Hand Luggage - what is classed as essential

[snookhams]

I recieved with my tickets a really helpful booklet from Virgin 'the essentials', and have been reading it and came across the luggage section, now I know what can go in luggage and what can't and the weight of checked luggge, but it says this about hand luggage...

Hand Luggage allowed ( max dimensions 9"x14"x22") 1 piece - passengers are being asked to only take essentials on board and check in all non-essential items. Passengers attempting to take more than this will be stopped by BAA at the security point and asked to return to their airlines desk in order to check-in any refused bags.

Now what do they class as essentials, we are travelling with 2 children, so we will have things to keep them amused a book, wet wipes (which go every where with me), sweets, bottles of water (dr. says I must drink constantly and I don't want to keep pestering the staff), playing cards, travel documents, camera, video camera etc....

Has anyone been sent back to check in with hand luggage that has been refused, I really don't want that but it is a 9 1/2 hr flight and you need more than just a book!

 

[Hilary]

I puzzle over this one, too.

You're advised to have plenty of water, any medicines, all travel documents, all valuables, cameras, camcorders, etc., etc. Even without a book, make-up, magazine, etc., it all weighs in.

DD was once told her hand luggage was too heavy (charter flight) so we redistributed everything amongst the four of us, held bottles of water in our hands rather than putting them in the bags, and then we were ok.

So we had exactly the same amount with us but, because we were holding the water, that was alright Also, if we'd chosen to buy bottles of drink, magazines, books, etc., in the duty-free area, none of it would be weighed in the hand luggage

 

[Miffy2003]

This seems crazy to me.

On a 9-10 hour flight I would consider the following essential:

Bottles of water (as you say, you need to keep hydrated!)
Medication
Couple of magazines to flick though
Book or two
Walkman
Game Boy
Wet Wipes
Documents (eg passport, flight tickets, currency etc)
Sweets
Maybe camera and camcorder
Oh, and on the way back, a snowglobe (Thanks, Cath!)

And this is just for me LOL. You can only imagine what is packed in my DD's bags to occupy them! The Virgin bag only entertains for a fairly short period! I would be prepared to argue (nicely) that all of the above (with the possible exception of the snowglobe was essential!

Cheers

Mrs I-Travel-Light

 

[patdavies]

This from Virgin's website about hand baggage

The UK Civil Aviation Authority requires all UK airlines to review and enforce their regulations regarding the acceptance and carriage of cabin (hand) baggage. We ask you to help us meet the regulations to make your flight more enjoyable. Space on any aircraft is at a premium and hand baggage should contain only items you require during the flight. There may be occasions when even having met size and weight limitations there is not enough room. In this event baggage will be checked and loaded in the hold. We ask for your understanding on those rare occasions.

The following items CANNOT be carried in your hand baggage:

Toy or replica guns (plastic or metal)
Catapults
Household cutlery
Knives with blades (of any length)
Paper knives
Razor blades
Tradesmen's tools
Darts
Scissors
Knitting needles
Sporting bats
Billiard, snooker, pool cues
Hypodermic syringes
If there's a medical reason that passengers need to inject themselves during the flight (e.g diabetics) they are permitted to carry syringes in the cabin. They may be asked to produce medical evidence when they check in or at the security screenings (a doctors letter will suffice). This should be kept with them at all times.

Upper Class
Upper Class passengers are allowed two pieces of hand luggage, each not larger than 23cm x 36cm x 56cm (9in x 14in x 22in) overall and not weighing more than 16kg (35lbs) together. Each item must not weigh more than 8kg.

Premium Economy and Economy
You are allowed to carry one piece of hand luggage onto the plane. This must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, which means it must not be larger than 23cm x 36cm x 56cm (9in x 14in x 22in) overall and should also not weigh more than 6kg (13lbs).

Wheelchairs, crutches, baby buggies and items necessary for baby care during the flight will be carried free over and above the baggage allowance. However baby buggies, carrying baskets and wheelchairs will normally be carried in the hold.


I have travelled many times to the US and always had no problem with hand baggage. I always take my laptop as hand baggage and will additonally have a bag of duty free and a coat. I also carry a CPAP pump, but this is classed as medical and is therefore an addition. Most scheduled airlines are more concerned about the size (and have frames at check-in where you can ensure that you piece of luggage is within size). Only once have I had hand baggage wieghed and that was a charter airline.

 

[Selina]

If you are staying at an airport hotel night before flight - remember you also can't take tweezers (for eyebrows) in your hand luggage - so if you are using twilight checkin - they have to be packed in your suitcase unfortunately.

 

[crumpet]

Have read through the list above and although I can see knitting needle I cant see sewing needle.
The reason I ask is, I cant just sit and watch a tv screen (seem to listen rather than watch)I always need to be doing something with my hands and really enjoy crosstitch. Does anybody know if I would be allowed a sewing needle on the plane

Crumpet

 

[snookhams]

Thanks for all your replies, I shall now consider what is essential to me and my family and pack our hand luggge carefully.

Crumpet - I to plan to take cross stitch for on the plan, in Aug. 2002 virgin did not have a problem with the needle but obviously couldn't take any scissors. I will mention this at check in as I did last time and if xstitch is now not allowed will slip it into a suitcase before they get whisked away.