- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 5
- 10 min read
Guide to Airline Baggage Allowances SECRET EXPOSED to Pack Smarter and Save Money
By Travel Blogger & over-packer, Mr Plane Guy
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes at the airport). Thanks for your support!
After 15 years as long-haul cabin crew, I’ve packed and unpacked more suitcases than I can count. Some trips I packed for sunny LA, only to be rerouted last-minute to snowy Boston. Other times I was called out on standby to fly anywhere in the world. Over those years, I’ve seen every baggage mishap imaginable: passengers describing their “large black suitcase” to ground staff and expecting it to magically be found, lost bags, and gate arguments over oversized cases. I’ve even watched airline ground staff delay flights costing thousands, all because Deidre had an oversized bag and argued at the gate over a £55 fee.
After years of seeing passengers panic at the gate, I realised most people don’t need to pack less, they just need to pack smarter.
My Secret Weapon for travelling light with airlines: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags
I first came across these when I was prepping for a 4 day trip to Rome. I didn’t want to pay for a large cabin bag, but I also didn’t want to live in one pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
Enter: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here
You want to know how to avoid Ryanair oversized baggage fees? Get 10% off with code MRPLANE10 pack smarter, travel lighter! Save yourself up to £55 in fees at the gate!
What They Are
Resealable bags you pack your clothes into.
Then pump the air out.
Result? Clothes are flattened into a neat little condensed packed bag.
Cabin Bags That Actually Work
For Ryanair, EasyJet, and TUI, carry-on luggage is king. My go-to for trips up to a week is the Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase. Lightweight, durable, with 360° wheels, the Anode 40L fits perfectly under Ryanair Priority rules. For easyJet, it works if you’ve added a large cabin bag, or are flying on an easyJet Plus or Flexi fare.
Here is the Cabin Max Anode in action! You check out the prices here
Airline Baggage Guide
From Ryanair and easyJet to TUI, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, and beyond, each airline has its own quirks, and factors like aircraft type, route, and baggage policy play a big role in how strict staff can be. But after years of firsthand experience, I’ve uncovered some airline baggage secrets that can save you money, stress, and time at the airport. Whether it’s avoiding fees, packing smarter, or keeping your bag safe, this guide to airline baggage allowances will get you flying like a pro.
Airline Baggage Secrets: What They Don’t Tell You
Airline ground staff are incentivised in ways you might not realise. For example, Ryanair and EasyJet staff can earn a commission by spotting bulging bags and upselling checked baggage. That’s right, your bag being just a bit too big could trigger a £55 gate fee while someone else gets away with a borderline case. Here’s my top hack:
Buy duty free items cleverly. Instead of letting bulky purchases stress your cabin allowance, tuck a few items into a duty-free or Boots bag. Many airports thrive on duty-free sales so airlines allow duty free bags onboard as the airport influences this.
For under-seat personal items, the Cabin Max Equator Backpack is compact, stylish, and practical.
Or the Cabin Max Metz available in 20L or 30L which I rate for its clever compression straps that help pull the bag in to meet even the strictest airline size limits.
For a touch of modern style, check out Alpaca Gear for stylish, modern travel gear your friends will envy.
Travel Hack: Airlines are stricter than ever on baggage rules. This tiny digital luggage scale with a built-in measuring tape lets you check both weight and dimensions before you fly. Worth every penny get it here
Lost Luggage? AirTags to the Rescue
I always pop an AirTag in my suitcase when flying with airlines like Etihad, Emirates, or Qatar. With stopovers and connecting flights, it’s peace of mind knowing exactly where your bag is. Some airlines even now accept AirTag tracking for lost luggage claims!
👉 Get an AirTag HERE
Other smart tricks:
Bright luggage covers or stickers to stand out on the carousel
Take a photo or video of your packed bag in case of damage claims
Spare items in a friend’s or your travel partners bag in case yours goes missing
Roll clothes to save 30% more space!
Avoid putting your suitcase on hotel beds, ew, germs!
Airline-by-Airline Baggage Guide
Ryanair
If you’re flying Ryanair soon, I’ve broken down exactly what fits their strict luggage rules
Cabin Baggage (Purchased Option): 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10kg
Checked Baggage Options: 10kg or 20kg, costs vary £11.99–£59.99 depending on route and timing
Tips: Use a Cabin Max METZ 20L Under seat Bag for free personal items. Gate staff are strict on oversized or overweight bags, they cost £46+ at the gate! They will choose people with the bulging bags! Use my secret weapon
Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here
Get 10% off with code MRPLANE10
easyJet
If you’re team orange, the easyJet baggage guide will save you that awkward bag sizer moment. How Strict Are easyJet on Cabin Bag Size?
