From unfairly small size requirements to little-known maximum weight caps, here are all the hand luggage rules you need to know about if you’re heading abroad this summer
Don’t let sneaky hand luggage fees ruin your holiday this summer. We’ve all seen the influx of TikTok videos of disgruntled tourists kicking off because they’ve got to pay a hefty fine for trying to bring their oversized bags on board.
It’s a problem that seems to be happening more and more, as many operators crack down on their baggage policies. While frugal travellers have tested out genius ways to get around the rules (like boarding with seven coats on) – it might be best if you just double-check what you’re actually entitled to bring onto the plane.
The Mirror has compiled the latest rules from a slew of popular airlines that have hubs across the UK. This includes low-cost brands like Ryanair and easyJet, to more premium brands such as British Airways (BA). So, let’s get straight to it!
READ MORE: Huge easyJet boost in Europe as major base reopens in hotspot loved by Brits
Ryanair
Ryanair may have a reputation for being one of the strictest airlines when it comes to hand luggage – with social media filled with complaints of travellers being hit with hefty fines – but its bag policy isn’t too dissimilar to other low-cost airlines. “All our fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you,” the company states.
If you want to bring additional luggage onto the plane, you’ll have to pay for Ryanair’s ‘Priority & Two Cabin Bags’ deal. This allows customers to bring on a 10kg bag (55x40x20cm) onboard, to be stored in the overhead locker, along with the small personal bag – and tends to come with Priority Boarding at the gate. This upgrade can cost up to £36 per person, per flight – which still works out cheaper than the €/£75 fine staff may issue if your bag is over the tiny size restrictions.
easyJet
easyJet also allows one piece of free hand luggage, such as a handbag, which must be stowed under the seat in front of you. It can be as big as 45 x 36 x 20 cm, which is slightly more generous than Ryanair, and shouldn’t weigh more than 15kg.
“If you’d also like to bring a large cabin bag on board (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including any handles and wheels), you have the option to book a large cabin bag for your flight,” the airline added. “Every customer who books a large cabin bag can also enjoy the benefit of Speedy Boarding.” Travellers risk being hit with a £50 fee for any ‘non-purchased bags (per item) brought to the departure gate that is over a customer’s small cabin bag allowance which is a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm or any bags outside of standard entitlements’.
Jet 2
Despite being a low-cost airline, Jet 2 has a very generous policy when it comes to hand luggage. Each passenger (excluding infants) gets a 10kg hand luggage allowance included as standard.
“You can also bring one small under-seat bag onboard (such as a handbag or laptop bag) as long as it fits under the seat in front of you,” the company states on its website. “Travelling with little ones in tow? You can bring along a collapsible pushchair, car seat and/or travel cot free of charge – up to a total weight of 10kg.”
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
British Airways
While British Airways (BA) may not offer equally competitive flight prices compared to the above airlines, it does have a pretty generous hand luggage policy. Passengers flying Economic Basic can bring a handbag (up to 40 x 30 x 15cm) free of charge, which should be placed under the seat and shouldn’t exceed 23kg.
You’ll also be able to bring a free cabin bag that can be stored in the overhead lockers, which can weigh up to 23kg but should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25cm.
TUI
Famed for its packaged holidays, TUI is another airline that doesn’t appear to be too stingy with hand luggage. Passengers can bring a 10kg bag on board as long as it’s no bigger than 55x40x20cm – as well as one ‘personal item’. This can include a laptop bag, handbag, or backpack – but must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 40x30x20cm.
“If you arrive at the airport with luggage in excess of your allowance, you’ll need to pay excess luggage charges,” the travel firm warned. “[This applies to] package bookings that include a checked-in luggage allowance and for flight-only bookings that have already added a checked-in allowance.”
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.