For many of us, half of the stress that comes with flying is the uncertainty regards baggage regulations. Each airline has a different set of complicated rules and it can be hard to get your head round them.
Can you take a cabin bag and a handbag? How big can your bag be? How much can it weigh? This is Economy Car Hire’s break down of hand luggage regulations.
First things first, there are some regulations that are set by the EU regarding hand luggage that have to be complied with regardless of which airline you are using.
Liquids
The security regulations in Civil Aviation restrict what passengers can take in their hand luggage within the EU. Passengers may carry liquids on board but they must be in individual containers of no more than 100ml. If there is less than 100ml of liquid in a 200ml bottle then this is not allowed. It’s the size of the container that must be no more than 100ml. All the containers must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. You are only allowed to take one 1 litre bag per person.
As well as the obvious, also classified as liquids are toothpaste and pressurised containers e.g. shaving foam and aerosols.
Plastic bags are mostly provided by airports but they are not required to do this so it is better if you can take your own. Be sure that it is re-sealable bag, such as a freezer bag.
There are special exceptions on the liquid regulations for medical and special dietary purposes, such as baby milk. These, however, must be inspected at a separate monitoring point and passengers may be asked to demonstrate their need for each item.
Once through the security checks passengers are generally allowed to take duty free liquids on board with them but this is at the discretion of the airline.
Size and weight
| Airline | Dimensions | Weight | Number of Bags |
| BA | 56 x 45 x 25cm | 23kg per bag | 1 cabin, 1 personal |
| EasyJet* | 56 x 45 x 25cm | No limit | 1 |
| RyanAir | 55 x 40 x 20cm | 10kg | 1 + 1 accessory |
| KLM | 55 x 35 x 25cm | 12kg | 1 + 1 accessory |
| Virgin Atlantic | 56 x 36 x 23cm | 10kg | 1 |
| Monarch** | 56 x 40 x 25cm | 10kg | Up to 2, within size and weight restrictions |
| FlyBe | 55 x 40 x 23cm | 10kg | 1 |
| Jet2 | 56 x 45 x 25cm | 10kg | 1 |
*To guarantee that your hand luggage stays with you it must be 50 x 40 x 20cm. On some busier flights if it is larger than this there is a chance that it may get checked into the hold.
**This applies to flight numbers starting with ZB (scheduled flights) only. Any flight numbers starting with MON (chartered flights) have a maximum weight restriction of 5kg.
Most of the major airlines have similar baggage size allowances, as shown in the table above. Make sure you measure your bag’s dimensions before you head to the airport because if it exceeds the limitations then it will have to be checked in. This can lead to significant extra charges.
What to Pack (Short Haul)
Depending on what sort of traveller you are will depend on what you take in your hand luggage. There are obvious items to take, including anything that you wish to use on the flight. It may also be wise to take a spare change of clothes with you if there’s space. This might seem like a pessimistic approach, but if your main bag gets lost then they can be very useful. Make sure all your valuables go with you in your hand luggage as well as anything fragile.
What to Pack (Long Haul)
If you are travelling further afield then what you are going to take in your hand luggage will change slightly. A spare pair of underwear and socks alongside some face wipes can help you feel a lot fresher after a long sleep. It might be worth taking a face mask and ear plugs as well if you are intending to get a good sleep. Pillows are often provided but if you find that you struggle to sleep on board it might be worth taking your own choice of travel head rest.
With this information at your disposal there should be no unwanted surprises when you arrive at the airport and you will be free to have the relaxing holiday that you deserve!
If you are interested in how to travel with just hand luggage then check out our blog on how to travel light for a week’s trip. Also, if you are worried about losing your luggage make sure you read our guide on what to do if your luggage disappears.
Do you often have to take lots of heavy bags when travelling abroad?
We have started working with Luggage Mule. They collect your baggage a few days before you travel and deliver it direct to your hotel or apartment. Sounds simple doesn’t it!
I believe Ryanair now only guarantee the 1st 90 hand luggage bags in the overhead lockers within the cabin (2nd smaller bags must go under the seat). The remainder go in the hold free of charge. A ploy to encourage chargeable priority boarding perhaps!!
This is definitely something to be aware of, thanks Carl.
Hi
Please note Ryan Air actually specify the max size of the second bag ………..
One cabin bag per passenger weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus 1 small bag up to 35 x 20 x 20 cms.
Due to cabin space limitations only 90 cabin bags (55 x 40 x 20 cms) can be carried in the cabin, any remainder will be carried free of charge in the aircraft hold.
Thanks for the update Mike, this is really useful.
Hi, could you please include Aer Lingus in your permitted hand luggage table. Thanks
Hi Barry, next time we do a similar post we will include Aer Lingus, sorry it’s not in there this time.
Have lost baggage resently. Know your rights for immediate replacement and or total loss.Keep receipts. Have presciption drugs and contact lens requirements in hand luggage. If you are traveling with a partner have some replacement clothes in their luggage
Thanks for the tip Alan!
Holiday short haul: pessimistic bag loss. Advise girls to pack one bikini. Hardly weighs anything. At least they can go to the beach or pool until the baggage finally arrives. Plus it’s something to put on whilst they’re washing out the underwear they had on!
That’s great advice, thanks!
You need to look at your sizing for easyjet, if you want to guarantee to keep your hand luggage with you in the cabin it must measure 50x40x20 if it is larger and the flight is full with lots of passengers who have not checked in luggage there is a possibility that it will be checked into the hold Regards John Gibbs
Thanks John, we have updated it accordingly.