Hand luggage, security restrictions and holiday accidents

Since the size guidelines for hand luggage were introduced during 2006, travellers have been risking holiday accidents by stuffing their bags full to the brim so that they can get those extra bits and bobs onboard the plane.

In addition to there being restrictions on liquids allowed, a restriction on the size of hand luggage has also been put in place. Passengers are even required to remove their shoes when going through security as terrorists have been found harbouring explosives in their footwear.

Holidaymakers boarding planes in EU countries are only permitted to up to 100ml of liquid, contained in a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag because of the potential for terrorists to hide dangerous substances in liquids in their hand luggage.

Hand luggage must now be the equivalent to the size of a small roller suitcase and cannot exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and side pockets. This is more than ample for some travellers while for others this means that they have to cut right down and travel a little lighter.

However, there are still some that will push these restrictions to the absolute limit and cram as much stuff into a small bag as they possibly can. This could not only cause them to sustain back injuries before they have even got through the check in gate but also put the overhead lockers in the plane's cabin under serious strain.

It is the responsibility of the airline staff to make sure that overhead lockers are not over-crowded and are secure before take off. They will usually walk up and down the plane tucking in loose valuables and ensuring that the lockers are properly closed. Were a member of airline staff to fail to oversee that a locker was secure, items could fall out and hit passengers, causing serious head injuries. Some passengers store potentially heavy equipment such as cameras and laptops above their seats onboard planes and this could lead to an unpleasant holiday accident before the plane has even touched down.

In the event that personal injuries were sustained as a result of a member of airline staff adopting sloppy practices, a passenger could well be within their rights to make a holiday accident claim on a no win, no fee basis.

For more information about airport safety and security please visit, www.dft.gov.uk.

Been involved in a holiday accident?
If you have been involved in a holiday accident and you have suffered personal injury through no fault of your own you may be eligible to make a claim for holiday accident compensation through us today.

YouClaim have helped thousands of people to get the compensation that they deserve under the no win, no fee agreement and we are sure that we can help you too.

Once we have assessed your claim we will team you up with the personal injury solicitor that is most suited to your case and he or she will fight to get you the most compensation available without you having to pay out a single penny.

All you have to do to find out more about our services is chat to us on e-chat. An experienced claims advisor will answer all your questions and queries and be at hand to offer free legal advice.

To make a holiday accident claim for personal injury compensation just give us call for free on 0800 10 757 95.