Some things should actually NOT end up in your suitcase ...
Passport? Yep. Hiking boots? Yep. Power bank? Yep.
But where did you pack the last one?
There are a few small things that are good to have under control before you head to the airport. Some are about packing smart – others can save you from both repacking at security and unnecessary hassle on your journey.
Here we have collected some of our best packing tips before your flight.
Power banks and spare batteries belong in your hand luggage
This is perhaps the most important one to remember: Power banks and loose lithium batteries must not be placed in checked luggage. They must be packed in your hand luggage.
This also applies to loose lithium batteries for cameras. Avinor states that these must be removed from the camera and packed in hand luggage.
There are also limits on the size and number of batteries you can bring. These can vary between airlines, so always check the rules with the company you are flying with.
Medicines and the essentials – in your hand luggage
We would always keep necessary medicines in our hand luggage.
Liquid medicines are exempt from the 100 ml rule and do not need to be in the standard 1-liter bag either. If you have a prescription or other documentation, it is wise to bring it with you.
And while you are packing your hand luggage: Think about what you really do not want to be without for the first 24 hours should your checked suitcase be delayed.
A small change of clothes, medicines, chargers, and other essentials can be worth their weight in gold.
After all, your suitcase is allowed to go on its own adventures along the way ...
Liquids in hand luggage
The general rule is still containers of maximum 100 ml, collected in one transparent, resealable bag of up to one liter.
And "liquid" means more than water and shampoo. Cream, toothpaste, mascara, gel, spreadable products, and a range of other things are also covered by the liquid rules.
A quick tip before the journey home: Do not assume that everything that went through on the outbound journey will automatically go through at the next airport. Check the rules where you are travelling from.
Bring your water bottle – just empty it first
It doesn't need to stay at home.
An empty water bottle can be taken through security, and then you can fill it with water inside the terminal. Simple, practical – and especially handy when you are heading off on an active holiday.
Are you going on a hiking trip with us?
Then the question about hiking poles usually pops up.
According to Avinor, hiking poles are permitted in both hand luggage and checked luggage. Remember, however, that the airline may have its own rules for, among other things, the size of the hand luggage.
Don't pack your suitcase right to the bursting point
This is not a safety rule. Just a pretty good Expa advice.
Leave a little space left over.
Especially if you are going to Italy and you mysteriously end up with olive oil, parmesan, and something else you absolutely had to bring home.
What would we always keep in our hand luggage?
Passport or ID, necessary medicines, payment cards, mobile, chargers, and power bank – plus what you need to manage if your checked luggage does not arrive at the same time as you.
Think: What do I need for the first 24 hours without my suitcase?
That is actually our very best packing tip.
Before you travel
Baggage rules can change, and airlines may have their own or stricter rules. Therefore, always check the rules for the airline and the airport you are travelling from before departure. Avinor also emphasizes that rules can vary between airlines.