Finding out your baggage allowance can be complicated, but the most important thing to keep in mind is: each and every airline has a different luggage allowance.
Whilst airlines may give them different names, there are 3 main categories when it comes to luggage you can take on a flight with you.
- Small Cabin Bag – always free
- Large Cabin Bag – sometimes free
- Check-in Luggage – rarely free
A small cabin bag (also called a personal item on some airlines) tends to be a handbag, laptop case or backpack that fits underneath the seat in front of you and a large cabin bag tends to be a suitcase or a larger backpack that fits into the overhead bins.
This difference catches out a lot of people because traditionally, all airlines allowed you to take a large cabin bag on board for free. However, over the last few years, we have seen the cabin bag introduced as standard instead.
What's The Difference Between a Small and Large Cabin Bag?
Cynics will say it’s a way for airlines to make more money, whilst others will say it’s a way that those who don’t need to take lots of luggage can continue to get the cheapest possible fares without having to subsidise the cost of those who need extra bags.
What is the Baggage Allowance for Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air?
Ryanair has recently increased the size limit of the small cabin bag allowance.
For flight only bookings, a small cabin bag is included for free as standard. However, a large cabin bag and check in bag requires an additional fee.
Small Cabin Bag
Included for free. Must fit underneath the seat in front.
Max size
40cm x 30cm x 20cm
Max weight
N/A
Also known as
Small Bag
Max size
45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Max Weight
15kg
Also known as
Small cabin bag
Max size
40cm x 30cm x 20cm
Does not include bag handles or wheels however they must not add more than 5cm to the bag.
Max Weight
10kg
Also known as
Carry-On Bag
Large Cabin Bag
Available for an extra fee. Must fit in the overhead compartment.
Check-in Bag
Available for an extra fee. Must be checked in before security.
Max size
80cm x 120cm x 120cm
Weight options
10kg & 20kg
Max quantity
Up to three 20kg bags
Max size
(Length + width + height) must be under 275cm
Weight options
15kg & 23kg & 32kg
Max quantity
Up to three bags
Max size
149cm x 119cm x 171cm
Weight options
10kg & 20kg & 26kg & 32kg
Max quantity
Up to six bags
What is the Baggage Allowance for British Airways, Jet2 and TUI?
For flight only bookings, a small cabin bag and large cabin bag is included for free as standard. However, a check in bag requires an additional fee.
Small Cabin Bag
Included for free. Must fit underneath the seat in front.
Max size
40cm x 30cm x 15cm
Max weight
23kg
Also known as
Hand bag
Max size
40cm x 30cm x 15cm
Max weight
N/A
Also known as
Small underseat bag
Max size
40cm x 30cm x 20cm
Max weight
N/A
Also known as
Small personal item
Large Cabin Bag
Available for an extra fee. Must fit in the overhead compartment.
Max size
56cm x 45cm x 25cm
Max Weight
23kg
Also known as
Cabin bag
Max size
56cm x 45cm x 25cm
Max weight
10kg
Also known as
Hand luggage
Max size
55cm x 40cm x 20cm
Max weight
10kg
Also known as
Hand luggage
Check-in Bag
Available for an extra fee. Must be checked in before security.
Max size
90cm x 75cm x 43cm
Weight options
23kg (economy & premium) & 32kg (business & first))
Max quantity
Up to ten bags but check allocation based on fare class
Max size
N/A
Max weight per bag
22kg
Max quantity
One bag per person
Max size
N/A
Weight options
20kg & 25kg
Max weight per bag
25kg
Max quantity
One bag per person
What is the Best Small Cabin Bag for Low Cost Airlines?
We’ve written a whole guide on the best small cabin bags to use on the likes of Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet. These will fit under the seat in front and also in the baggage sizers if asked.
Do You Get Free Check In Bag When Booking a Package Holiday?
The baggage allowance above is for flight only bookings and so you may find that if you’re booking a package holiday direct with either easyJet holidays, British Airways, Jet2holidays or TUI, that your check in bag is included for ‘free’.
I say ‘free’ because often you will be paying for it, you just don’t see that cost in the price breakdown!
Watch My Visual Guide on What Baggage Allowance is Included for Free
Sometimes it’s good to see with your own eyes what’s included and what isn’t, and so I’ve done a quick video to explain absolutely everything in this guide over on my Instagram.
How Do Airport Staff Check Your Luggage Meets the Requirements?
At both check in and at the gate before your board, airport staff could inspect your luggage and check to see if it meets their requirements.
For size, this is often done using a ‘baggage sizer’ which is those metal cages you may have seen travellers force their luggage into!
For weight, they may ask you to place your bag on some scales.
In my experience, they rarely ask to check, especially if it looks like you’re being compliant. That’s why it’s really important to not take a bag that’s too big and why I personally avoid taking a suitcase as a small cabin bag as it’s often a red flag to gate staff since so few suitcases meet the restrictions.
What Happens if Your Bag is Too Big?
If you’ve been asked to prove the size or weight of your luggage and it is over your baggage allowance, you may be asked to pay a fee and even check it into the hold. The cost for this is often inflated versus what it would have cost you to pay for the bag when booking your flight.
For example, you can add a large cabin bag on an easyJet flight from £5.99 at time of booking but if you’re charged at the gate it will cost you a whopping £48!
However, it all comes down to risk versus reward. I’ve used a slightly too big bag on over 30 flights over the years and… I haven’t been stopped once! In fact, if I was asked to pay now I’d still chalk that up as a great deal versus having to pay for a large bag each and every time.
