carry-on baggage to gain extra pounds because your hold baggage is saturated? Cabin baggage is increasingly checked for weight at check-in and if it is too heavy, it will have to be lightened or sent to the hold and the excess weight will have to be paid for
Dimensions
Cabin baggage must not exceed 115cm (total height+width+length). If it is bigger, it will automatically go into the hold. However, in addition to your carry-on baggage, you are entitled to a handbag or backpack.
Liquid and cutting products
It is forbidden to carry liquids in excess of 100 ml per bottle in your carry-on bag or purse. If this is the case, your product will simply be confiscated at security screening and X-raying of your baggage before entering the boarding area. Even if it is a perfume that cost you 150 euros, if it is more than 100 ml it will be non-negotiable. All these liquid products of 100 ml or less must be placed in an airtight transparent plastic bag (which can be provided at the time of the test).
Sharp objects such as cutters, scissors, Swiss Army knives are also strictly forbidden and will be confiscated. These objects, both liquid and sharp, are sometimes rerouted to the hold and you can pick them up at the airport of arrival at a special counter, but be aware that this is less and less the case and in some airports abroad it is impossible.
Drugs
If you have medication to take and it is in your carry-on baggage, always carry the prescription with you when you go through a screening. Indeed, there are drugs that are perfectly legal in France but are considered as drugs in some countries. They can therefore take you straight to the prison box if you do not have an order to show at the time of a customs check on arrival. So be careful.
Laptops and tablets
You must take your computer or tablet out of its case and place it on the mat at the security checkpoints for X-ray screening. For flights to the United States, it is now imperative that your battery be recharged as a customs officer may ask to look at the contents of your computer/tablet if there is any doubt about your person. If you run out of battery, or you have forgotten your charger, you will be denied boarding and there is no appeal.
All items prohibited on the plane
There are a multitude of objects that should never be taken on board an aircraft, either in the hold or in the cabin. Some of the items on this list may come as a surprise, but remember that this list also exists because travellers have tried to carry such items, however crazy it may seem...
Compressed gas, such as butane in cans, scuba diving oxygen cylinders, aerosol paint, insecticides, propane, hydrogen, acetylene, bottled oxygen, liquid nitrogen, etc.
Corrosive products such as mercury or devices or products containing mercury, acids, alkaline products and batteries containing acids and/or liquid cells.
Explosives, such as ammunition, fireworks, firecrackers, distress flares, etc., are not allowed.
Flammable liquids or solids such as kerosene, lighter fuel, matches, cigar lighters, paints, thinners, solvents, lighters, etc., are not allowed.
Radioactive material.
Briefcases and briefcases with an integrated alarm device.
Oxidizing materials such as bleach etc. are not allowed.
Poisons and infectious substances such as insecticides, weed killers and live viruses.
Other dangerous items such as asbestos and magnetic objects, attack or irritating items (such as knives, swords, attack sticks, clubs, arrows, tear gas, stun guns, etc.)
Some countries impose regulations on plant species and animal products. Check with the embassy of the destination country beforehand. Some countries prohibit the importation of plants to avoid the spread of invasive plants that can harm the local flora or animal products (milk, meat, dairy products, meat-based products...) because they can carry viruses (avian flu etc).
