If you are planning to travel by air any time soon it may be a good idea to brush up on the new hand luggage rules before booking your ticket.
Hand luggage only tickets are a great way to save money, but with size and weight restrictions, not to mention cost, constantly altering passengers could find themselves facing a hefty fine at the airport.
As well as issuing fines for suitcases that exceed the luggage allowance, some airlines have a restriction on the number of cabin bags allowed in the aircraft and will ask for luggage to be placed in the hold – free of charge.
Having to place hand luggage in the hold may not be an issue for most but those carrying valuables, including gadgets and laptops, may not be keen on the idea.
Personal possessions, usually electrical items, jewellery, watches and eyewear, that have been placed in the hold are classed as ‘unattended’ and will not be covered by most travel insurance policies.
It’s worth noting if you are carrying gadgets, they are often not covered as standard on many travel insurance policies, some providers will ask for an additional premium to be paid for a gadget extension. However, there are some companies that will offer cover for gadgets as standard, you can read more here.
The latest change to hand luggage comes from Ryanair, from November 2018 passengers will be charged for any cabin luggage weighing over 10kg but will be allowed to carry on a small bag without paying a cost – as long as it fits under the seat in front.
EasyJet are slightly more lenient and allow their passengers to take one bag into the cabin as long as it is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. There is no weight limit on hand luggage.
Jet2 allow one cabin bag, not exceeding 55cm x 35cm x 20cm, and one small bag into the cabin but both together must not weigh more than 10kg.
British Airways hand luggage allowance will depend on the destination you are travelling to, so it is best to check with the airline at the time of booking. Passengers are usually allowed to carry one cabin bag, no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, and one smaller bag, no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm – both with a limit of 23kg each.
Thomas Cook only allow cabin bags weighing less than 6kg into the aircraft and the size must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
Tui allows their passengers to carry one bag into the cabin, as long as it does not exceed 5kg in weight.
Before booking your airline ticket, check the airlines individual restrictions are suitable for your needs.