On this page is information about luggage / baggage and a selection of links to web sites dealing with passenger baggage / luggage.

Basic information on passenger luggage / baggage  |  Photographic Equipment

Basic Information on passenger baggage / luggage

You will need to check the current policy of your carrier with regard to a weight-limit for items stored in the aircraft hold, or luggage you wish to carry on and store in overhead compartments.  In the case of luggage stored in the overhead compartments, small is beautiful. Overhead compartments have limited capacity. Any item, large or small, should be stowed so as to avoid falling from the overhead storage. Severe trauma can be caused to a passenger who is struck on the head by even a relatively small piece of luggage falling from overhead storage. A report in 1998 (The Flight Safety Foundation - http://www.flightsafety.org) cites about 10,000 incidents of injury worldwide arising from luggage falling from overhead storage.

Individual items of carry-on luggage may exceed a size limit imposed by your carrier, so it's best to check before packing anything remotely 'large'.  Some larger or heavier items might be able to be stored under the seat in front.  In the event of an emergency evacuation, don't impede the evacuation by attempting to retrieve items of 'personal' luggage.

Common sense dictates that you shouldn't travel with personal luggage containing explosive or highly combustible material, pressurised containers or items that generate toxic fumes.  Under strict control arranged previously with a carrier, some sporting equipment or other type of risk item may be carried in the hold. In personal luggage, most carriers may allow personal care products in pressurised containers, but it is always advisable to check with your carrier beforehand - especially as all luggage is now under closer scrutiny following terorist attacks.

There are many classes of hazardous materials, including gases, infectious materials and even strong magnetic items.  It is imperative to check with the carrier before attempting to board with any 'unusual' or hazardous item of luggage. It is an offence not to declare certain items resulting in imprisonment. 

Photographic Equipment 

Many travellers may wonder if the x-ray machines at airports are 'film-safe'?
To be on the safe side, travellers are recommended to pack undeveloped film in their hand luggage. Special arrangements can be made for photographers with large quantities of film who wish it to be carried in the hold, by arrangement with the passenger's airline. Passengers can rest easy that undeveloped film carried as hand luggage is generally safe. Independent tests undertaken by the British Photographers' Liaison Committee (BPLC), to establish the full and exact details of any potential film damage caused by baggage screening machines at airports, have given the all clear to current hand luggage x-ray inspection systems installed at 
BAA airports.

Top ^