Hand luggage for flights can prove a headache for many travellers given the sheer number of rules that come with taking a bag onto a plane these days. Invariably at airport security, someone is caught out by a rogue bottle of oversized conditioner or metal detector-inducing jewellery. However, it’s not just industry regulations jet setters need to abide by.
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Each airline also has its own set of rules when it comes to hand luggage – namely when it comes to size and sometimes weight.
easyJet and Ryanair are two such popular airlines which have tough restrictions.
The carriers may offer wonderfully cheap plane tickets but they only let customers take a small amount of carry on luggage into the cabin for free.
Luckily there are various ways you can make you make the most of the small allowance allotted to you.
Elizabeth Rhodes, Head of Communications at British luggage company Antler, has shared her expert baggage advice exclusively with Express.co.uk.
Rhodes explained the importance of taking along the right sort of bag as hand luggage.
“Airline restrictions are tricky and they can easily catch you out, so, whilst it sounds obvious, it’s always worth checking before you travel,” said Rhodes.
“If you really don’t want to pay extra to take a bag into the cabin, then a backpack or holdall, like our best-selling Chelsea overnight bag, is your safest bet.
“Because a holdall is squish-able, it fits much more easily into the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you, when space is at a premium.”
If you insist on taking a suitcase as hand luggage – or indeed are taking hold luggage, then, again you need to choose your baggage wisely.
Rhodes cautioned against picking a case which has an entirely flat surface.
While you may prefer the look or think you’ll fit more in with one of these, such a suitcase is likely to be weaker.
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“Beware of cases with an entirely flat surface,” explained Rhodes.
“The distinctive ridges in the shells of our hard-sided cases aren’t for good looks alone, they’re there because a curved surface is up to four times stronger than a flat surface.
“And in the world of luggage, that means you have a suitcase that’s more robust, without adding any weight.”
A curved base on a hard-sided case is there because “it ensures that your case won’t sag or dip when packed full,” Rhodes said.
Localised reinforcement built into the structure of cases is also the kind of detail that you only get from a trusted brand.
“When shopping for hand luggage, and if you’re looking for a case that will get regular use, you’ll need something robust and hard-wearing,” Rhodes pointed out.
“If you’re keen for a hard-sided suitcase, then look out for one made of polycarbonate – it’s extremely strong, especially when used in its pure form like on our Clifton case.”
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