Reading Time: 4 minutes
As summer 2024 unfolds, travelers are eagerly planning their holidays. But before you head to the airport, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the hand luggage policies of your chosen airline. With the UK’s most popular carriers like Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, and more each enforcing unique and often strict hand luggage restrictions, being prepared can save you from unexpected fines and inconveniences at the gate.
Understanding Airline Hand Luggage Policies
Hand luggage rules can vary significantly across airlines. This summer, airlines are expected to enforce these restrictions rigorously, which means that passengers could face fines up to £70 per bag if their carry-on doesn’t comply with the specific airline’s dimensions and weight limits. Here’s a breakdown of the hand luggage allowances for some of the UK’s most used airlines.
Ryanair
Ryanair is known for its stringent hand luggage policies. Standard fare passengers can bring one small personal bag onboard, measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need more space, you must upgrade to a Priority fare, which allows you an additional 10 kg bag with dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, plus the small personal item.
TUI
TUI offers a bit more flexibility. For flight-only customers, one piece of hand luggage is permitted with a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a weight limit of 10 kg. In addition, you can carry a small personal item like a handbag or a laptop bag that must fit under the seat in front. This policy is similar for package holiday customers, ensuring uniformity across their services.
Jet2
Jet2 allows one free piece of hand luggage, provided it does not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm and weighs no more than 10 kg. Additionally, passengers can bring a small personal item onboard. Families traveling with young children can bring a collapsible pushchair, car seat, or travel cot without additional charges, up to a combined weight of 10 kg.
EasyJet
EasyJet’s policy allows for one cabin bag measuring no more than 45 x 36 x 25 cm with a maximum weight of 15 kg. If more space is needed, passengers can purchase an extra large cabin bag with dimensions up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm. EasyJet Plus members and those who book FLEXI fares are also entitled to this larger cabin bag.
British Airways
British Airways offers generous hand luggage allowances. Each passenger can bring one cabin bag with dimensions up to 56 x 40 x 23 cm and one personal item such as a laptop bag, not exceeding 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Both items can weigh up to 23 kg each, but you must be able to lift them into the overhead bins unaided.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus varies its policies based on the route. For regional flights, one piece of hand luggage is allowed, with a weight limit of 7 kg and maximum dimensions of 48 x 33 x 20 cm. For all other flights, the limit increases to 10 kg and 55 x 40 x 24 cm. Additionally, passengers can carry a smaller item like a laptop bag with dimensions not exceeding 25 x 33 x 20 cm.
Emirates
Emirates provides different allowances based on the class of travel. Economy passengers are permitted one piece of carry-on luggage, not exceeding 55 x 38 x 20 cm and 7 kg in weight. First and Business Class passengers are allowed two pieces: one briefcase and either one handbag or one garment bag. The briefcase can be up to 45 x 35 x 20 cm, while the handbag can measure up to 55 x 38 x 20 cm. Each piece must weigh no more than 7 kg.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air’s policy allows all passengers to bring a small bag onboard for free, with dimensions up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm and a weight limit of 10 kg. For those needing more space, Wizz Priority can be purchased, permitting an additional large cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Tips for Hassle-Free Hand Luggage Travel
- Measure and Weigh Your Bags: Always measure your bags and weigh them before heading to the airport to ensure they meet your airline’s specifications.
- Check Your Fare Type: Verify your fare type as some include larger allowances or additional bags. Upgrading can often be cheaper than paying fines at the gate.
- Be Aware of Personal Item Rules: Most airlines allow a smaller personal item in addition to your main carry-on. Make sure it fits under the seat in front of you.
- Understand Family Allowances: If traveling with children, check the additional items you can bring, such as strollers and car seats.
- Pack Light: Only take what you need to avoid exceeding weight limits. Remember, every kilogram counts.
Navigating hand luggage policies can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and awareness of your airline’s specific rules, you can avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy a smoother travel experience. Whether flying with Ryanair’s minimalist approach or enjoying the more generous allowances of British Airways, staying informed is key to a stress-free journey this summer.
The post Hand Luggage Allowance Guide for Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, and More: Know Airline Rules This Summer appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Source link