Hand Luggage Essentials
You’ve packed your suitcase. Your airport outfit's ready to be worn. Now it's the last bit — what to put in your hand luggage?
Depending on the plane ticket you’ve bought, you may have carry-on cabin luggage in addition to a personal bag. Cabin luggage sizes differ depending on the airline, so check with your airline for any hand baggage restrictions.
So if it's a short flight or a longer journey, travelling from London Luton Airport will be a breeze with these handy essentials in your bag.
Passport and boarding pass
You can't get very far in an airport without these! Dedicate a spot in your bag for your passport and printed boarding pass. That way, if you want to check they’re in your bag, you’ll know where they should always be. Why not colour-coordinate a passport case to your airport outfit?
Cash in the native currency
Although you can use bank cards abroad, it’s a good idea to carry a little cash with you for any emergencies. And if you don’t use it while you’re away, then it’s a few pennies to spend in Duty Free on the way home…
Airport transfer receipts
When you land at your destination, you may not have phone signal. We advise printing out any airport transfers or screenshotting any important information to enjoy stress-free travel from the airport to your hotel.
Medication
Make sure to take all the medication you’ll need for the duration of your time abroad. Apply for a Global Health Insurance Card so you're covered while you're away. Need to take medication abroad? Check our Security guidance for the latest on medication and Security scanners.
Laptop or tablet
Keep any laptops or tablets in your personal rucksack or laptop bag so it's with you at all times. Once through Security, unwind with a coffee and connect to the terminal wifi to work, shop, and catch up with friends.
Chargers
Where there's electronic devices, there's chargers. Opt for a portable charger to plug into your device for instant battery life and bring a plug (and adapter if needed) to charge up at a plug socket. Bonus points for plugs with two or more outlets so you're charging everything at once.
Headphones
Listen to your pre-flight playlist... but don’t blast it out loud! Put a pair of in-ear or over-ear headphones on and pretend you're already on holiday in the terminal. Buy some last-minute headphones at InMotion.
A pen
Doodle in a notepad, jot down flight details, play games or write a story? There's so much you can do with a trusty biro pen.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated before you fly by bringing a water bottle and fill it up at one of our refillable water fountains dotted across the terminal.
Snacks
Pick up sweets, crisps and grab-and-go restaurant options from across the terminal and get ready to munch as you fly. Dine at London Luton Airport today with sweet treats, savoury snacks, or a sit-down meal.
A book
Delve into a new world as you travel with a book. Bring a book or buy one at the WHSmith Bookshop and get reading. The quicker you turn the pages, the quicker you’ll land!
Hand sanitiser
Freshen up with a small hand sanitiser gel in your bag for those sticky moments. Don't want to carry liquids? Pack antibacterial wet wipes so you can clean up any mess you make. When someone asks if anyone has a wet wipe or hand sanitiser, you can step in and save the day too.
Chewing gum, toothbrush and toothpaste
Start chewing on chewing gum or keep the minty fresh feeling with breath spray. If you’ve got room in your bag, bring your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your teeth on the go.
Hair ties
Feeling hot? Sweep your hair up with a bobble to keep cool while looking stylish at the same time.
Pillow
Travel with a rounded pillow that sits snugly around your neck. It'll support your body from takeoff to landing.
Sleep mask
Enjoy some rest on your flight with a sleep mask. Simply pop it on and shut everyone away so you can close your eyes. When you’re landing, reveal the mask to see your holiday destination from the skies.
Lavender spray
Dose off on your flight by spritzing lavender spray. A flowery scent invites relaxation and a calming energy making it easier to rest and recuperate.
Earplugs
Pop some earplugs in and listen… you can't hear anything. Reduce background noise and popping ears on the flight with a set of earplugs. They're ideal for passengers who want to overcome a fear of flying.
Socks
Whether you’re travelling to a warmer country or somewhere with a cooler climate, cosy up on your flight with fluffy, supersoft socks. Ideal for passengers who prefer to take their shoes off without bare feet.
Cardigan or jumper
Add an extra layer of clothing in case it gets chilly on the flight. You may not need it in the blazing heat, but when the temperature drops at your destination – or you're landing at a drizzly London Luton Airport – you’ll be grateful for it.
Fan
Whether you're hit by the heat or it's stuffy, keep cool (and look trendy!) with a fan. Folding hand fans can slip into the side of a bag and pop-up fans that tucks into a case are good options.
Makeup and lip balm
Look your best when you land with the basic makeup essentials: mascara, concealer, a lip balm, and some sunscreen! That's all you'll need for glowing, dewy skin.
Spare underwear
Flight delays and flight cancellations can happen, meaning your flight won’t happen until the next day. If it’s tricky to get your hold luggage back beforehand, you'll appreciate carrying rolled-up spare underwear in your bag.
Before travelling, take a look at our Security smart rules to make sure what you’re packing is in line with flying regulations.