Airline Baggage Guide:
Cabin Bags, Hand Luggage & Airline Rules
Airline baggage rules have become ridiculously complicated.
One airline gives you a cabin suitcase.
Another gives you a tiny bag that has to fit under the seat.
One has a 10kg limit.
Another doesn't care how much your cabin bag weighs as long as you can lift it yourself.
And then you've got completely different rules for checked baggage, sports equipment, extra luggage and priority boarding.
Welcome to my Airline Baggage Hub.
I've pulled together all of my airline baggage guides, cabin bag advice, hand luggage rules and luggage reviews in one place so you can quickly find out exactly what you're allowed to take on your flight.
Whether you're flying easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI, Virgin Atlantic or another airline, start here before you start packing.
Quick Answer: What Size Cabin Bag Can I Take?
There isn't one universal cabin bag size.
That's one of the biggest mistakes travellers make.
A suitcase that is perfectly acceptable on British Airways may be too large for the free allowance on Ryanair, easyJet or Wizz Air.
Even on the same airline, your baggage allowance can depend on:
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your fare
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whether you've paid for priority boarding
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your cabin class
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your frequent-flyer status
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whether you've purchased an additional cabin bag
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your route
So before buying a new suitcase, always check the specific airline baggage rules for your flight.
Choose Your Airline Baggage Guide
Select your airline below for cabin-bag dimensions, hand-luggage allowances, checked-baggage rules, fees and my practical packing advice.
easyJet Baggage Allowance
easyJet Cabin Bag Size & Hand Luggage Guide
easyJet's baggage rules can be confusing because the free allowance is very different from its larger cabin-bag allowance.
My guide explains:
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free easyJet cabin bag size
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large cabin bag dimensions
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easyJet Plus baggage benefits
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cabin bag weight rules
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hold luggage
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what happens if your bag is too big
PLANE APPROVED:
CABIN BAGS I'VE ACTUALLY TRIED
Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance
Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance & Hand Luggage
Virgin Atlantic's allowance depends heavily on whether you're flying Economy, Premium or Upper Class.
My guide covers:
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Virgin Atlantic hand luggage
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Economy checked baggage
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Premium baggage allowance
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Upper Class baggage
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additional bags
Wizz Air Baggage Allowance
Wizz Air Baggage Allowance & Cabin Bag Guide
Wizz Air baggage rules are another minefield if you haven't checked them before arriving at the airport.
I've put together the current rules covering:
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free Wizz Air cabin bag
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WIZZ Priority luggage
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cabin suitcase dimensions
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checked baggage
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baggage prices
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what happens if your bag is oversized
Wizz Air baggage allowance guide
Plane Travel Extras
My Flight Essentials
The Things I Actually Pack for a Flight
Travel Pillow
A decent travel pillow is one of the few accessories
that can genuinely make a long-haul economy flight
considerably less miserable.
I prefer one that:
-
supports the neck properly
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doesn't take up half the cabin bag
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can attach to luggage
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has a washable cover
My pick: I swear by this Travel Pillow
Check price →
More Plane Travel Extras
Best Cabin Luggage
Best Travel Bags for Men
Packing Essentials
Travel Debit Card
Travel eSIM
Airport Parking
Airport Lounges
Travel Insurance
Norse Atlantic Airways Baggage Allowance
Norse’s lowest Economy fares include a small personal item,
while overhead cabin baggage and checked luggage
depend on the fare you choose.
Premium passengers generally receive a more generous baggage allowance,
but inclusions still vary between Premium fare types.
My Norse Atlantic Airways guide covers:
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Norse personal-item size
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Economy carry-on baggage rules
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Premium cabin baggage allowance
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Norse hand-luggage dimensions and weight limits
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what happens if your bag is oversized or overweight
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checked baggage allowances
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additional baggage fees
Ryanair Baggage Allowance
Ryanair Cabin Bag Size & Hand Luggage Rules
Ryanair's cheapest fares include a relatively small personal bag,
while larger cabin luggage generally requires the appropriate fare or add-on.
My Ryanair guide covers:
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Ryanair free cabin bag size
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Priority & 2 Cabin Bags
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Ryanair hand luggage dimensions
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what happens if your bag is oversized
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hold baggage options
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baggage fees
British Airways Baggage Allowance
British Airways Hand Luggage & Checked Baggage Guide
British Airways is much more generous than many low-cost airlines
when it comes to cabin baggage, but the rules differ between
hand luggage and checked baggage.
My full BA baggage guide includes:
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British Airways cabin bag size
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BA hand luggage allowance
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personal item allowance
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checked baggage
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extra baggage fees
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Club Europe and Club World allowances
Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance
Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance
Qatar Airways baggage rules can differ depending on route and fare type.
My guide explains:
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Economy baggage allowance
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Business Class baggage
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cabin baggage
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weight vs piece concept
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extra baggage
Qatar Airways baggage guide
TUI Baggage Allowance
TUI Baggage Allowance, Hand Luggage & Suitcase Rules
Flying on a TUI package holiday?
My guide explains the difference between:
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TUI hand luggage
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cabin bag size
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checked baggage allowance
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package holiday baggage
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flight-only bookings
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Premium cabin baggage
What Should Never Go in Checked Luggage?
I'd avoid checking:
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passport
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wallet
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essential medication
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laptop
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valuable jewellery
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house/car keys
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lithium power banks
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anything you absolutely need during the first 24 hours of your trip
Baggage gets delayed.
Most of the time it turns up quickly.
Sometimes it decides to take a completely different holiday from you.
Pack accordingly.
Airline Baggage FAQs
What Is Airline Baggage Allowance?
An airline baggage allowance is the amount of luggage included with your ticket. It can cover cabin baggage, checked baggage or both and may specify the number, dimensions and weight of bags allowed.
What Size Is Cabin Luggage?
There is no universal cabin luggage size. Each airline sets its own baggage dimensions, and low-cost airlines often have separate allowances for small underseat bags and larger overhead cabin bags.
Is Hand Luggage the Same as Cabin Luggage?
Usually, yes. Airlines may use terms such as hand luggage, carry-on luggage, cabin baggage and cabin bag to describe luggage carried onto the aircraft.
What Is the Best Cabin Luggage?
The best cabin luggage depends on the airlines you regularly fly. A slightly smaller suitcase may be more useful if you frequently travel with easyJet, Ryanair or Wizz Air, while passengers mainly flying full-service airlines may be able to use a larger cabin suitcase.
[See my Best Cabin Luggage guide →]
Do Airlines Measure Cabin Bags?
They can. Airlines may ask you to place your cabin bag into a baggage sizer at check-in or at the boarding gate. Your bag generally needs to fit within the airline's stated dimensions including its wheels and handles.
Do Airlines Weigh Hand Luggage?
Some do. Cabin baggage weight restrictions vary considerably by airline, which is why I always recommend checking the airline's current rules before travelling.
Can I Take a Backpack and Cabin Suitcase?
It depends on the airline and fare you've purchased. Some airlines include both a personal item and larger cabin bag, while others only include one small underseat bag on the cheapest fare.