Major airlines all adhere to strict size rules for hand luggage – and passengers who exceed them can receive hefty, on-the-spot fines
One of the most stressful parts of flying is waiting to see if your hand luggage meets your air carrier’s restrictions. Knowing that an overweight or oversized bag can result in hefty and unexpected hold fees at the gate, it is important to be up to date on the latest rules.
On average, fines can range from £20 to £70 or more at the gate, which is a significant sum for a bag that’s only a tiny bit too big. It can be hard to contend with when every air carrier has its own limitations.
Here, we break down the hand luggage restrictions for the UK’s most popular airlines.
British Airways
Every BA passenger is entitled to carry one hand bag and one cabin bag free of charge.
BA hand bag
BA cabin bag
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold.
easyJet
Every easyJet passenger is entitled to carry a maximum of two cabin bags: one small cabin bag (free of charge) and one large cabin bag (if included in membership and fare benefits or added during booking).
easyJet small cabin bags
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Maximum size: 45 x 36 x 20cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
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Maximum weight: 15kg
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Free with any fare
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Examples: small trolley, handbag, backpack, laptop bag
easyJet large cabin bags
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Maximum size: 56 x 45 x 25cm (including handles and wheels)
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Maximum weight: 15kg
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Free for easyJet Plus members or FLEXI ticket holder, or available for purchase
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Examples: trolley case, large rucksack
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Benefit of Speedy Boarding
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold.
Infants with booked seats and children over 2 years old have the same cabin bag allowance as adults. If you are travelling with an infant who will be seated on your lap, an additional baby change bag is allowed (maximum dimension must meet those of a small cabin bag).
In addition to your cabin bags, you can bring a selection of handheld belongings, including:umbrellas, coasts, crutches, walking sticks and one standard bag of airport goods.
Jet2
Every Jet2 passenger is entitled to carry one small personal bag and one piece of hand luggage free of charge.
Jet2 personal bag
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Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 15cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
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Maximum weight: 10kg
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Free with any fare
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Examples: handbag, laptop bag, airport purchase
Jet2 hand luggage
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold.
Subject to availability, you can also pre-book Guaranteed Cabin Luggage for an extra charge to ensure your hand baggage will not be placed in the hold (unless it exceeds the weight and size limits).
Infants have the same hand baggage allowance as adults.
Ryanair
Every Ryanair passenger is entitled to carry one small personal bag free of charge.
Ryanair small bag
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Maximum size: 40 x 20 x 25cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
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Free with any fare
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Examples: handbag, laptop bag or backpack
Ryanair cabin bag
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Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 20cm (must fit in overhead storage)
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Maximum weight: 10kg
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Available for purchase
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Examples: trolley case, sports and music equipment (that meet max. dimensions and are not considered weapons. See here for a list of restricted equipment)
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Benefit of Priority Boarding
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold.
Those travelling with infants can carry 2 items of baby equipment per child for free. If you are travelling with an infant who will be seated on your lap, an additional baby change bag is allowed (maximum dimension must meet those of a small cabin bag).
TUI
Every TUI passenger is entitled to carry one personal item and one cabin bag free of charge.
TUI personal item
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Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 20cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
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Maximum weight: 10kg
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Free with any fare
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Examples: handbag, camera bag, umbrella
TUI hand luggage
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Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 20cm (must fit in overhead storage)
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Maximum weight: 10kg
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Free with any fare
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Examples: trolley, small suitcase, large bag, large box
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold. Infants two years or older are entitled to the same hand baggage allowance as adults.
