Whether you’re planning an eco-holiday in Ibiza or a vacation like the Palm Royale crew, it’s almost always a great time to go on vacation.
Taking to the skies may not always be the most environmentally friendly way to travel, but it is often the cheapest and most convenient option.
However, before you go to the airport, you should check your airline’s hand luggage regulations.
It is important that you check with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways in advance to see if you have a policy – however, this can vary from provider to provider.
Getting it wrong could be a costly mistake that you want to avoid.
Here are all the rules and regulations we could find from the major airlines. All information was current and accurate (as of April 8, 2024).
Aer Lingus
The Irish airline does not offer free hand luggage for all passengers.
According to the company’s website, you can take one piece of luggage weighing 10kg or less on board European and transatlantic flights for £9.99, or you can check it in the hold for free.
Aer Lingus does not specify a maximum size.
If you are a member, have an infant or meet other criteria, you can take one piece of baggage weighing 10 kg on board. On regional flights, there is a limit of 7 kg per person.
British Airways
You can take two pieces of luggage on board free of charge – it says on the website – as long as they meet certain criteria.
The maximum size of your personal luggage is 23 kg/51 lb and up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm/16 x 12 x 6 inches.
You are also allowed to take one piece of hand luggage with you. This has a maximum weight of 23 kg and a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
All bags must fit through the baggage measuring system at check-in (including handles, pockets and wheels).
easyJet
Everyone can take one small piece of hand luggage per person under the seat on board free of charge, as the website helpfully and clearly explains.
The bag may weigh a maximum of 15 kg and have a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm including handles and wheels.
You can take a larger piece of hand luggage if you are willing to pay more or have an EasyJet Plus membership (which also costs money).
Jet2
You can take one piece of hand luggage on board for free as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, says Jet 2.
Anything larger must be checked in the cargo hold.
Jet 2 also allows passengers to bring additional items on board, such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchases. These must fit under the seat.
Ryanair
Ryanair allows you to take one small bag on board free of charge. It must fit under your seat and must not exceed dimensions of 40x20x25cm.
The airline states that one additional piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 10 kg can be taken on board and must be stowed in the overhead luggage rack. This must be purchased. The maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
All other baggage must be checked in.
TUI Airways
One of the more generous airlines when it comes to hand luggage.
According to the airline, you can take one piece of hand luggage per person (excluding small children) weighing up to 10 kilograms and with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 centimeters with you free of charge on a TUI Airways flight.
TUI adds: “In addition to your hand luggage, you are allowed to take one small personal item with you, such as a laptop or handbag. This must be small enough to be stowed under the seat in front of you.”
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin allows one piece of luggage free of charge, with a maximum size of 23 x 36 x 56 cm and a weight of 10 kg.
According to the airline, you must be able to stow your hand luggage independently in the overhead luggage rack above your seats.
Wizz Air
You can carry one piece of luggage weighing no more than 10 kg and measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 20 cm free of charge.
You can also take a trolley on board for a fee, which must fit in the luggage rack, Wizz says.
