Before you head to the airport, it is essential to understand the hand luggage restrictions and duty-free regulations that may not be commonly known, particularly with airlines like TUI and Ryanair.
Many travelers fly with various airlines depending on factors such as the route, airport, and price, making it challenging to keep track of the different hand luggage allowances and restrictions. Most airlines permit passengers to bring a small personal bag for free, which can include items like a backpack or handbag, while some also allow an additional free cabin bag.
There can be confusion regarding carrying duty-free items along with your personal or cabin bag. Travelers often wonder if they can carry duty-free purchases separately or if they need to pack them into their existing bags.
To ensure you are well-prepared for your next trip, we have outlined the key hand luggage rules for major UK airlines. This will help you understand the size requirements for your bag and how to handle duty-free items before boarding.
Regarding duty-free policies, Ryanair permits passengers to bring duty-free items onboard along with their cabin bags. Additionally, passengers have the option to purchase checked bags ranging from 10kg to 23kg when flying with Ryanair.
All Ryanair fares include a small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat in front. There is no specified weight limit for this bag, typically used for items like a handbag or laptop bag, but passengers must be able to carry it onto the plane unless there is an exception.
With Priority boarding, travelers can bring an additional 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) that fits in the overhead lockers. Infants do not have a cabin allowance, but parents or guardians can bring a 5kg baby bag (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and two baby items onboard for free. For more details, visit the Ryanair website.
In terms of duty-free allowances, Ryanair states that passengers are allowed to bring extra items into the cabin, such as an umbrella, overcoat, crutches, walking stick, or a standard bag of goods purchased at the airport.
Every passenger flying with easyJet is entitled to bring a small bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) onboard for free, which must fit under the seat. This bag can weigh up to 15kg, but it should not exceed the specified measurements, including handles and wheels.
Travelers on easyJet must be able to lift and carry their bag themselves. They have the option to pay for an additional cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) that fits in the overhead lockers, which includes the Speedy Boarding service.
For easyJet Plus members or customers with an Inclusive Plus fare, they can bring a large cabin bag in addition to the standard cabin bag. Checked-in luggage can also be booked for an extra fee. Visit the easyJet website for more information.
TUI customers can bring one piece of hand luggage (55 x 40 x 20 cm) onboard for free, excluding infants. This bag can weigh up to 10kg, and travelers can also carry a small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) onboard, fitting under the front seat.
Duty-free bags are allowed onboard with specific requirements for liquids purchased at the airport. Liquids bought from duty-free must be kept in a sealed security bag provided at the airport, with the item and receipt sealed in the bag throughout the journey. Checked-in bags of 20kg or 25kg can be booked for an additional fee. Visit the TUI website for more details.
Passengers are allowed a small bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm), such as a handbag, laptop bag, or duty-free bag, that must fit under the seat in front. Additionally, one piece of hand luggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) can be brought onboard for free, meeting size and weight requirements.
Parents with infants under 2 years old receive an extra 10kg allowance and can bring two items per child onboard at no cost. Items include a collapsible pushchair, car seat or booster, baby carrier, and travel cot. For further information, visit the Jet2 website.
When it comes to hand luggage, it is important to be aware of certain packing restrictions that are generally consistent across all airlines. These include limitations on liquids, lighters, food and powders, frozen items, and sharp objects. It is advisable to check directly with your airline before heading to the airport to avoid any issues at security.
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