hand-luggage
Definition
Noun (uncountable): Small bags or suitcases that passengers are allowed to carry with them onto an aircraft, train, or other vehicle, rather than storing them in the cargo hold.
Usage Examples
- (Only one small bag is permitted in the cabin.)
- (Keep important belongings in your carry-on bag.)
- (The airline checks the dimensions and weight of bags taken aboard.)
Advanced Usage
"to stow hand-luggage": to place hand-luggage in an overhead bin or under the seat.
- Please stow your hand-luggage in the overhead compartment before takeoff. (Put your carry-on bag in the storage above your seat.)
"hand-luggage allowance": the permitted number, size, or weight of bags a passenger can bring.
- The airline’s hand-luggage allowance is one bag plus a personal item. (You are allowed one small suitcase and one smaller bag like a purse.)
Variants and Related Words
Hand-luggage (also written as "hand luggage" without a hyphen): the same meaning; the hyphenated form is less common but acceptable.
- She packed her hand luggage carefully. (She prepared her carry-on bag.)
Carry-on (adj/noun, chiefly US): synonymous with hand-luggage.
- This suitcase is small enough to be a carry-on. (It fits airline size rules for hand-luggage.)
Synonyms
- Carry-on bag: a bag taken onto a plane.
- Cabin bag: a bag designed to fit in an aircraft cabin.
- Personal item: a smaller bag (e.g., a purse or laptop bag) allowed in addition to hand-luggage.
Related Idioms
"Packed to the gills": extremely full, often used for hand-luggage.
- Her hand-luggage was packed to the gills with souvenirs. (Her carry-on bag was completely stuffed.)
"Travel light": to bring very little luggage, especially minimal hand-luggage.
- For a weekend trip, I always travel light with just hand-luggage. (I bring only a small bag.)