I think most people will agree that the worst part of air travel is trying to keep within your allocated luggage allowance. Even the most seasoned travellers find their luggage weight creeping up at every weigh-in, despite having packed nothing extra. Carry-on luggage is another perplexing concept, as the allowances and restrictions change between airlines, states and countries, and one can never be too certain about the applicable limitations at any given time.
With that in mind, we spoke to Jonathan Etkind, spokesperson travel insurer at InsureandGo and surprising rules around carry-on luggage when travelling within or from Australia.
“Australian airlines have a plethora of hand luggage restrictions that can be tricky for Australian travelers to adhere to, especially if they are taking everything as carry-on luggage,” says Jonathan. “Not only do passengers need to be wary of bringing a bag that weighs more than the maximum allowed limit, as this can result in additional fees, but they also need to know what items they are not permitted to take on the plane.”
Did you know…
1. You may take cremated human remains on board in your carry-on
But you must have official documentation from the crematorium confirming the contents, and check with your airline for specific requirements prior to departure.
2. Make sure you put valuables in your carry-on
Many insurance companies won’t cover your camera, laptop, jewellery or other valuables if they’re stored with check-in luggage, so make sure those items are in your carry-on!
3. E-cigarettes or vaping devices must go in carry-on
As e-cigarettes and other vaping devices use high-discharge lithium batteries, which could be at risk of igniting due to overheating, they must be packed in carry-on luggage only.
4. There are only restrictions on liquids and powders when flying internationally
When flying within Australia, there are no restrictions on the quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can bring on-board, provided it meets your carry-on size and weight limits. There are only limits on these items if you are travelling domestically and departing from an international terminal. In these scenarios, all aerosol deodorants, hair sprays or shaving gels must have a fitted cap or locking device.
5. You can buy a seat for your musical instrument and carry it on
Larger musical instruments, such as a cello or guitar, can be brought onto Australian aircrafts as carry-on luggage. If they are classified as bulky items, you may have to purchase an extra seat a seat for them and notify the airline that the seat is for a bulky item.
Other interesting rules
- Your handbag, coat, laptop bag or even a camera around your neck will all count towards your carry-on limit.
- You cannot carry more than 100mL of liquid on an international flight out of Australia, even if the contents of the bottle are partially filled
- Baby formula, hypodermic needles and certain medicines are allowed in your carry-on if you need them mid-flight – as long as they are accompanied by medical proof.
You might also like:
A simple tip to keep your carry-on luggage under 7kg
The massive change coming to Australian airports
Want to know which airlines are best to fly with? Watch the video below.
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