Airlines' hand luggage rules 2024: from BA to Ryanair, easyjet, Virgin and more

What you can take on board for free and what you have to pay for
William Mata8 April 2024

Whether you want to go eco to Ibiza or holiday like the Palm Royale set, it is nearly always a good time to go on holiday. 

Taking to the skies might not always be the greenest method of travel, but it is often the most affordable and practical option. 

But, before you get to an airport, it is important to make sure that you are familiar with the hand luggage requirements that your airline administers. 

It’s important to take a look in advance with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways among those with a policy – but this will be different from provider to provider. 

Getting it wrong could be a costly mistake that you don’t want to make.

Here are all the rules and regulations we could find from the major airlines. All information was present and correct as of April 8, 2024. 

Aer Lingus

The Irish airline does not offer free hand luggage for all passengers. 

To quote its website, for European and transatlantic flights, you can take a bag on board for £9.99 if it weighs 10kg or less. You can also check this into the hold for free.

Aer Lingus does not give a maximum dimensions size.  

You can bring a 10kg bag on board with you if you have membership, are carrying an infant, or meet other criteria. For regional flights, there is a 7kg limit per person. 

The departure area of Heathrow Airport
PA

British Airways

You can take two bags on board for free – so the website says – if they meet certain criteria. 

For your personal bag, the maximum size is 23kg / 51lb and up to 40 x 30 x 15cm / 16 x 12 x 6in.

You are also allowed a cabin bag. This has a maximum size of 23kg / 51lb and up to 56 x 45 x 25cm / 22 x 18 x 10in. 

All bags must fit into the baggage gauge at check-in (including handles, pockets and wheels). 

easyJet 

Everyone can bring one small under-seat cabin bag per person on board for free, the website helpfully and clearly explains

The bag can weigh up to 15kg and must have a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm including handles and wheels. 

You can add a larger cabin bag if you are willing to pay up or have an easyJet plus membership (which does also involve paying for). 

Jet 2

You may carry on board one piece of hand luggage free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, says Jet 2

Anything larger than this will need to be checked into the hold. 

Jet 2 also allows passengers to take an additional item on board, which could be a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase. It needs to fit under the seat. 

Ryanair 

Ryanair allows a small bag to be carried onboard for free. This must fit under your seat and not exceed the dimensions of 40x20x25cm. 

The airline states that an additional cabin bag can be taken onboard with a maximum weight of 10kg which must be stored in the overhead locker. This is one that must be bought. It has maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm. 

All other baggage must be checked in. 

All that you can’t leave behind
PA

TUI Airways

One of the more generous airlines for cabin luggage. 

For free, you can take one piece of hand luggage per person (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg and with maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm on a TUI Airways flight, the company says.  

TUI added: “In addition to the piece of hand luggage, you can also bring one small personal item, like a laptop or a handbag, and this must be small enough to be stored under the seat in front of you.” 

Virgin Atlantic 

Virgin permits one bag for free, which must be a maximum size of 23 x 36 x 56cm and weight of 10kg. 

The company states that you must be able to place your hand baggage in the overhead bins unaided. 

Wizz Air 

For free, you can bring on a bag of no more than 10kg with maximum dimensions of 40x30x20cm. 

You can also pay for one trolley bag to bring on board which must fit in the overhead compartment, Wizz states. 

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