Ultimate Airline Suitcase Size Guide

Travelling can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the maze of airline luggage rules, suitcase sizes and fees can feel like a journey all in itself. The key to a smooth journey lies in understanding the specific luggage requirements of the airline you're flying with. We’re sharing the ultimate guide for luggage allowances of popular UK and European airlines and our recommended suitcases for each.

Since every airline has its own set of regulations regarding the size and weight of bags, mastering the art of packing light can save you both time and money, especially if you’re enjoying a sunny holiday abroad and don’t want to pay for extra luggage. Here are some essential tips for packing efficiently.

1. Maximise Space: Roll clothes instead of folding, use packing cubes, and fill shoes with small items.

2. Avoid Extra Fees: Always weigh your luggage at home and compare it against your airline's specific restrictions.

3. Alternative Options: Consider whether it's cheaper to pay for extra luggage if you’re travelling for an extended holiday, or if some items, like clothing, shoes or toiletries, could be left at home and replaced at your destination to save on space.

Many travellers find themselves facing additional charges due to oversights in understanding the specific size and weight restrictions set by their airline. It’s important to plan meticulously and adhere to airline guidelines to avoid unnecessary expenses.

1. Misjudging Dimensions: Measuring your luggage accurately is crucial to ensure it meets airline size requirements and avoids extra fees. Here's a brief guide on how to properly measure your luggage:

• Use a Flat Surface: Place your luggage on a flat surface, like on a table or against a wall to ensure accuracy.

• Use a Tape Measure: A flexible tape measure is ideal for getting the most accurate measurements, especially for soft-sided luggage that can bulge.

• Measure Dimensions:

Height: Measure from the bottom to the top of the suitcase, including any wheels and handles.

Length: Measure the longest side of the suitcase from one end to the other.

Width (Depth): Measure the thickness from front to back at the widest point.

2. Assuming Uniformity Across Airlines: Not all airlines are created equal, so it’s best to always check the luggage policy of the airline you're flying with, as rules and fees can vary significantly.

3. Ignoring Weight Limits: Overweight bags can lead to hefty fees at the airport, so it's crucial to stay within limits. Use a bathroom scale or a specific luggage scale to weigh your bags before getting to the airport.

Navigating the diverse and often stringent luggage requirements of airlines can be one of the trickier aspects of travel preparation. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can navigate airline luggage restrictions with ease, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

1. Ryanair Luggage Requirements

• Carry-On Luggage: Ryanair allows one small bag on board (40cm x 20cm x 25cm) free of charge. For larger cabin bags (55cm x 40cm x 20cm, up to 10kg), you must purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or a Flexi Plus ticket.

• Checked Luggage: There’s an option to add a 10kg Check-in Bag or a larger 20kg Check-in Bag to their booking. For those requiring more luggage, up to three 20kg checked bags can be purchased. The max dimensions of a 20kg Check-in bag are 80 x120cm x120cm.

• Additional Fees: For excess baggage, the price is €14 (£12) per kilo. It's essential to pre-book extra luggage online to save on costs and make sure that your travel bags are within the size limits.

2. Wizz Air Luggage Requirements

• Carry-On Luggage: One carry-on bag (40cm x 30cm x 20cm) up to 10kg is allowed on board for free. A larger cabin bag (55cm x 40cm x 23cm) up to 10kg requires a WIZZ Priority purchase.

• Checked Luggage: Wizz Air allows passengers to check in luggage with dimensions up to 149cm x 119cm x 171cm, offering options for 10kg, 20kg, 26kg, and 32kg checked bags. Passengers can check-in up to 6 pieces of luggage, but only in one weight category.

• Additional Fees: Exceeding pre-booked luggage allowances leads to extra charges of €13 (£11) per kilo.

3. British Airways Luggage Requirements

• Carry-On Luggage: Allows one cabin bag (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) up to 23kg and one small cabin bag (40cm x 30cm x 15cm) up to 23kg for free.

• Checked Luggage: Free checked baggage allowance varies by ticket type (Economy and above) but generally includes bags up to 90cm x 75cm x 43cm. Economy allows one 23kg checked baggage and two 23kg bags for Premium Economy. Business passengers can check in up to two 32kg bags and First flyers up to three 32kg bags.

• Additional Fees: Overweight or extra bags will incur fees. If a single bag weighs over the allowed limit which is 23kg, there will be a heavy bag fee of €75 (£65). In some places, additional taxes and charges may apply.

4. EasyJet Luggage Requirements

• Carry-On Luggage: All passengers can bring one small cabin bag (45cm x 36cm x 20cm) up to 15kg, stored under the seat. Larger cabin bags (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) up to 15kg are only guaranteed for customers who either purchase a large cabin bag allowance, hold an easyJet Plus membership, or have opted for the Flexi fare.

• Checked Luggage: Checked baggage can weigh up to 15kg or 23kg, with the option to buy extra weight in 3kg increments, up to a maximum of 32kg and 275cm for total size.

• Additional Fees: There’s a charge of €14 (£12) per kilo for bags exceeding size and weight limits.

5. Jet2 Luggage Requirements

• Carry-On Luggage: Permits one piece of cabin baggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm, up to 10kg) and one small, personal item for free.

• Checked Luggage: Customers can check up to three 22kg bags, with the option to purchase an additional weight allowance. Any single-hold bag that weighs more than 32kg is not allowed.

• Additional Fees: Jet2 charges €14 (£12) per kilo if your bag weighs between 22kg and 32kg.

Equip yourself with the right luggage and travel accessories! Explore our wide range of travel luggage at Nere to ensure comfort, security, and convenience for every airline.