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What can be taken in hand luggage on a plane: how to comply with the rules and not overpay

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Airlines have long turned baggage rules into a strategic game. At stake are comfort, time, and money. Miss one point in the conditions, and the luggage goes to the cargo hold, along with your wallet going on a “diet.” Understanding what can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane saves not only nerves but also resources. Every gram and millimeter counts in euros.

Standards without maneuvers: size and weight of carry-on luggage

There are no universal indicators – airlines set their own norms for dimensions and weight. The standard for most flights is 55×40×20 cm, although some low-cost carriers limit the dimensions to 40×30×20 cm. The weight varies from 7 to 10 kg, with some airlines allowing up to 12 kg. For example: Lufthansa allows up to 8 kg, Turkish Airlines – up to 8 kg, Ryanair – only 6 kg for the basic fare.

Failure to meet the parameters during check-in or boarding leads to additional charges for excess baggage. On short routes, the cost can range from 40 to 80 euros. Dimension control is not based on the shape – but on the fact: if it doesn’t fit in the sizer, get ready to part with your money.

Liquids in carry-on luggage: how to avoid exceeding restrictions

Liquids are a reason for regular disputes during screening. The rules are clear: the total volume must not exceed 1 liter, each bottle – maximum 100 ml. All containers – only in a transparent resealable bag.

The category includes not only water and beverages, but also:

  • cosmetics (mascara, cream, spray);
  • toothpaste;
  • sauces and yogurts;
  • perfume.

Exceptions are made only for medications confirmed by a prescription and baby food for the duration of the flight. The airport does not forgive self-will – violators will be asked to leave the “excess” for inspection.

Prohibited items in carry-on luggage

Even a small item can violate the rules and disrupt boarding. Knowing the prohibited items helps avoid disposal, fines, and extra screening at the airport. Not every compact item is allowed in carry-on luggage.

Strictly prohibited are:

  • sharp objects: knives, scissors with a blade over 6 cm, manicure tools;
  • weapons, imitations, explosives;
  • tools;
  • aerosols, spray cans.

Violating the rules not only results in confiscation but also in additional checks, delays, and missed flights. What is not allowed in carry-on luggage is often indicated in small print on the airline’s website – but ignorance only exempts you from baggage, not from responsibility.

Suitcase or backpack: the choice of format matters

Carry-on luggage on the plane is not just a wheeled suitcase. Carriers allow a backpack or bag as an alternative, provided that the dimensions are observed. Some fares (e.g., Ryanair Basic) only allow one small bag up to 40×20×25 cm for free.

Important: it’s not about the perceived size, but the specific centimeters that determine the outcome at the check-in counter. Exceeding the dimensions by even 1-2 cm can turn carry-on luggage into paid baggage. Special attention should be paid to protruding parts – wheels and handles.

How to pass security control without extra problems

At the screening stage, the security service checks not only the contents but also compliance with the dimensions. The X-ray belt is not a metaphor but a reality. Each item undergoes a check for compliance with the requirements. In case of violations, there is mandatory confiscation or denial of boarding.

Special caution should be exercised when transporting:

  • electronics: laptops, tablets, chargers are checked separately;
  • medications: prescription drugs are checked with supporting documents;
  • children’s items: formula, bottles, wipes – only in the necessary amount.

At the control stage, order is important: prepare devices in advance, pack liquids in a bag, remove outerwear. This saves time and reduces stress at the airport.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane: permitted arsenal

A precise list of permissible items reduces the risk of errors during packing. The right choice of contents ensures quick passage through security and avoids unexpected restrictions.

Permitted categories:

  • smartphones, tablets, laptops, chargers;
  • headphones, e-readers, cameras;
  • documents, tickets, keys, money;
  • books, magazines, packaged food without liquid;
  • personal hygiene items (in permitted volume);
  • outerwear, umbrella;
  • medications with a prescription;
  • baby essentials (formula, bottles);
  • duty-free items in a sealed bag;
  • folding cane, crutches (as needed).

