One of the most important steps in planning for a holiday is packing. Whether you’re heading for the sandy beaches of the Caribbean or exploring the side streets of Parisian districts, getting the right gear is crucial.
Taking cabin luggage is a simple way to pack more favourites for your holiday, but with every airline setting different rules and allowances, it’s hard to know how much you should be packing.
If you pack too much and take a suitcase that’s too heavy, you risk having to pay a hefty fine at the airport. Pack too little, and you’ll kick yourself for missing out on crucial packing space for an extra pair of shoes or jacket.
Most airlines allow you to take one smaller bag which fits under the seat below, and a larger suitcase for the overhead locker, although some budget airlines make you pay for the latter.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the cabin luggage guidelines of every major UK airlines. Here’s how much you can pack with each airline.
Why Pack Cabin Luggage?
Cabin luggage refers to the bags or suitcases you can take with you on the plane. You don’t have to check these bags in, you can simply walk onto the plane carrying them (after taking them through airport security).
Deciding to travel with cabin luggage only can save you money on checking a bag into the hold if you can fit all of your necessities into one smaller suitcase.
Even if you plan on putting a larger suitcase in the hold, it’s still worth taking cabin luggage anyway. You can store extra belongings in your cabin suitcase, as well as packing things to keep you entertained on the plane. What’s more, you’ll have quick and easy access to travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass.
British Airways
All British Airways customers can take one piece of hand luggage and one small item (such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop) on board the flight for free, weighing up to 23kg. The hand luggage must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, and the small personal item must not exceed 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
If your larger item exceeds the size limit, it will be checked into the hold, and if it exceeds your checked baggage allowance you’ll be charged.
Jet2
Jet2 allows you to take one piece of hand luggage on board free of charge. This piece of luggage should weigh no more than 10kg and be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. You’re also allowed to bring a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, to place under the seat in front of you.
If your hand luggage is heavier or larger than stipulated, it will need to be checked into the hold and can incur extra charges.
EasyJet
EasyJet allows you to take one small cabin bag per person on board for free, but it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. This item can be a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20cm and weigh up to 15kg, making it perfect for a short trip where you just need the essentials.
If you’d like to bring a larger cabin bag on board, measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm and weighing up to 15kg, you’ll have to pay for one of EasyJet’s extra packages.
Flybe
If you choose Flybe Lite - the airline’s flight-only fare - includes one small cabin bag included in the price. This can be a handbag, backpack, laptop bag, tote bag, or similar, and can measure up to 55cm x 36cm x 20cm and weigh up to 7kg.
If you want to take larger suitcases, you’ll have to check them into the hold and pay for them.
Ryanair
All of Ryanair’s flights include a small personal item in the fare. This bag must fit in the seat in front of you, and measure 40 x 25 x 20cm.
If you want to take an extra cabin bag for the overhead locker measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing up to 10kg, you’ll need to pay for Ryanair’s Priority & 2 Cabin Bags fare, which includes boarding via the priority queue, a personal bag, and a larger cabin bag. If priority is sold out, you can purchase just the 10kg check-in bag option.
Virgin Atlantic
At least one piece of hand luggage is included in every Virgin Atlantic ticket. People flying in economy class can take a bag that weighs up to 10kg and measures up to 56 x 23 x 36 cm.
Passengers paying for an upper class fare can take up to two pieces of hand baggage per person. These can weigh up to 12kg for one bag or 16kg altogether. For example, you could take a suitcase weighing 12kg and a smaller personal item weighing 4kg to make up 16kg combined.
Wizz Air
Every Wizz Air passenger is allowed to take one carry-on bag with a maximum weight of 10kg and a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. If you purchase a Wizz Priority package, you can take another hand luggage bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring up to 55 x 40 x 23cm.
Top Tip!
Measure and weigh your cabin luggage before getting to the airport to avoid incurring extra fees if you’re over the allowance.
What Can and Can’t You Take in Your Cabin Luggage?
The restrictions don’t just apply to the size and weight of your cabin luggage; there are certain things you can and can’t take on a plane.
For example, there are restrictions on the size and amount of liquids you can take. Liquid containers must hold no more than 100ml, and you must be able to fit all of your liquids into a see-through bag that measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
Liquids include drinks, semi-liquid foods (such as honey), sprays, cosmetics and toiletries, gels, contact lens solutions, toothpaste, and similar items.
You’re allowed to bring small electronic devices such as tablets, laptops, mobiles, and video game consoles with you on the plane, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Flammable items, chemicals, and explosive items must not be taken onto the plane.
If you’re unsure whether your item is suitable to take on the flight, check online beforehand. And whichever airline you’re flying with, check their individual policies to avoid hold-ups at the airport.
Bon voyage!
