Hand baggage has been traditionally associated with short business trips, saving time at the airport and reducing the risk of lost luggage. Now most airlines restrict hand baggae through size limits and extra charges.
Low-cost carriers typically limit hand baggage allowances to one bag that fits under the seat, while some full-service carriers are also adopting this practice to improve efficiency and make use of limited overhead locker space.
Passengers in these cases may have to purchase more expensive fares, downsize their packing significantly, or check in their luggage.
Some airlines allow passengers to bring a small case and a “personal item” such as a backpack, briefcase, handbag, or laptop bag, but even then, those at the back of the boarding queue may be required to check in their cases when the flight is busy. Current policies:
- Aer Lingus: They offer two options. You can either pay for priority boarding with carry-on bag or drop off your second bag free-of-charge at the airport to have it placed in the hold.
- British Airways: They allow one personal bag and an additional cabin bag weighing no more than 23kg and measuring no more than 56x45x25cm. Any extra bags will need to be checked-in and may incur additional charges.
- easyJet: They allow one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you for free. If you want to bring a second bag, you’ll need to pay extra, or you can opt for the ‘Hands Free’ option to check a larger bag into the hold.
- Jet2: They allow one small personal item and a larger bag weighing no more than 10kg and measuring no more than 56x45x25cm. Additional luggage will need to be checked in and count towards your checked baggage allowance.
- Ryanair: They allow one small personal bag for free. If you want to bring a second bag, you can pay for ‘Priority & 2 Cabin bags’ or add a 10kg check-in bag to your booking.
- TUI Airways: They allow one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10kg and measuring no more than 55x40x20cm. Additional luggage will need to be added and paid for separately.
- Virgin Atlantic: They allow one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10kg for Economy and Premium cabins. Babies and toddlers have their own allowances. If you want more luggage, you’ll need to purchase a ticket that includes checked luggage.
- Wizz Air: They allow one bag that must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 10kg.