Even permitted items require compliance with format, packaging, and weight. Confidence in the bag’s contents allows you to focus on the journey, not on explanations to inspectors.

Tariff sum: consequences of exceeding limits

Failure to comply with carry-on luggage requirements leads to budget overruns. Excess baggage incurs additional charges. The cost varies from 20 to 100 euros depending on the destination and fare type. Some carriers charge fees even for improperly placed backpacks.

Reducing risks involves studying the tariff conditions in advance and using precise dimensions and weights when packing.

Sports equipment, children’s items, and non-standard cases

Airlines restrict but do not exclude the possibility of bringing sports or specialized equipment into the cabin. Cycling gloves, swimming goggles, yoga straps, and even rollerblades are allowed if they meet carry-on luggage requirements. However, larger items such as boards, rackets, clubs are transported exclusively in checked baggage, subject to a separate fee.

Children’s items are additionally allowed: on many flights, you can bring a bassinet, a collapsible stroller, or a car seat at no extra charge. However, each carrier specifies its own list – studying the fare conditions before the flight is critical.

How to save without sacrificing convenience

Savings start not with the bag but with an analysis of the rules. What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane is not just a list but a tool for managing expenses during the journey.

Pre-check:

  • dimensions (use a sizer or measure with a ruler);
  • weight (home scales provide an accurate forecast);
  • tariff options (some airlines only include carry-on luggage in premium tickets).

A backpack or suitcase within the parameters, a lightweight container for liquids, clear packaging order – the basic formula that helps avoid additional expenses. A well-packed carry-on luggage turns a regular flight into a confident air travel when all variables are considered: from bag choice to passing security. Properly assembled carry-on luggage in the plane does not complicate the flight but simplifies it.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane: conclusions

Understanding what can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane gives an advantage – not only in comfort but also in resource management. Control, requirements, rules, tariffs – are not abstractions but specific parameters that affect every journey. A clear list of permitted items turns baggage from a lottery into a predictable process.

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The island of Bali has long occupied a tourist pedestal, but the country is not limited to coconuts and yoga. The archipelago accommodates more than 17,000 islands, each revealing its own ecosystem of wonders, traditions, and landscapes. There is not enough time to cover all of Indonesia’s main attractions.

Java: the pulse of ancient civilizations

Java concentrates the cultural core of the country. The central part of the island houses the country’s main attraction – the Borobudur Temple. It is the most massive Buddhist stupa on the planet, reaching a height of 35 meters. 504 Buddha statues and 2672 reliefs adorn the terraces, assembled without a drop of cement.

Eastern Java showcases natural forces – Mount Bromo, regularly emitting sulfur, reaches a height of 2329 meters. Tourism here turns into a symbolic ritual: the journey to the crater begins before dawn, accompanied by the smell of sulfur and the squeal of jeeps. Java doesn’t just show – it engages.

Sumatra: an island where jungles reign

North Sumatra is a sanctuary for unique ecosystems. The Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers 9500 km². It is home to around 700 Sumatran orangutans, including the rarest subspecies. Seeing them is not a walk in the zoo but the result of a real trek through vines and marshes.

Indonesia’s main attractions here manifest in contrasts: from natural wilderness reserves to Lake Toba, formed by the largest volcanic eruption in the last 25 million years. The caldera’s diameter is 100 km, and its depth is over 500 meters. Toba is not just a body of water – it is a liquid mirror of geological history.

Komodo and Flores: encountering the ancient

Komodo National Park is a center of surrealism. It is the only place where Komodo dragons have survived – reptiles up to 3 meters long and weighing up to 70 kg. Each specimen is a living relic, reminiscent of the Cretaceous period. Park entry is regulated by quotas, ensuring a balance between tourism and species conservation.

Neighboring Flores offers a different perspective: Kelimutu lakes, whose colors range from turquoise to blood-red. The phenomenon is due to mineral content and redox reactions. These main attractions of Indonesia impress not only visually but also scientifically.

