Before traveling to the airport, it is important to understand the hand luggage limitations and duty-free regulations that may not be widely known, especially with airlines like TUI and Ryanair.
With the variety of airlines available for different routes and prices, it can be challenging to keep track of the diverse hand luggage policies. While most airlines permit passengers to bring a small personal bag for free, such as a backpack or handbag, some also allow an additional free cabin bag.
There can be confusion surrounding carrying duty-free items alongside personal or cabin bags. Travelers often wonder if they can carry duty-free separately or if they need to pack it into their bags.
To ensure smooth travel for your next trip, we have detailed the essential hand luggage rules for four major UK airlines. This information will help you understand the size requirements for your bag and how to manage your duty-free purchases before boarding your flight.
Regarding duty-free items, Ryanair permits passengers to bring duty-free purchases along with their cabin bags. Additionally, passengers have the option to purchase checked bags of varying weights while flying with Ryanair.
All Ryanair fares include a small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat in front of you. There is technically no weight limit for this bag, typically a handbag, laptop bag, or small rucksack, but passengers must be able to carry it onboard unless there is an exception.
By booking Priority boarding, travelers can bring an extra 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) onto the plane, stored in the overhead lockers. Infants (aged from 8 days to 23 months) do not have a cabin allowance, but parents or guardians can bring a 5kg baby bag (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and two baby items onboard for free.
For duty-free items, Ryanair states, “You’re allowed to bring some extra things into the cabin, e.g., umbrella, overcoat, crutches, walking stick, one standard bag of goods bought at the airport.”
With easyJet, all passengers are entitled to bring one small bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) onboard for free, fitting under the seat in front. It can weigh up to 15kg, and travelers must be able to lift and carry the bag themselves. Passengers can opt to pay for an additional cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) to be stored in the overhead lockers, which includes the Speedy Boarding service.
For easyJet Plus members or customers with an Inclusive Plus fare, a large cabin bag can also be brought onboard, in addition to the standard cabin bag. Checked-in luggage can also be booked for an extra fee.
TUI customers are allowed one piece of hand luggage (55 x 40 x 20cm) onboard for free, excluding infants. This bag can weigh up to 10kg, and travelers can also bring a small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20cm) onboard, fitting under the seat in front.
A duty-free bag is permitted onboard, with specific requirements outlined by TUI for liquids purchased at the airport. Checked-in baggage options of 20kg or 25kg are available for an additional charge.
When traveling with Jet2, passengers can bring a small bag (40 x 30 x 20cm) onboard, fitting under the seat in front, such as a handbag or laptop bag, or a duty-free bag. One piece of hand luggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) is also allowed onboard for free, provided it meets the size and weight restrictions.
Parents with infants under 2 years old are granted an additional 10kg allowance and can bring two items per child or infant onboard free of charge. For more details, visit the Jet2 website.
When it comes to hand luggage, there are universal packing restrictions to consider, applicable across all airlines. These include limitations on liquids, lighters, food and powders, frozen items, and sharp objects. It is advisable to check directly with your airline for any specific requirements to avoid issues at airport security checkpoints.
