The Ultimate UK Airline Baggage Allowance Guide for 2025
Navigating the world of airline baggage allowance can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle where the rules are constantly changing. One wrong move and you’re hit with unexpected fees at the check-in desk, starting your holiday on a stressful note. What is the baggage allowance for UK airlines today, and how can you be sure you're prepared for your next trip?
Table of Contents
- What is Airline Baggage Allowance? A Simple Breakdown
- Why Airline Baggage Allowances Change (And How to Stay Ahead)
- UK Airline Baggage Allowance Quick Reference Table (2025)
- Detailed Baggage Allowance Guides for Major UK Airlines
- How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees: Expert Tips
- Navigating Cabin Bag Sizes: A Critical Detail
- Why Trust Skyflite for Your Travel Advice?
As a British-based company with over 60 years of experience in the travel goods industry, we at Skyflite understand these frustrations. We've seen the rules evolve and have designed our luggage to meet the needs of modern travellers. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your single source of truth for airline baggage allowance UK rules in 2025, helping you pack smart, fly smooth, and avoid those costly surprises.
What is Airline Baggage Allowance? A Simple Breakdown
First, let's clarify the key terms you'll encounter. An airline's baggage policy is typically split into two main categories:
- Cabin Baggage (Carry-On): This is the bag you take with you into the aircraft cabin. It must fit in the overhead locker. Many airlines also permit a smaller "personal item" (like a handbag or laptop bag) that must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Checked Baggage (Hold Luggage): This is the larger luggage that you check in at the airline desk to be stored in the aircraft's hold. Allowances are based on weight, size, and the number of bags, and vary significantly based on your ticket type and destination.
Why Airline Baggage Allowances Change (And How to Stay Ahead)
Airlines frequently update their baggage policies for several reasons, including fluctuating fuel costs, varying aircraft sizes, and efforts to streamline the boarding process. Budget carriers, in particular, often use stricter, unbundled allowances as a way to keep their base ticket prices low.
The key to staying ahead is simple: always check the specific allowance for your airline and your exact fare type before you fly. Bookmarking a reliable guide like this one is your first step to staying informed.
UK Airline Baggage Allowance Quick Reference Table (2025)
This table provides an at-a-glance overview of standard allowances for the UK's most popular airlines.
| Airline | Personal Item (Free) | Cabin Bag (Paid/Included) | Standard Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 40x30x15cm (up to 23kg) | 56x45x25cm (up to 23kg) | Up to 90x75x43cm (23kg) |
| easyJet | 45x36x20cm (up to 15kg) | 56x45x25cm (up to 15kg) | Max 275cm total, 23kg |
| Ryanair | 40x25x20cm | 55x40x20cm (up to 10kg) | Max 81x119x119cm, 20kg |
| Jet2 | Small handbag/laptop bag | 56x45x25cm (up to 10kg) | Up to 3 bags, 22kg each |
| TUI | Small handbag/laptop bag | 55x40x20cm (up to 10kg) | Max 158cm total, 23kg |
| Virgin Atlantic | Small handbag/laptop bag | 56x36x23cm (up to 10kg) | 90x75x43cm (up to 23kg) |
Disclaimer:This information is correct as of our last update but is subject to change. Always confirm with your airline before travelling.
Detailed Baggage Allowance Guides for Major UK Airlines
British Airways Baggage Allowance
BA is known for one of the most generous free cabin bag allowances. All customers can bring a personal item and a larger cabin bag on board. Checked luggage is included with standard Economy fares (Euro Traveller/World Traveller) but not with "Hand Luggage Only" fares.
easyJet Baggage Allowance
easyJet includes a small under-seat personal item for all passengers. If you want to bring a larger cabin bag, you must book an "Up front" or "Extra legroom" seat or purchase it as an add-on. easyJet Plus members also get this benefit. Checked luggage is an optional extra.
Ryanair Baggage Allowance
Ryanair's policy is the most restrictive. All standard fares include only a small personal item that must fit under the seat. To bring a 10kg cabin bag, you must purchase "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags." All checked luggage must be purchased separately.
Jet2 Baggage Allowance
Jet2 allows passengers to bring one piece of hand luggage free of charge, plus a small personal item. The combined weight must not exceed 10kg. Checked luggage can be pre-booked, with allowances of up to 22kg per bag.
TUI Airways Baggage Allowance
For package holidays, TUI generally includes one piece of hand luggage (10kg) and a 20-25kg checked bag allowance per person. For flight-only bookings, checked luggage is usually an optional extra.
How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees: Expert Tips
With over six decades of experience in luggage design, we've learned a thing or two about packing efficiently. Here are our top tips.
Choose the Right Luggage
Start with a suitcase that is lightweight yet durable. A heavy case eats into your precious weight allowance before you've even packed a single sock. At Skyflite, we focus on smart design that maximises packing space without adding unnecessary weight. Furthermore, investing in quality luggage backed by a solid warranty, like our 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensures your bag can handle the rigours of travel without failing you at a critical moment.
Weigh Your Bags Before You Leave
A small, digital luggage scale is an inexpensive and invaluable tool. A quick weigh-in at home saves you from the panic and high costs of repacking at the check-in counter.
Understand Your Fare Type
"Basic Economy" or "Hand Luggage Only" fares are cheap for a reason. Be sure you know exactly what is included before you book, as adding bags at the airport is always the most expensive option.
Navigating Cabin Bag Sizes: A Critical Detail
Beyond weight, the physical dimensions of your bag are crucial. Airlines have sizing cages at the gate, and if your bag doesn't fit, you will be forced to check it in at a premium fee. This is where the details in a UK cabin bag size guide become essential. The difference of a few centimetres in a wheel or handle can be the difference between a smooth boarding and a hefty charge.
To ensure you have the most up-to-date dimensions for every major airline, we've created a dedicated resource. You can find precise measurements and airline-specific rules in our comprehensive 2025 UK cabin bag size guide.
Why Trust Skyflite for Your Travel Advice?
As a recognized British brand in the travel goods industry, Skyflite has been at the heart of UK travel for over 60 years. Our London-based team lives and breathes luggage, constantly adapting our designs to meet the ever-changing demands of air travel. Our commitment to quality, smart design, and affordability is reflected in our products and our 3.9/5 star Trustpilot rating. We believe in providing travellers with transparent, honest advice to make their journeys better.
By understanding the airline baggage allowance rules and equipping yourself with the right luggage, you can take control of your travel experience. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.