Lombok: the energy of nature in details

Lombok stands in Bali’s shadow but retains its identity. Mount Rinjani – the country’s second-highest mountain (3726 meters) – attracts adventure seekers. Trekking lasts up to three days, including an overnight stay at cloud level with a view of Lake Segara Anak inside the crater.

In the south are the beaches of Mawun and Tanjung Aan, where mass tourism is still absent. The beach is not just a shore but a territory of authentic relaxation without noise.

Jakarta: a metropolis with layers of history

Jakarta offers a different type of travel – urbanistic. The National Museum houses 140,000 exhibits from the Neolithic era to the present. The largest mosque in Southeast Asia – Istiqlal – accommodates up to 200,000 people. The architecture combines Islamic style and industrial power – a structure made of 12,000 tons of steel.

Despite the traffic and concrete, the main attractions in the capital are felt through details: from street satay stalls to art clusters in the Kota Tua area.

Diving and snorkeling in Indonesia: best spots

The Indonesian part of the Pacific Ocean contains about 20% of the world’s coral reserves. The Raja Ampat and Banda regions are ideal for snorkeling and professional diving. Depths reach 40 meters, visibility up to 30 meters, temperature stable at +27 °C.

The fauna ranges from manta rays to pyramid butterflyfish, with over 1700 fish species. Tourism in these areas is strictly controlled – each dive requires registration and a licensed instructor. Such a journey through Indonesia turns leisure into a true underwater expedition.

Indonesia’s main attractions: summarizing

Where to go depends on the goal: see a volcano, go trekking, visit a national park, or relax on the beach. Indonesia’s best places are unevenly distributed: each island offers its own travel formula.

Each attraction is not just a place but a part of a cultural, geographical, or historical layer. The mosaic of islands forms a map of impressions. Here, each fragment adds its own scale. Geography here is not just a backdrop but an active participant – shaping the route’s character and setting the pace of the journey.

Islands and features:

  1. Java – Borobudur Temple, Mount Bromo, cultural attractions.
  2. Sumatra – Lake Toba, Gunung Leuser National Park, wild nature.
  3. Komodo – park with dragons, snorkeling at Padar and Rinca islands.
  4. Flores – Kelimutu lakes, tribal villages, and rice terraces.
  5. Lombok – Mount Rinjani, trekking, uncrowded beaches.
  6. Bali – spiritual temples, museums, cultural complexes.
  7. Jakarta – capital, museum of national history, Istiqlal Mosque.

Each of the islands reveals Indonesia’s main attractions in its original form – without repetition and clichés. One archipelago, seven directions, dozens of rhythms – from ancient rituals to volcanic trails.

Bali has long established itself as one of the most popular holiday destinations, offering tourists a combination of exotic nature, interesting culture and comfortable resorts. One of the most convenient ways to spend a holiday on the island is to choose an all-inclusive hotel. In this format, you can enjoy a hassle-free holiday where everything you need, from food to entertainment, is included in the price. Let’s take a look at the top 10 all-inclusive hotels in Bali.

1. Samabe Bali Suites & Villas 5*

This exclusive resort on the south coast of the island is known for its luxurious atmosphere and high level of service. The complex offers spacious suites and villas with private pools, as well as private beaches and impeccable service. The hotel’s all-inclusive system includes not only a variety of international and Balinese cuisine, but also various activities such as water sports, Bali excursions and evening shows.

2. Merusaka Nusa Dua 5*

Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Nusa Dua, the hotel is known for its green areas, beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. The full package includes a morning and evening buffet and unlimited drinks. Tennis, golf and water sports are available for outdoor enthusiasts. In the evening there are cookery shows and themed dinners for guests.

3. Melia Bali 5*

A true paradise for those who appreciate comfort and an excellent location. Melia Bali is located in the Nusa Dua neighbourhood and offers guests a gourmet dining experience. Not only can you enjoy excellent food, but also a variety of beach activities including snorkelling and diving. The large and spacious rooms, comfortable spa treatments and convenient location are ideal for family holidays and romantic getaways.

