Before embarking on your airport journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the hand luggage restrictions and duty-free guidelines that may not be common knowledge, especially with carriers like TUI and Ryanair.
Flying with various airlines based on factors like destination, airport, and cost can make it challenging to keep track of different hand luggage allowances or limitations. Most airlines permit travelers to bring a small personal bag for free, such as a backpack or handbag, while some also include a complimentary cabin bag.
One area that often causes confusion is 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 within their existing bags.
To ensure you are well-prepared for your upcoming trip, we have summarized the primary hand luggage regulations for four major UK airlines, detailing the specific bag dimensions required and guidance on handling duty-free purchases before boarding.
Regarding duty-free items, Ryanair allows passengers to bring duty-free goods along with their cabin bags. Additionally, passengers have the option to purchase checked bags of varying weights when flying with Ryanair.
All Ryanair fares include a small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) meant to fit under the seat in front of you. There is no specified weight limit for this bag, typically used for items like handbags, laptop bags, or small rucksacks, as long as travelers can carry it on board unless under special circumstances.
By opting for Priority boarding, travelers can carry an extra 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) that fits in the overhead lockers. Infants (8 days to 23 months) do not have a cabin allowance but can have a 5kg baby bag (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and two baby items onboard for free. For further details, visit the Ryanair website.
In terms of duty-free, passengers on Ryanair are permitted to bring additional items into the cabin, such as an umbrella, overcoat, crutches, walking stick, and one standard bag of goods purchased at the airport.
Every easyJet passenger is entitled to bring a small bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) on board at no cost, which must fit under the front seat and can weigh up to 15kg. It’s crucial to note that the bag’s overall size, including handles and wheels, should not exceed the specified dimensions.
easyJet emphasizes that travelers should be able to lift and carry their bags independently. Passengers can choose to pay for an extra cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) that fits in the overhead lockers and includes the Speedy Boarding service.
For easyJet Plus members or Inclusive Plus fare customers, a large cabin bag is permitted in addition to the standard cabin bag, alongside the option to book checked luggage.
For more information, refer to the easyJet website.
TUI customers are allowed one piece of hand luggage (55 x 40 x 20cm) onboard for free, excluding infants, weighing up to 10kg. Additionally, one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20cm) can also be carried on board, fitting under the seat in front.
Duty-free bags are allowed, with TUI specifying requirements for liquids bought at the airport. Liquids purchased duty-free must be kept in a sealed security bag provided at the airport, along with the receipt, throughout the journey.
Travelers can opt to book a 20kg or 25kg checked bag for an additional fee. For more details, visit the TUI website.
Jet2 passengers can bring a small bag (40 x 30 x 20cm), like a handbag or laptop bag, or a duty-free bag that fits under the front seat. One piece of hand luggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) is free onboard, meeting size and weight restrictions, including wheels and handles.
Parents with infants under 2 years old receive a 10kg allowance and can bring two items per child or infant on board for free. These items may include a collapsible pushchair, car seat or booster, baby carrier, and travel cot.
For additional information, visit the Jet2 website.
When it comes to hand luggage, specific packing restrictions apply, typically consistent across all airlines. These include regulations on liquids, lighters, food and powders, frozen items, and sharp objects. It’s advisable to check with your airline directly to avoid any issues at security.
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