Your airline or tour operator will tell you how much luggage you can take free of charge, what you can keep with you while on board the plane, and what you are not allowed to pack at all. Details may also be printed on your ticket.

If your luggage is too heavy or too large, you will either be charged for the excess or made to leave some of it behind. If you are taking a multi-leg flight (that stops in more than one place) find out about the luggage allowance for the later journeys as it may be less than the first flight. Please note, for the safety of airport workers, that bags over 32kg will not be accepted and you will need to re-pack.

On the aircraft you are allowed to carry a handbag, any duty-free goods bought at the airport and usually one item of hand luggage. Keep this as small as and as light as you can - it will have to go under the seat in front of you or in an overhead locker. If however it is too big, you may not be allowed to keep it with you during the flight. Keep any essentials in your hand luggage, in case the flight is delayed.

If you pack anything electrical, smaller items such as a hairdryer or shaver should be packed into your suitcase. For larger items such as stereos, you will need to check with your airline or handling agent.

When your luggage goes to the cargo hold at the check-in desk, you will get a receipt for each piece, usually attached to your ticket stub or boarding card. Keep these receipts safely as they will enable your luggage to be identified if misplaced.