If your next vacation is still a while away, why not take a quick weekend getaway in the meantime? For a spontaneous short trip, you usually don’t need much luggage—hand luggage is often more than enough. Our Hand Luggage Checklist will help you pack efficiently!
Traveling with hand luggage only saves you from waiting at baggage claim—you’ll be checking into your hotel while others are still on the airport shuttle. But hand luggage comes with its own rules. What exactly is allowed in your carry-on, and what’s better placed in checked luggage? Not all hand luggage is the same: almost every airline has its own rules regarding size and weight. So always be sure to check your airline’s specific guidelines.
To make packing easier, we’ve put together this handy checklist with key rules and useful tips for carry-on luggage:
Hand Luggage Checklist
Size
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Always check with your airline – size and weight regulations vary
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Use the IATA standard as a guide: max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 5 kg
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Weigh your luggage after packing!
Security Regulations
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Sharp objects must go in checked luggage
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Max. 100 ml of liquids in a resealable clear ZIP bag (max. capacity 1 liter)
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Phones, laptops, e-cigarettes, power banks, etc. must go in hand luggage
Documents
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Flight/train tickets
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ID/passport
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Credit cards
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Health insurance card
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Driver’s license
Travel First Aid – To Go
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Doctor’s note if medication is essential
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Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol)
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Motion sickness remedies (e.g., gum or tablets)
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Nasal spray/eye drops for dryness during flight
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Lip balm
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Earplugs
Children
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Baby food, fruit, veggies (allowed in hand luggage)
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Entertainment (e.g., books, coloring, puzzles)
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Tissues, wet wipes, disinfecting wipes for seats
Pets
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Check airline regulations on flying with pets in advance
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Prepare required documents and vaccinations
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Bring a pet carrier and travel essentials (leash, bowls, etc.)
Other Tips
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Emergency kit (extra underwear, change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, flip-flops, swimwear)
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For added comfort: neck pillow, scarf, cozy socks, cardigan
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Entertainment (e.g., tablet, e-reader, newspaper, puzzle book with pen, headphones)
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Snacks (e.g., candy/gum for takeoff and landing, granola bars, sandwiches, nuts, cookies)
Carry-On Luggage Checklist – What Do I Need to Consider?
Carry-On Size
Getting the right information is crucial! Before your flight, check your airline’s website for specific hand luggage rules regarding size and weight. The IATA (International Air Transport Association) recommends a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including wheels, side pockets, and handles. Make sure to also check the maximum allowable weight in advance—some airlines, according to IATA, limit carry-on weight to just 5 kg.
Security Regulations
What Is Not Allowed in Carry-On?
Dangerous or sharp objects are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage! This includes nail scissors and metal nail files. Blades must not exceed 6 cm in length and must not be freely accessible. Such items belong in checked baggage. However, plastic nail files or clippers without sharp edges are usually permitted in carry-on.
Liquids in Carry-On
According to EU regulations, only liquids in containers of 100 ml or less are allowed. This includes creams, lipsticks, toothpaste, shaving foam, hair gel, and perfume. A half-full 200 ml bottle is not allowed, as the container's maximum volume is what counts. All liquid containers must be packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.
Tip: Use a standard zip-lock freezer bag.
What Must Go in Carry-On?
Electronics like laptops, MP3 players, eBook readers, phones, or tablets can go in the cabin but must be presented separately during security checks.
Electronic cigarettes, spare batteries, and power banks are only allowed in carry-on, and spare batteries must be individually wrapped to prevent short circuits, according to IATA guidelines.
Medication in Carry-On
You’re allowed to bring medications that are needed during your trip. It’s highly recommended to carry a doctor’s note confirming medical necessity—though unfortunately, this doesn’t guarantee approval at security checks.
All medications must be presented separately, so it’s best to store them in the same resealable, clear plastic bag as your liquids.
Traveling with a Baby
Some airlines provide baby food, others don’t—so it’s best to be safe and pack your child’s favorite jar of purée. You’re allowed to bring baby food and formula powder on board.
Also, keep your child entertained—coloring books and toys are always a good idea.
Traveling with Pets
Each airline has its own rules regarding pets—and not all pets are treated equally. Always register your pet with the airline in advance.
Cats and dogs up to 6–8 kg (including carrier) may travel in the cabin in a sealed transport box.
Guide dogs are always allowed in the cabin without restriction.
Our Tips
Emergency Kit
In case your checked luggage is lost or delayed, it's a good idea to have a basic “emergency kit” in your carry-on. This might include:
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Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand cream, lip balm, face moisturizer)
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A change of underwear and clothing
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For warm destinations: flip-flops and swimwear
Comfort on Board
Make your flight more pleasant with:
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A neck pillow
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Warm socks
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A scarf or wrap
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Your own headphones and earplugs
Entertainment
To ward off boredom during delays, waiting areas, or the flight itself, bring:
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A good book
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Your favorite music
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A newspaper or magazine
Choosing the Right Carry-On
For travelers who fly with carry-on only, a sturdy, functional, and lightweight trolley is the classic choice. Whether it’s a soft-shell or hard-shell suitcase, there’s a perfect model for everyone.
Prefer something different? A weekender bag is great for those who like a traditional travel bag over a rolling suitcase.
With our carry-on checklist, you’ve got everything covered for a smooth and stress-free journey. Browse our curated hand luggage selection, or visit our stores in Leipzig or Dresden for in-person travel gear advice.
We look forward to seeing you—and wish you a fantastic trip!
