Jet2 has a strict hand luggage policy in place for passengers and holidaymakers are being urged to check the rules before heading to the airport or they could end up paying extra
Jet2 customers have been issued a warning: double-check your carry-on bags before you jet off.
The airline is clamping down and if your hand luggage doesn’t match up to their specific rules, you might have to dig into your wallet for at least an extra £12 at the airport. As of 2025, Jet2’s baggage policy states you can bring one free piece on board, provided it’s no heavier than 10kg and doesn’t exceed dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm – watch out for those wheels and handles, they count too.
You’re also allowed to take along something small like a laptop bag or handbag, but make sure it fits neatly under the seat in front of you. Get this wrong – say, if your secondary item is too large, or if the main bag is too bulky – and you’ll be hit with unexpected charges when you arrive at the check-in desk.
If you’re already thinking about ways to sidestep the system, think again. Jet2 is clear-cut on its website: Non-compliant hand luggage won’t get past boarding – it’ll be checked into the aircraft hold instead.
Travellers can opt for more luggage space, allowing up to three 22kg bags per traveller (babes in arms excluded), but beware, hefty bags come with hefty fees: exceeding allowance costs £12 for every additional kilo.
The company explains: “Any baggage that exceeds your total weight allowance will be carried subject to availability and at our discretion. You may also need to pay an excess baggage fee, which is £12 per kg.”
So anyone bringing a suitcase that’s 3kg over could face a whopping £36 charge. Keep it light or your bank balance might just feel the pinch.
The spokesperson added: “When pre-booking your bags, the charge per bag is variable depending on your destination, and on whether you make your booking through our website, call centre or at the airport. If you want to check in an additional item at the airport on the day of departure, you’ll need to pay a fee of £45 per item, plus any applicable excess baggage fees.
“We generally accept payment for additional baggage fees at the airport in local currency, or by a credit card or debit card. If you are planning to travel with excess baggage, please allow extra time to complete the check-in process.
“If you do find yourself in the sticky situation where you’re having to check a bag into the hold that you were hoping to have in the cabin, then make sure you keep all of your valuables and travel essentials on you.”
A Jet2 spokesperson previously told the Mirror: “All hand luggage is carried in the cabin at our discretion, and we reserve the right to check it into the aircraft hold for operational or capacity reasons. If this happens, make sure you take all valuable items (including travel documents, money, medication, keys, spare lithium batteries, and any electronic items containing lithium batteries) and carry these with you in the cabin.
“Oh, and of course when packing your bags, make sure you’re not bringing any of the items that are banned in hand luggage – and take note that Jet2 doesn’t allow you to drink any alcohol bought at the airport (or before) during the flight!”