With airlines getting stricter on the limits they allow for hand and hold luggage it is vital that when packing your baggage, you ensure you are within the rules set out by the airlines you are travelling with. When travelling with infants you should be aware of how little you can take in terms of free baggage so ensure you check that too when flying with those under 2.
Avoid paying excess baggage charges by knowing your limits
Always check your documentation for your up to date allowances and ensure that you have checked your bags before going to the airport. You can buy airline friendly hand luggage from companies such as Flylite who have products that will maximise your allowance.
Our quick guide below will give you a snap shot of the best and the worst UK carriers in terms of hold luggage allowances. You can often save money by travelling with hand luggage only. Read our tips on travelling with hand luggage only and details of hand luggage allowances. For all other airlines check with you’re your operator, travel agent or airline for their own information as allowances can vary.
| Airline |
Standard Economy Bag |
Cost of 1 bag |
Maximum number of bags |
Pooling of hold bag |
| British Airways |
23kg |
FREE |
Varies by route. Maximum is 5 bags - different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags |
No |
| Virgin Atlantic |
23kg |
FREE |
Varies by route. Maximum is 10 bags – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags |
No |
| BMI International |
20kg |
FREE |
Varies by route – Maimum is 5 bags – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags and additional weight |
No |
| Jet 2 |
22kg |
from £10.99 to £18.99 one way – varies by route |
Up to 3 per passenger – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags and additional weight |
No |
| Thomson (flight only) |
20kg |
from £10 to £20 one way – varies by route |
5 per passenger – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags |
Yes |
| flybe |
20kg |
£12.99 one way. flybe also offer 15kg/23kg/40kg pre-bookable options at £10.99/£30.99/£42.99 respectively |
Up to 3 per passenger – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags |
No |
| Monarch (ZB flights) |
20kg |
£9.99 to £16.99 one way varies by route |
Up to 5 per passenger – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags and additional weight |
Yes |
Aer Lingus
|
20kg |
£10 or £12 each way |
3 bags up to the 20kg limit. Different rates apply for long haul flights |
No |
| easyJet |
20kg |
£9 to £11 one way varies by route |
Up to 8 per passenger – different charges apply for 2nd and extra bags and additional weight |
No |
| Thomas Cook (flight only) |
20kg |
Short haul £12 one way Long haul £19.50 one way varies by route |
1 per passenger. Call airline for additional baggage options |
Yes (up to 18kg per person) |
bmi baby
|
22kg |
from £12.99 to £14.99 one way – varies by route |
5kg in one bag |
No |
| Ryanair |
15kg |
£15 one way (apart from July and August 2010 and Canary Islands – £20 one way) N.B.You can also book a bag to weigh up to 20kg – cost £25 one way – £30 July – August 2010 and Canary Islands. The higher charge rate also applies to Polish routes on certain dates – check Ryanair for details |
Up to 2 per passenger. 2nd bag costs more |
No |
Information sourced Februay 2011 by travelsupermarket.com
All passengers should check with their airline for the most up to date information regarding their baggage as rules, prices and conditions can change regularly.
