Is it two bags or one? Does it cost to bring a wheelie on the plane? And whether it’s free or chargeable, what size is allowed? Knowing your luggage allowance is no intuitive task – especially when the rules keep changing as Ryanair’s just did for the second time this year. Cynics among us might say airlines do this on purpose to earn a few more bob in add-ons or fees, but whatever the reason, it’s a risky move not to double check what is and isn’t allowed beforehand.
So while we’d encourage travellers to research their cabin allowance – especially as we approach winter and jumpers take up valuable space – we’ve taken a look at the latest rules. If the news isn’t to your liking, don’t forget to browse our other newsletters to see how you can pack smartly and make the most of your allowance. In the meantime, here are Flexicover team’s findings from the UK’s top airlines, correct as of November 2018.
Ryanair
At the start of November, Ryanair changed their cabin bag policy again - talk about keeping us on our toes! Now, flyers are only allowed to take off with a small case measuring 40x25x20cm to fit below their seat – that’s two thirds less than before. To travel with a cabin bag in the plane, you’ll need to pay £6 extra for Priority Boarding. Or save the stress by paying £8 to check in a bag. If you don’t comply with these new rules, a not-so-low-cost fee of £25 awaits.
British Airways
The national carrier has different rules for different levels but for hand baggage-only basic fares, passengers are allowed one cabin bag no larger than 56x45x25cm and no heavier than 23kg, and one smaller bag no larger than 40x30x15cm and no heavier than 23kg. Only your smaller bag is guaranteed to travel with you in the plane, so make sure you’ve got everything you need it in; on busy flights, the larger bag may be placed into the hold. Any airport shopping you do will have to fit into these two bags. The good news for parents: babies under two have a cabin bag allocated to them also.
Norwegian
Norwegian have come from nowhere, sorry, Norway, to become one of the most popular low-cost airlines around thanks to competitive prices, a choice of short and long-haul destinations and a reasonable cabin bag allowance. All passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, but the max weight of these for those who nabbed a bargain fare is 10kg, as opposed to 15kg for the flexible fare passengers. The only exception is if you’re travelling to Dubai, when the weight of your carry-on belongings can’t exceed 8kg. The only issue is that if you go over your limit, it costs from £40 to £140 depending on where you’re flying. Ouch!
TUI
If you’re jetting away with TUI, you can take one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 5kg, and no larger than 55x40x20cm. Bear in mind if you like buying duty free, that your airport shopping needs to fit into this one bag, as well as any handbags or laptops. On some package holidays (check your booking) and for all premium club members, you’re allowed an extra 2g of weight, bringing the total up to 7kg. In all cases, you must be able to lift your hand luggage into the overhead storage compartments yourself. And for younger travellers Trunki cases are allowed as hand luggage, as long as they weigh less than 5kg.
EasyJet
Passengers are allowed one cabin bag per person with the max dimensions of 56x45x25cm including handles and wheels. Thankfully, there’s no weight limit but you need to be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker. If your bag turns out to be bigger than their stated size, they can charge you up to £47 at the boarding gate to put it in the hold. Also remember if you need to dash off at your destination, EasyJet allow the first 70 bags onto the plane, with the rest put into the hold. If you’ve bought a premium seat or ticket, or if you’re an EasyJet Plus cardholder, you’re also allowed a second small bag onboard.
Wherever you're planning on travelling to over the coming months it’s good to know that Flexicover Travel Insurance is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.
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