Millions of people will be looking forward to jetting off abroad this summer, many for the first time since Covid restrictions eased.
But however exciting the prospect of sun and sea may be, it still pays to be aware of the things that can catch you out when you travel.
Not only should holidaymakers be checking their passport expiry date , but they will need to so some measuring and weighing of the bag they’re intending to bring on the plane, too.
Each airline has different cabin bag rules - this means the size and weight of baggage that you’re allowed to carry onto the plane at no charge.
If you arrive at the airport and find that your bag exceeds your airline’s limits, you will likely be made to put it in the plane’s hold instead - and sometimes pay a hefty price to do so.
If you’re currently planning your holiday wardrobe, it’s worth knowing how much you can pack into your cabin bag without risking having to fork out extra cash.
Did you know about these cabin bag size rules? Let us know in the comments section.
The Liverpool Echo has compiled the latest cabin bag information for five of the major airlines, which you can read below.
British Airways
If you’re travelling with British Airways, you will be allowed to carry one piece of hand luggage and one small item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
Your hand luggage must be no bigger than 56x45x25cm including any handles and wheels, while your small item must be no bigger than 40cmx30cmx15.
Both of these items can weigh up to 23kg each - the weight limit applies to each bag, and it isn’t possible to split the weight across your two bags (for example, a 35kg suitcase and a 11kg handbag would not be allowed).
As with all other airlines, you will be required to check that your luggage fits in the baggage gauge at check-in. If it exceeds the size or weight limit, you will need to check it in and it will count towards your checked baggage allowance.
This means that if you are travelling on a Basic fare with hand baggage only, you will need to pay to put your baggage into the hold.
TUI
TUI allows passengers to carry one piece of hand luggage on board for free, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg.
The maximum size your TUI cabin bag can be is 55x40x20cm, and you must be able to lift it into the overhead storage compartments yourself.
If your bag turns out to be heavier than 10kg when you arrive at the airport, you will need to pay an excess charge which varies depending on the length of your flight.
A short-haul flight charges £13 per kilogram, while a mid-haul flight charges £15 and a long-haul flight charges £18 per kilogram.
easyJet
If you’re travelling with easyJet, you can bring one bag with you in the cabin and you will need to make sure it is no heavier than 15kg.
This can be anything from a small suitcase to a rucksack or handbag, but the maximum size allowed is 45x36x20cm and it needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
There is an option to book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat for an additional charge when buying your plane tickets which allows you to bring a second large cabin bag on board up to 56x45x20cm.
Jet2
Jet2 allows all passengers to carry one piece of hand luggage with them onto the plane for free, which must be no heavier than 10kg.
The bag can measure a maximum of 56x45x25cm - remember that those measurements include any wheels, handles and pockets.
If you exceed those limits, you will be asked to check your bag into the hold and likely pay an extra fee.
Ryanair
Those travelling with Ryanair can take a small bag on board with them at no extra charge, which must be no larger than 40x25x20cm and be able to fit under the seat in front of them.
There is an option to add a second 10kg bag up to 55x40x20cm to your hand luggage for an extra charge.
Any cabin baggage that exceeds the allowed dimensions will be placed in the hold for a fee of £69.99, or it may even be refused if there is no room available in the hold.
Ryanair recommends checking your bag in at the bag drop desk before going through security if you are unsure whether your bag is the correct size.
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