TRAVELLING with hand luggage only can be a great way to save money, especially when flying in economy.
We explain every UK airline’s baggage policy regarding how much can be taken into the cabin for free, as well as which airlines charge for suitcases.
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What can you take on board as hand luggage?
British Airways
When flying BA, you can bring up to two bags with you into the cabin – so long as they don’t weight more than 23kg each.
One should be a small handbag or laptop-sized bag, and no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
The other bag can be a bit bigger, with a maximum size of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
Easyjet
Easyjet only allows one piece of hand luggage, with a maximum size of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including handles and wheels.
While this means you cannot take a second bag such as a handbag onto the flight, easyJet also have the best weight restriction – with the suitcase having no limit.
The airline recently introduced new AR technology on their app to allow you to measure your hand luggage before heading to the airport to prevent being charged.
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Ryanair
Last year, the budget airline introduced a new hand luggage charge. and is one of the few airlines which don’t allow a cabin-sized bag for free.
Ryanair customers now have to pay for priority boarding in order to take a suitcase measuring 55cm x 40cm x 20cm into the cabin, costing £6 at the time of booking, or £8 if you add it on later.
The only baggage that customers can now take onto the plane for free is a small handbag or a laptop.
The maximum dimension for this item will be 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. If your bag is too big then you will have to pay an extra £25 fee to put it into the hold.
TUI
Passengers travelling with TUI can take one piece of hand luggage with dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, weighing no more than 10kg.
Handbags or duty free shopping must also fit into this.
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook hand luggage includes one bag as standard, with a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and a maximum weight of 6kg.
Jet2
Jet2 tickets include one piece of hand-luggage, with a maximum 10kg weight and a size limit of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
Provided it’s something you can carry on board, you’re also allowed to bring a small handbag, laptop bag or any duty-free purchases into the cabin.
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Flybe
Flybe passengers can bring two cabin bags, one case or bag with a maximum size of 55cm x 35cm x 20cm and one additional handbag or laptop case.
The combined weights of both bags can’t exceed 10kg.
Virgin Atlantic
Passengers flying with Virgin can bring one piece of hand luggage with them, provided it’s no heavier than 10kg and no bigger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
You can also carry one piece of sports equipment as part of your standard baggage allowance.
If you struggle to pack everything into your suitcase, there are some clever tricks and hacks to fitting it all in.
Pill boxes for jewellery and rolling everything can make a big difference to packing lightly.
Sharing bags is advised for Brits who check in their suitcases, in case one of them goes missing before a holiday.
