Unsure of baggage regulations? Pack according to these rules here...

The fear of losing your suitcase when you fly can fill many travellers with dread.

But the heartbreak of keeping valuables back at the airport just because you packed wrongfully is unimaginable.

Packing correctly can save you time (and money) at the airport. So here are the basic rules to follow, plus some further tips.

Regulations

Do not carry liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage. So if you pack a bottle of your favorite perfume make sure it's not more than 100ml.

Place containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This is recommended in case the authorities wish to open your belongings for through checks.

Generally two pieces of baggage are allowed for international travel, with the total weight not exceeding 32kg. However this may vary by airline and fare type. Check with your airline before you fly.

Baggage larger than 90cm long, 75cm high and 60cm wide, or that does not have a single flat surface, will need to be checked in at the oversized baggage counter. Allow extra time to check-in oversize baggage.

For safety reasons, several airlines do not accept personal motorised vehicles such as hoverboards, mini-Segways and smart or self-balancing wheels on flights.

These items are not allowed either as checked-in baggage or as hand luggage as they contain large lithium batteries. This regulation still applies even if passengers connect from an airlines that has accepted them.

Travelling with infant

Customers in any class of service who are travelling with an infant are permitted one extra piece of checked-in baggage that may not exceed 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20cm) in size or 22lb (10kg) where the weight concept applies and 50lb (23kg) where the piece concept applies.

In addition, customers travelling with infants are permitted to bring one carry-cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. If there is no space for these items in the cabin, they will have to be checked. However, if checked, they will not count against your baggage allowance.

Transporting liquids

Liquid restrictions on hand baggage now apply to all customers boarding from or transiting through Dubai International Airport as well as many other airports around the world.

Flights to certain countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have additional checks on liquids, aerosols and gels at the departure gate – any items which do not comply with the security restrictions below will be confiscated.

Please note that these checks may prevent you from carrying duty free liquid goods purchased prior to these flights, including items purchased on board, if carried as part of your normal hand baggage.

Items bought in Dubai International Airport can be sealed and delivered separately to the aircraft, for collection on arrival at your final destination, for customers travelling to or via countries with these restrictions.

Duty Free

Duty free purchases such as liquor, cigarettes and perfume are also permitted in reasonable quantities for all service classes. However, liquid restrictions in effect in many airports may prevent these items from getting past security screening points.

During purchase, the sales executives at the Duty free counters often cross-check travel destination to avoid any inconvenience cause to the passengers.

Sports equipment and musical instruments

Sports equipment and musical instruments are subject to the same size and weight restrictions as other forms of cabin baggage.

However, it is possible to transport these items on a separate, paid-for seat in the cabin.

Please note that certain conditions and limitations may apply when transporting musical instruments.

Baggage allowances

When flying with Emirates you can enjoy the following checked baggage allowances:

Weight concept

30kg in Economy Class
40kg in Business Class
50kg in First Class

For itineraries including any destinations in North, Central and South America different baggage rules apply. For North America, customers are allowed two bags of up to 23kg each in Economy Class, and two bags of up to 32kg each in First Class or Business Class. For Central and South America, customers are allowed two bags of up to 32kg each in all classes.

For travel on Emirates from Australia, New Zealand or Asia to North, Central or South America which includes a stopover in Dubai greater than 24 hours, or a sector in Europe or Africa, the weight concept will apply for the entire ticketed journey.

General tips

Pack personal belongings in your hand luggage.

Keep a laptop where it can be easily reached. You'll need to place it in a separate security tray at the security scan.

Always remove old baggage tags. They may cause the baggage system to reject the bag they’re attached to.

Avoid using cardboard boxes. They need to be processed manually, which takes longer. Cardboard boxes are also not durable enough and can get damaged.

Don't forget travel insurance.