Free Small Bag: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
Paid Cabin Option: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, perfect for trips up to a week
Tips: Vacuum packing cubes save space. Use your Anode 40L case for Speedy Boarding or pay to take a case onboard it's usually a really great value option.
Check the easyJet bag sizer tool in easyJet's app before leaving.
The Cabin Max Anode 30L Trolley (45 x 36 x 20 cm) Perfectly fits the easyJet personal bag option and you can wheel it around rather than carrying it on your back through the airport. Check out all the amazing colours and latest price HERE.
👉 Top tip: always double-check dimensions with easyJet’s bag sizer tool in their app before you leave for the airport.
I made a tik tok explaining the feature, take a look and don't forget to follow!
TUI
Baggage Rules: See my Full TUI Long Haul 2025 guide for meals, seats, and baggage.
TUI are surprisingly generous, but don’t let that fool you, they still love a sneaky oversize fee if you push your luck.
Cabin Max Anode Luggage Set (40L + 100L)
Ideal for longer trips or family travel.
Grab the CabinMax anode luggage set today and save on extra baggage fees!
TUI Checked Baggage Allowance When flying with TUI Airways as part of a package holiday, your checked luggage allowance varies based on your booking type:
Standard Package Holidays: Includes 20kg of checked luggage per adult or child.
Packages with TUI Airways: Bookings with TUI Airlines include a generous 25kg of checked luggage per adult or child. This applies to long-haul, short-haul, and mid-haul flights with TUI Airlines as part of a TUI holiday.
Infants under 2 years: Receive 10kg of checked luggage.
Wedding Packages: Couples booking wedding packages also receive 25kg of checked luggage each.
Flying with TUI in 2025? Check out my up to date guide: Everything You Need to Know About TUI Long Haul in 2025: Meals, Seats & Entertainment
British Airways
Cabin Baggage: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (Economy)
Checked Baggage: 23kg–32kg depending on class
Tips: Track checked luggage with AirTags. Roll clothes to maximise cabin bag space. Carry essential items onboard for peace of mind.
British Airways Euroflyer at London Gatwick have slightly different rules as does BA CityFlyer from London City. What Is British Airways Euroflyer? How are they different to BA?
Now, if you’re like me and love airport lounges, you’ve probably heard of Priority Pass. This is basically your golden ticket to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide, with my exclusive 30% off deal (just £48 for an annual pass), it pays for itself in just a couple of trips. Take a look here before it expires!
Virgin Atlantic
Cabin Baggage: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (Economy)
Checked Baggage: 23kg–32kg depending on class, more about Virgin Atlantic Upper Class HERE
Tips: Personal items like laptop bags fit under the seat, need extra space for shopping in New York, a wedding dress? They have plenty of full length wardrobes onboard.
Jet2
Cabin Baggage: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (Economy)
Checked Baggage: 15kg–32kg depending on fare
Tips & Hacks: Paid hold bags are cheaper online.
Jet2 gate staff? Lovely, but don’t test them. That 10mm overhang won’t go unnoticed!
Packing cubes to keep everything organised. If you have items spilling out of your luggage you are more likely to be asked to place your luggage in the sizer for checking by the gate staff!
Does anything Beat a Jet2 holiday?
Emirates
Baggage Allowance: Check out my Emirates Premium Economy review for details about yes Emirates Premium Economy, maybe one day a Business class review.
Tips: Use AirTags and label bags clearly; long-haul stop over flights can result in complex baggage routing and an airtag will give you some peace of mind!
My case made it to Abu Dhabi!
Qatar
Baggage Allowance: Full details in my Qatar Airways Economy Class review
Tips: Roll clothes, separate essentials in cabin bags, and track checked bags with AirTags for peace of mind at Doha Hamad airport Your Ultimate Guide to Doha Hamad International Airport.
Do you have a stopover at Doha Hamad Airport get yourself a Priority Pass and check out Al Maha Lounge Review: A Late-Night Arabic Oasis in the Bustle of Doha Airport
Etihad
Baggage Allowance: See my Etihad A380 & A350 review
Tips: Same as Emirates/Qatar, AirTags, bright luggage covers, and photos of packed bags are lifesavers.
Vueling
Cabin & Checked Rules: Full guide here
Tips: Paid cabin bags can save time waiting at the carousel.
