As the travel season peaks, savvy holidaymakers are strategizing to maximize their hand luggage while avoiding hefty fees.
Airlines’ rules for cabin bags – also known as hand luggage or carry-on bags, vary significantly in terms of size and weight restrictions.
So, which airline offers the best value for your precious cabin space?
Norwegian Air boasts the smallest hand luggage allowance. Passengers are permitted only one cabin bag, without an additional personal item. The dimensions for this single bag must be a compact 30x20x38cm, weighing no more than 10kg. If you’re tempted to bring more, consider wearing your bulkier items, like coats and boots, to stay within limits.
Ryanair follows closely, with a cabin bag size limit of 40x20x25cm. While there’s no weight restriction, passengers can bring only one bag onboard, with no secondary personal item allowed.
Aer Lingus offers the most generous cabin bag allowance. The sole requirement is that the bag must fit under the seat in front of you. Remarkably, there’s no weight limit that we can see.
Virgin Atlantic: Passengers enjoy a roomy cabin bag allowance with dimensions of 56x36x23cm and a weight limit of 10kg.
British Airways: BA allows two cabin bags: one measuring 56x40x23cm and another smaller one at 40x30x15cm. The only weight restriction is that you must be able to lift them into overhead lockers without causing harm.
Ryanair’s Checked Luggage Policy
For checked luggage, Ryanair has specific guidelines:
- Bag dimensions: 81cm x 119cm x 119cm
- Weight limit: Less than 20kg
- Additional bags incur fees (£25 to £40 per extra 20kg)
- Ryanair allows a maximum of three checked bags per passenger.
If you’re a “kitchen sink” packer, some airlines don’t impose bag size restrictions:
Air Asia: Allows a weight limit of up to 40kg.
Remember, costs may vary depending on which airline and route but smart packing ensures a smooth journey. Choose your airline wisely, and bon voyage!