With the summer months approaching, many people are already dreaming of a well-deserved getaway.
However, the ongoing cost of living crisis means holidaymakers may be looking to cut costs on their trip wherever possible.
One way to do so is by not paying for hand luggage, which can be a significant expense depending on the airline and the weight of your baggage.
By opting to travel with only a personal item, travellers can save money that can be used towards other aspects of their trip, like accommodation or food.
Airline luggage restrictions can vary. Some carriers like Ryanair only allow passengers to take one piece of carry-on luggage onto the plane free of charge, which must fit under the seat in front of them.
While others like Aer Lingus allow travellers to take a larger 10kg bag onboard as well as a smaller personal item for free.
Turning up at the airport with a bag that's too big or too heavy can end up costing a sizeable amount, so it’s always worth checking what the airline’s policy is.
Here are the 2023 bag rules for some airlines.
Ryanair
All passenger fare types include a small personal bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you. This must be a maximum of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.
Oversized cabin baggage may be refused at the boarding gate, or where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of €69.99.
Ryanair's Priority and 2 Cabin Bags policy allows passengers to board the plane ahead of time and bring their small personal bag alongside a 10kg suitcase, which must be stored in the overhead locker.This can cost between €6 and €30.
Meanwhile, passengers travelling with heftier luggage can avail of luggage check in. Bags must be dropped at the airport check-in desk before security and will be placed in the aircraft hold.
Travellers can either book a 10kg or a 20kg bag to be dropped off at security ahead of their scheduled flight. Passengers can purchase up to three checked bags of 20kg on their booking.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus recently updated its baggage policy to include two 10kg bag options, applicable on flights within Europe
If you would like to take a 10kg bag on board with you and your booking does not include it, you can book 'Carry-on bag with priority boarding' online from €5.99.
Alternatively, passengers can drop their bag off at the check-in desk or bag drop kiosk (available in Dublin, Shannon and London) when check-in opens and collect it again at the bag carousel when you land. This option is free.
A small personal item, described as small handbag, laptop bag or baby changing bag, is still included for all customers free of charge. Its maximum size is 25cm x 33cm x 20cm.
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