Naughty travel tip, if you want to take a trolley bag onto a full flight, you can do it for free, board at the end, when they are desperately trying to check bags into the hold because the cabin is full! Trust me I've done it a lot! SSShhhh....gracias!
Top Packing Hacks to Beat Baggage Fees
Roll, don’t fold clothes to maximise space
Vacuum packing cubes: shrink up to 70% of bulky items
Carry-on only for short trips: avoids carousel waits
Label & photograph everything
Pack small extras in your partner’s bag
Bright luggage covers: easy to spot
Vacuum Travel Packing Bags.
Get 10% off with code MRPLANE10
Must-Have Travel Gear
Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase – lightweight, spacious, and fits low-cost airline rules such as Ryanair Priority and easyJet Plus (or pay to take onboard)
Cabin Max METZ 20L Underseat Bag – perfect under-seat carry-on
Cabin Max Equator Backpack – compact, stylish, and versatile
Alpaca Gear – stylish, modern travel gear
Digital luggage scale – never pay overweight fees by surprise
My Favourite Travel Gear
Cabin Max Anode 40L Case
Perfect for paid cabin bag options on Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air.
Lightweight, 360° wheels, fits under overhead locker.
Cabin Max Anode Luggage Set (40L + 100L)
Ideal for longer trips or family travel.
Grab the Anode set today and save on extra baggage fees! It is incredible value!
Cabin Max Equator 20L Backpack
Compact, under-seat approved, lightweight.
Never pay a £55 gate fee again! Check it out, perfect for Ryanair and Wizz Air
Alpaka Gear – Sleek, Stylish & Practical
Perfect for city breaks or business trips.
Browse Alpaka Gear
Flight Knight Premium Suitcase
Sturdy, lightweight, perfect for hold baggage.
Buy on Amazon
Final Tips to Pack Smarter
Use vacuum packing cubes – save up to 70% space.
AirTag your luggage – perfect for multi-stop journeys.
Roll your clothes – less wrinkling, more space.
Bright covers & ID markers – avoid suitcase mix-ups.
Split items with friends/partners – insurance against lost luggage.
Carry-on first – avoids gate fees and carousel stress.
Duty-free hack: Pack small purchases in allowed paper bags.
Final Boarding Call
Airline baggage rules can feel like a minefield, but armed with the right bags, packing hacks, and insider knowledge, you can travel stress-free, save money, and even enjoy the airport experience. From Ryanair to Emirates, the secret’s out: pack smart, track your bags, and never leave the airport carousel to chance.
Airline Baggage Allowances at a Glance
Airline | Cabin Baggage Allowance | Checked Baggage Options | Hacks, Tips & Affiliate Picks |
Ryanair | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10kg (Priority) | 10kg–20kg, £11.99–£59.99 depending on route | Use Cabin Max Equator Backpack; weigh with Amazon luggage scale to avoid £46+ gate fees |
EasyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm (small bag) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (paid cabin bag) | Cabin Max Anode 40L fits Speedy Boarding; vacuum packing cubes save space |
TUI | See full guide here | Pre-booked checked bags vary | Book extra baggage online for best price; check short-haul vs long-haul rules |
Emirates | Economy: 55 x 38 x 20 cm | 20–35kg depending on class | Add AirTag; label bag clearly; track luggage through airline app |
Qatar | Economy: 50 x 37 x 25 cm | 23–35kg depending on class | Roll clothes; carry essentials onboard; use AirTags for peace of mind |
Etihad | Economy: 50 x 40 x 25 cm | 23–35kg depending on class | Bright luggage cover, photos/videos of packed bag, AirTag tracking |
Vueling | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Paid checked baggage options available | Paid cabin bags save time; check Vueling Travel Guide & Flight Review |
British Airways | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (Economy cabin) | 23kg–32kg depending on class | Use carry-on for essentials; track checked bags with AirTag; roll clothes to maximise space |
Virgin Atlantic | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (Economy cabin) | 23kg–32kg depending on class | Personal items like laptop bags fit under seat; AirTag luggage tracking recommended |
Jet2 | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (Economy cabin) | 15kg–32kg depending on fare | Paid hold bags cheaper online; cabin bag for priority passengers; use Anode 40L or Equator backpack |
Related Links
Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.
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My phone bill last month was £92 after just 2 days in Cologne! I forgot to activate a eSim! Don't make my mistake and take out an eSim before your next flight!
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Guide to Airline Baggage Allowances SECRET EXPOSED to Pack Smarter and Save Money.
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