Flying from the UK: Free Hand Luggage Rules Explained

Hand luggage used to be the budget traveller’s best friend, just a small case, no checked baggage, and off you go. But now, depending on which airline you choose, your cabin bag might just squeeze in a pair of socks and a toothbrush… unless you pay extra.

Last week we reported on the fact that oversized bags on easyJet are earning gate staff bonuses for every one caught!

Each carrier seems to have wildly different rules on what you can take on board with you

If you’ve ever found yourself at the airport clutching a tiny rucksack while someone else wheels on what looks suspiciously like a full wardrobe, you’re not imagining things, hand luggage rules vary wildly between airlines.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of new rules that would make hand luggage allowances more consistent across airlines, specifically, a free 7kg carry-on bag with a total dimension of 100cm, plus a small under-seat item.

The idea is to end the confusion and make it easier for passengers to compare fares, well, fairly. In my opinion it should also just be a basic human right to be able to take a carry on suitcase on to the plane for free, but clearly some airlines don't agree with me there!

Everyone should just be allowed one carry on sized suitcase!

It could save money in the long run, though some warn it might push up ticket prices instead. For now, we’re still playing by the airlines own rules.

But until that becomes law, here’s a breakdown of some of major airlines flying from the UK and their hand luggage rules so you can pack smart, avoid surprise fees, and breeze through the gate.

easyJet: One Bag - But Size Matters

Flying with easyJet? You’ll get one small cabin bag for free. It can measure up to 45 x 36 x 20cm and must fit under the seat in front. It can weigh up to 15kg, but you’ll need to lift it yourself.

easyJet allow for one small cabin bag, and you can pay for a second larger one if needed

Need more room? You can bring a second, larger cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25cm, also up to 15kg) if you’re an easyJet Plus member, have booked an Up Front seat or paid for the privilege. Pre-book online for the best price, and to avoid that bag getting bumped into the hold at the gate.

Travelling with kids? Children with their own seats get the same allowance as adults, plus a changing bag. Lap infants can only bring a changing bag, and you can check two baby items (pushchair, car seat, travel cot etc) for free.

Ryanair: Small is Standard

We all know that Ryanair is notoriously stingy when it comes to what you get for free! Essentially they give everyone a free under-seat bag, up to 40 x 25 x 20cm. That’s about the size of a medium backpack or small tote.

Want to bring a cabin-sized wheelie case? You’ll need to buy "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags", which adds a 10kg bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) for the overhead locker.

Flying with a baby? If your child has their own seat, they get the usual allowance. Lap infants don’t get a bag, but you can bring a separate baby bag (5kg, 45 x 35 x 20cm) and check two pieces of baby gear for free.

British Airways: Surprisingly Generous

BA lets everyone bring two cabin bags for free, one small underseat item (40 x 30 x 15cm) and one larger bag for the overhead locker (56 x 45 x 25cm). Both can weigh up to 23kg, which is enough for a week’s holiday wardrobe, a laptop, and then some.

British Airways are (shockingly) on the generous side of things!

Children with a seat get the same allowance. Lap infants don’t get cabin baggage, but they do get a checked bag of up to 23kg.

Virgin Atlantic: Depends on Your Ticket

Virgin Atlantic’s free hand luggage allowance varies by travel class:

• Upper Class: Two cabin bags, 12kg each or a combined 16kg.

• All other classes: One bag weighing up to 10kg (max size 56 x 36 x 23cm).

You can also bring a small personal item, think handbag or backpack, though Virgin doesn’t specify the size. It just needs to fit under the seat.

Infants under two can have a 6kg bag. Foldable buggies can be brought on board if they replace your cabin bag, or they can be checked for free.

Wizz Air: Pay to Play (or Pack Light)

Standard Wizz Air passengers can bring one free underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20cm, max 10kg).

Pay for Wizz Priority and you can add a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 23cm, also 10kg). Travelling with an infant? You get an extra small bag (same size as above), plus food for the flight. Baby gear like pushchairs and car seats goes in the hold.

Tui: One Bag, One Personal Item

With Tui, you’re allowed one cabin bag for free up to 55 x 40 x 20cm and 10kg in weight. You can also bring a personal item, such as a handbag or laptop (max size 40 x 30 x 20cm).

Tui Airways are also generous with their baggage allowance

Infants under two get 10kg of checked luggage, but no carry-on.

Jet2: Decent Allowance for Budget Flyers

Jet2 passengers can bring one small underseat item for free (40 x 30 x 15cm) and one overhead cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm (10kg max). It’s one of the more generous options among low-cost airlines.

Baby gear, like a car seat or travel cot, can be checked into the hold for free, up to 10kg.

Vueling: Premium Pays Off

Everyone gets a small underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20cm) for free, and yes, that includes any duty-free shopping you pick up at the airport.

Vueling allow for one undersea bag and that includes your duty-free shopping!

If you’ve booked a premium fare or are travelling with an infant, you can bring an extra overhead bag (55 x 40 x 20cm, 10kg).

Loganair: Small and Specific

On Loganair flights, cabin bags must fit under the seat or in the overhead locker. With a standard Fly or Fly Flex ticket, you’re allowed one 6kg bag for free (40 x 35 x 18cm) and a small handbag. Fly Flex+ adds a slim laptop bag to the mix.

Foldable baby gear is allowed in the hold at no cost.

Aer Lingus: Fare-Dependent Allowance

Everyone gets a personal bag for free (33 x 25 x 20cm). If you’ve booked a fare that includes a cabin bag, you can bring:

• 10kg bag (55 x 40 x 24cm): For most Europe and transatlantic flights.

• 7kg bag (48 x 33 x 20cm): For services on Aer Lingus Regional

Whereas with Aer Lingus a fair with a cabin bag you can get up to 10kg of baggage depending on destination

Travelling with a baby? You can take a cabin bag and two baby items. Cabin bag entitlement also applies if you’re connecting to or from an Aer Lingus long-haul flight.

What You Can’t Pack in Cabin Bags

While rules vary slightly by airline and destination, certain items are universally banned from cabin luggage. This includes:

• Sharp objects and weapons

• Flammable or corrosive substances (bleach, fireworks, etc.)

• Unapproved battery packs and e-cigarettes

• Toy guns or items resembling weapons

Liquids are typically limited to 100ml containers, placed in a clear 20 x 20cm bag, although some UK airports are lifting this rule for now. There will be a future post on this soon! Exemptions apply for baby milk and prescribed medication (you may need a doctor’s note). Always check your departure airport’s policy, and don't assume the rules will be the same for your return flight!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Hand Luggage Rules Trip You Up

Packing light can save time and money, but only if you know your airline’s cabin baggage rules before you fly. With so many differences (and extra fees), a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend break or heading abroad with the family, knowing what fits, and what doesn’t, is key to a smooth journey.

Helena

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