4. Ayurvedagram Bali 5*

If you are interested in wellness and relaxation with Ayurveda elements, the complex will be an excellent choice. Ayurvedagram Bali offers an interesting programme for improving health, combining yoga, various procedures and relaxation in a tropical climate. Meals at the hotel in Bali are based on Ayurvedic principles and all all-inclusive meals are geared towards improving well-being. The place is ideal for those seeking spiritual and physical revitalisation.

5. Bali Tropic Resort & SPA 4*

A full service resort located on the coast in the Tanjung Benoa area. A great place for those looking for a combination of a luxurious beach holiday and an active lifestyle. The full-service resort offers guests all the leisure amenities they need, including 24-hour dining, a variety of local and international dishes, and day and evening entertainment programmes.

6. Fivelements Retreat Bali 4*

Fivelements Retreat Bali is ideal for those who are tired of routine and seek harmony and restoration. The resort is located in one of the most picturesque corners of the island, on the coast of the river, surrounded by tropical forests and picturesque landscapes. The complex focuses on inner cleansing and restoring health, with yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic treatment programmes.

The all-inclusive system at the hotel in Bali is based on the principles of a healthy lifestyle and natural nutrition. All meals on offer are prepared from fresh, organic produce specially selected to improve health. In addition, the resort offers specially designed plans to improve the body’s performance, including cleansing using natural Ayurvedic methods.

For those who want to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, there are personalised yoga sessions, meditation, and wellness treatments to restore energy balance.

7. Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso 5*

Located on the magnificent coast of Nusa Dua, Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso is a dream for fans of beach holidays and water sports. The all-inclusive hotel is among the best in Bali for those who want to combine relaxing activities with active entertainment. With luxurious rooms, private villas and a variety of amenities, the resort provides all the conditions for a comfortable and fulfilling stay.

The comprehensive service at Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso offers a wide range of international cuisine as well as local specialities. The resort offers not only stunning beaches, but also an aqua park, various sporting activities such as tennis and water sports, cookery masterclasses and themed evening shows.

8. Club Med Bali 4*

Club Med Bali is a resort that has come to symbolise luxury and active holidays on the island. The hotel in Bali in Nusa Dua offers a combination of high All Inclusive service, cultural and sporting activities. As part of the package, guests can enjoy not only excellent meals, but also a variety of entertainment activities. What is particularly pleasing is that the resort is ideal for both family holidays and romantic getaways.

The complex offers guests a variety of excursion programmes, from cultural tours around Bali to active sports: beach volleyball, yoga, surfing. A pleasant addition is the presence of children’s clubs, where little travellers can spend time with benefit. In the evenings, guests can enjoy local music and dance shows as well as delicious al fresco dining.

9. Sol by Meliá Benoa Bali 5*

The Sol by Meliá Benoa Bali Hotel is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a beach holiday and take part in active activities at the same time. The resort on the Tanjung Benoa coast offers a variety of all-inclusive services such as water sports, yoga, surfing, diving and beach volleyball. In the evening, guests can savour delicious Balinese and international cuisine, as well as attend nightly shows and concerts on site. For holidaymakers with children, the hotel offers access to a kids’ club, as well as special programmes for youngsters and adults.

10. Spa Village Resort Tembok 4*

Spa Village Resort Tembok is an all-inclusive hotel on Bali’s north-east coast, ideal for those seeking solitude and revitalisation. The resort offers guests an excellent experience of relaxation and wellness. The comprehensive service at Spa Village Resort Tembok includes not only healthy meals, but also access to a host of spa treatments, yoga and meditation. The place is ideal for those seeking inner cleansing and physical revitalisation. Guests are offered unique Ayurvedic treatments, relaxing baths and massages.

Conclusion

The island is home to resorts that can cater to a variety of travellers’ needs, from full-service luxury complexes to secluded retreat hotels focused on health and recovery. In 2025, all-inclusive hotels in Bali provide everything you need for a comfortable holiday: excursions, various activities and entertainment.