Planning your next holiday or short trip? There’s a lot to remember, and with each airline having its own rules regarding luggage you could end up paying extra if your bag’s too big or heavy.
The last thing you want before you jet off off for some R&R is to face unexpected costs and stress, all because you didn’t check your bag dimensions / weight restrictions.
I’ve come across this useful information collated from Hotukdeals by one of their regular posters on the site – Millarcat. The information has been out there for a couple of days and has been updated so it should be pretty accurate – It was collated in February 2024. But it’s always worth checking with your airline. This information is for a selection of popular airlines, including whether the cabin luggage is free or has to be booked for an additional fee. They have also linked to baggage information on the airline website so you can easily find further details. If you need more baggage allowance, you will need to pay extra, but it’s typically less expensive to book it beforehand instead of paying extra on your travel day.
Remember, always verify with your airline the most current info before you jet off as rules can change. The links below should make these checks a tad easier.
Options below are for Economy flights at time of writing, make sure to check the allowance for your ticket type.
Aer Lingus
Airline Baggage Allowance – Details Here *
Personal Item: 20 x 33 x 25 cm. Max. 10kg (Free)
Hand luggage: 55 × 40 × 24 cm, max. 10kg Checked (Free).
Some customers will have a 10kg carry-on bag with priority boarding included in their booking,
Larger Checked Baggage: Up to 25kg in 1 Bag (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
Air France
Airline Baggage Allowance – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (Free)
Hand luggage: 55 x 35 x 25 cm, max. 12kg (Free)
Checked baggage: Max. 23kg (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
British Airways
Airline Baggage Policy – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm, max. 23 kg (Free)
Hand luggage: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max. 23 kg (Free)
Checked baggage: Max. 90 x 75 x 43 cm. Max 23 kg (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
easyJet
Airline Baggage Rules – Details here *
Personal Item: 45 x 36 x 20 cm, max. 15 kg (Free)
Hand luggage: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max. 15 kg (Charge Applies)
Checked baggage: Standard weighs 15kg or 23kg. Max total size (Length + Width + Height) = less than 275 cm. (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
Emirates
Airline Baggage Allowance – Details Here *
Personal item or hand luggage: 1 piece, 55 x 38 x 22, max. 7 kg (Free)
Checked baggage: max. 20 kg to 23k g. Max total dimensions 300 cm (L + W + H) (Free)
You can book flights Here *
Finnair
Airline Baggage Policy – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (Free with Economy Light & Economy)
Hand luggage: 55cm x 40cm x 23cm, max. 12 kg both combined (Free with Economy)
Checked baggage: 90 x 75 x 45 cm, max. 23 kg (Free with Economy)
You can book flights Here *
Jet2
Airline Baggage Restrictions – Details Here *
Personal Item: small item such as a handbag or laptop bag are permitted. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
Hand luggage: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max. Max 10kg (Free)
Checked baggage: You can book up to three 22kg hold bags p.p, per flight. (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Airline Baggage Allowance – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (Free)
Hand luggage: 55 x 35 x 25 cm, max. 12 kg combined (Free)
Checked baggage: Max. 23kg (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
Loganair
Airline Baggage Policy – Details Here *
Personal Item: 6kg Hand Luggage + Handbag 40 x 35 x 18 cm (Free)
Hold luggage: 15kg with ‘Fly’ (Free)
Checked baggage: Max. 23kg (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
Ryanair
Airline Baggage Rules – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40 x 20 x 25 cm (Free)
Hand luggage: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, max. 10 kg when booking Priority (Charge Applies)
Checked baggage: 10 kg or 20 kg (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
TUI Flights
Airline Baggage Rules – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (Free)
Hand luggage: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, max. 10 kg (Free)
Checked baggage: from 15 kg (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
Wizzair
Airline Baggage Allowance – Details Here *
Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Max. 10kg (Free)
Hand luggage: 55 × 40 × 23 cm, max. 10kg when booking with Wizz Priority (Charge Applies)
Checked baggage: Max. 149 × 119 × 171 cm. Weight varies (Charge Applies)
You can book flights Here *
Some airlines offering cheap flights, may end up more expensive than other ‘seemingly costlier airlines’ by the time you add your luggage – always worth comparing the ‘end prices’
What about liquids?
Where possible, pack liquids in your checked baggage, as there are limits on the amount you can take in your hand luggage.
You can find more detailed information here * on restrictions
The rules will be changing… but you may have to wait.
Airports are starting to introduce advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners, which could eliminate the need to remove liquids and laptops during security checks before flights. This change would also abolish the 100ml liquid rule, allowing passengers to carry bottles up to two litres. Major airports are already starting to trial the 3D scanners, hopefully they will be rolled out in more locations.
Its worth noting that the airport you depart from may have the new equipment, but your return airport may not. So be cautious if flying with hand luggage only – you may not want to pack a 90ml bottle of your fave expensive perfume!
15 Simple, But Effective Packing Tips
Remember, the goal is to pack as light as possible while still having everything you need.
Make a List: Before you start packing, this will help you avoid forgetting important items.
Roll Your Clothes: Instead of folding. This not only saves space but also helps prevent wrinkles.
Pack Versatile Clothing: Choose clothes you can mix & match easily, create multiple outfits with fewer items.
Use Packing Cubes: They help organise your luggage and maximise space.
Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom: Makes your suitcase easier to manage and prevents lighter items being crushed.
Multifunctional Accessories: Choose versatile accessories such as scarves or shawls which can double up as a blanket, headscarf or sun protection.
Carry-On Essentials: Always pack a change of clothes, essential toiletries, a stash of medications and important documents in your carry-on, in case your checked luggage gets lost.
Limit Shoes: They take up a lot of space, try to stick to two or three pairs that can go with all your outfits.
Utilise Empty Spaces: Fill shoes and other empty spaces with small items like socks or underwear.
Pack a Travel First Aid Kit: Include items like plasters, pain killers and any prescription medications.
Don’t Forget Chargers and Adapters: If traveling internationally, you may need a power adapter. Also, remember to pack chargers for all your devices.
Travel-Sized Toiletries: Use small containers to save weight and space. Decant your favourite perfumes into an atomiser, they’re refillable, leak-proof and surprisingly affordable.
Digital Travel Documents: Keep travel documents like boarding passes on your phone for easy access.
Buy Lightweight Luggage: To reduce weight and increase space for personal items.
Pack Snacks: This can be a lifesaver, and save you money! (personally this is my most important tip)
27 Travel PACKING HACKS – How to Pack Better! *
Useful Links
Travel Tip – Click & collect airside at Boots Airport Stores (after security) to avoid luggage restrictions
Travel with Fotocourses 