When preparing for a flight, understanding the hand luggage size and weight rules can make or break your travel experience. At Travel With Mwika Shop, we know how frustrating it can be to arrive at the airport only to be hit with surprise charges or be forced to check your bag. That’s why we’ve put together this definitive guide on hand luggage size in the UK, explicitly tailored to frequent flyers and holidaymakers using British airlines.
Whether you're jetting off on a business trip or heading to the sun for some relaxation, this article outlines everything you need to know about UK airline hand luggage rules, from size restrictions to cabin bag weight limits.
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Why Knowing Hand Luggage Rules Matters
Navigating carry-on size restrictions is essential for:
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Avoiding last-minute check-in fees.
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Speeding up airport security processes.
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Ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Most UK airlines have similar rules, but there are slight differences in hand luggage size and weight limits that every traveller must be aware of. Ignoring these details could mean paying hefty fees or being separated from your bag during the flight.
General UK Hand Luggage Guidelines
While exact dimensions vary by airline, here are general expectations across UK carriers:
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Maximum Size (Typical): 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
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Maximum Weight: Between 7kg and 15kg.
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Items Allowed: 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop).
Tip: Always check with your airline before travelling, as these rules can change without notice.
Airline-by-Airline Hand Luggage Comparison
British Airways
British Airways offers one of the most generous hand luggage policies in the UK. Travellers are allowed:
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Main Cabin Bag: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
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Additional Personal Item: 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (must fit under the seat in front of you).
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Cabin Bag Weight Limit: 23kg per bag, both the main cabin bag and the personal item.
This allowance is consistent across all ticket types, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. However, overhead locker space is limited on busy flights, and British Airways may ask some passengers to check their larger hand luggage at the gate for free. This policy makes BA an excellent option for travellers who want to avoid checked baggage but still carry a substantial amount.
We recommend a soft-shell cabin suitcase with wheels and a compact backpack or laptop bag that meets the dimensions of the personal item. Always ensure both bags are easy to lift unassisted.
EasyJet
easyJet has a tiered hand luggage policy depending on your ticket type:
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Standard Fare: 1 small cabin bag measuring up to 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
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Upgraded Fare (Flexi, Extra Legroom, Up Front, or easyJet Plus): Additional large cabin bag measuring up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
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Weight Limit: No specific weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bags into the overhead locker without assistance.
easyJet enforces its rules strictly, especially at the boarding gate. If your bag is even slightly over the size limit, you may be charged a fee to have it placed in the hold.
We advise purchasing a ticket upgrade or adding a large cabin bag to your booking if you’re carrying more than just essentials. Also, consider a compact wheeled cabin suitcase with a depth of no more than 25cm, along with a slim backpack that can compress easily into tight spaces.
Ryanair
Ryanair is known for having one of the strictest hand luggage policies in the UK and Europe. Their rules are as follows:
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Non-Priority Passengers: 1 small personal bag up to 40cm x 20cm x 25cm, such as a handbag or small backpack, which must fit under the seat.
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Priority Passengers (Priority & 2 Cabin Bags): An additional cabin bag up to 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, weighing no more than 10kg.
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Cabin Bag Weight Limit: 10kg for the larger bag.
If you don’t purchase priority boarding and show up with a second bag, you will be charged a fee to check it in at the gate. Ryanair is known to enforce its sizing rules rigorously using bag sizers at the gate.
Travellers flying with Ryanair should invest in specially designed Ryanair-sized bags, which are available from top luggage brands and meet the exact maximum limits. A compact travel backpack or a soft-structured holdall that meets the 40cm x 20cm x 25cm restriction is ideal for short trips.
Jet2
Jet2’s hand luggage policy is generous and straightforward compared to many budget airlines:
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Cabin Bag Allowance: One item measuring up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
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Weight Limit: 10kg maximum.
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Additional Personal Item: Allowed but must be small (e.g., a handbag or duty-free bag) and fit under the seat in front of you.
Jet2’s boarding process is generally more relaxed, but overweight or oversized bags will still be tagged and checked into the hold, often with a charge.
We suggest using a medium-sized trolley suitcase and pairing it with a handbag or crossbody bag that can sit on top of your wheeled case while moving through the airport. Jet2's generous size allowance is ideal for weekend city breaks or business travel.
TUI Airways
TUI Airways maintains a straightforward but strict cabin baggage policy:
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Hand Luggage Size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
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Weight Limit: 10kg.
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Number of Items: Only one piece of hand luggage per person, no personal item is permitted unless medically required or for infants.
TUI’s no-personal-item rule is particularly important, as passengers often assume they can carry both a handbag and a suitcase. If you're caught with more than one item, you may be asked to consolidate them or check one item into the hold.
Given these rules, it’s essential to pack smartly. Use packing cubes and opt for a hybrid cabin bag with built-in laptop or tablet sleeves to eliminate the need for a second bag.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Cabin Bag
When shopping for a carry-on, keep the following in mind:
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Size Matters: Choose a cabin bag that meets the strictest airline standard if you travel with different carriers.
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Weight Efficiency: Opt for lightweight materials like polycarbonate or ripstop nylon.
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Smart Compartments: Look for designs that maximise interior space without exceeding limits.
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Expandable Options: Some bags offer expansion features but be cautious as they may exceed permitted dimensions when full.
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Built-in USB Ports: Consider a suitcase with charging capabilities if you travel with multiple devices.
You’ll find a curated selection of compliant and stylish bags at the Travel With Mwika Shop, tailored for Ryanair, British Airways, Jet2, and more.
Key Takeaways
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Hand luggage size UK rules vary slightly by airline, but the average is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
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British Airways offers a generous 23kg weight allowance for cabin bags, while Ryanair and TUI enforce stricter policies.
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easyJet’s policy depends on your ticket type—upgrades offer more flexibility.
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Jet2 provides a balanced middle ground with clear size and weight limits.
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Always double-check the UK airline hand luggage rules before travelling to avoid fees or boarding issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard hand luggage size in the UK?
Most UK airlines follow a general standard of around 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, but it can vary slightly depending on the carrier.
Can I bring a backpack and a suitcase on board?
It depends on the airline. British Airways allows both a cabin bag and a personal item. TUI Airways allows only one item, while Ryanair requires you to pay extra for a second bag.
What happens if my cabin bag exceeds the size or weight limit?
You may be charged additional fees or forced to check the bag into the hold at the gate, often at a higher cost than if booked in advance.
Which airline has the most generous hand luggage policy?
British Airways is the most generous, offering a 23kg weight limit for both your main cabin bag and personal item.
Do cabin bags need to fit into a sizer?
Yes. Most airlines have a cabin baggage sizer at the gate. If your bag doesn’t fit, you may have to check it in.
Are wheels and handles included in the size measurements?
Yes. Most airlines measure the entire bag, including wheels and handles, so make sure you account for them when purchasing a new suitcase.
