Cabin baggage and personal items
Check the operating carrier
Check how many cabin pieces your fare allows, their maximum dimensions and weight, and whether a personal item is included. Do not assume that one airline’s cabin bag policy applies to a partner or codeshare flight. The operating carrier may control the rule at the airport.
Keep passports, medication, valuables, chargers, essential documents and a change of clothes in a bag that stays with you. Liquids, batteries, power banks and specialist equipment can have additional restrictions, so check the current airport and airline instructions.
- Measure the bag including wheels and handles.
- Keep essential medication and documents accessible.
- Check power-bank and spare-battery rules before packing.
- Do not rely on a soft bag expanding beyond the stated limit.
Checked baggage allowances
Confirm the number of checked bags, weight per bag and whether the allowance is per passenger or per booking. Weigh bags at home, remove old tags and keep the bag tag receipt until you have collected your luggage.
Some fares include no checked baggage while others include one or more pieces. Adding a bag later may cost more, but buying an allowance you do not need is also wasteful. Compare the complete fare for your actual trip.
Baggage when more than one airline is involved
Multi-airline itineraries need extra care. Ask whether your bags will be checked through to the final destination, whether you must collect and recheck them, and which carrier’s allowance applies. Separate tickets can create separate check-in and baggage responsibilities.
If you have a long connection or change of airport, plan for your bags to be available and consider whether an overnight stay changes what you need in hand luggage.
Special, restricted and fragile items
Sports equipment, wheelchairs, musical instruments, baby equipment, medicines and batteries can require advance approval, special packing or an additional fee. Ask the airline before travel rather than relying on a general internet list.
Keep fragile or valuable items in cabin baggage when permitted and use suitable protective packing. If an item is essential to your trip, ask for written confirmation of the airline’s handling requirements.
- Request approval for oversized or sports equipment early.
- Check battery and power-bank rules for every carrier.
- Carry prescriptions and supporting documents for medication.
- Keep valuables and irreplaceable items out of checked baggage.
Lost, delayed or damaged baggage
If a checked bag does not arrive, report it at the airport baggage desk before leaving and keep the reference number. Photograph damage and retain receipts for necessary purchases. The airline’s procedure and time limits matter, so follow its instructions promptly.
Travel insurance can have separate baggage limits and exclusions. Read the policy and keep your baggage tag, report and receipts together.
Frequently asked questions
Is baggage included in every flight fare?
No. Allowances vary by airline, route and fare type. Check the booking conditions and operating carrier.
Can I take medication in cabin baggage?
Essential medication is normally best kept with you, but check airline, airport and destination requirements for the medicine and supporting documents.
What if two airlines are on one ticket?
Confirm which allowance applies to the full itinerary and whether bags are checked through. Keep the written policy with your booking.
Are power banks allowed in checked baggage?
Rules commonly restrict spare lithium batteries and power banks in checked baggage, but check the current airline and airport instructions before travel.
What should I do if my bag is missing?
Report it at the airport baggage desk before leaving, keep the reference number and follow the airline’s claim process.
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Use the relevant Sky Voyage route guide or contact our team with your dates, departure airport and travel needs.
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