Baggage allowance, weights and costs explained

We’re ready to pack our bags and get away in 2023. Unfortunately, going over your luggage allowance could lead to a hefty baggage charge. Every airline has a different baggage allowance too, which complicates things further. 

Here’s what you need to know about baggage allowances and some tips so you don’t go over your baggage weight. We’ll also look at what baggage is covered by your travel insurance.

What is baggage allowance?

Baggage allowance is the amount of baggage you’re allowed to take on the plane with you. Essentially, it’s your baggage weight limit.

Your luggage is split into 2 types: 

• Hand luggage 
• Hold luggage

You keep hand luggage with you on the plane. It’s also called ‘carry-on’ luggage or cabin baggage.

You're usually allowed 2 small bags as hand luggage. The first piece you stow away in the overhead compartment. Airlines usually specify dimensions for this and you must be able to lift it yourself.

The second piece of hand luggage must be small enough to fit under the seat in front - this could be a small handbag or rucksack. 

Hold luggage is usually your biggest bag and goes in the plane’s hold - it’s also sometimes called ‘checked' luggage.

You might get up to a certain weight free -this is usually around 23kg per passenger- but it varies between airlines. On some airlines, you can buy extra luggage weight if you think you’re going to go over the limit.

Baggage allowance by airline

What happens if my luggage is overweight?

For hold luggage, most airlines set a weight limit for single items of luggage. Usually, this is 23kg.

If your hold luggage is over and you haven’t paid for extra, you might be charged. For example, Jet2.com charges £12 per extra kilogram.

But some airlines could refuse to carry oversized hand luggage. Ryanair refuses any luggage in the cabin that’s over the allotted weight. In some cases, they charge a fee of £69.99 to store it in the hold.

Tips for not going over your luggage weight

• Always read the small print of your booking information – this should give you exact information on weights and dimensions for luggage.
• Choose lightweight luggage – older suitcases can sometimes be heavy due to the solid frames. Choose more modern luggage that uses tough but lightweight fabrics. 
• Book extra baggage allowance before you get to the airport – if you think you’re going to go over your baggage allowance it’s worth booking extra. It’s likely to be cheaper than risking it and being charged.
• Buy an extra seat – some airlines, like Ryanair, let you buy an extra seat for items that don’t fit in with the luggage dimensions. For example, musical instruments.
• Buy a luggage weight checker – weigh as you pack by getting a luggage weight checker.

Are infants allowed luggage?

This varies depending on the airline and the type of ticket you get for your infant.

You could get them a discounted ticket, which means they sit on your lap throughout the flight. Or, if this doesn’t sound appealing, you could pay full fare for them to have their own seat.

If your toddler is sharing your seat, they might have a smaller allowance, or in some cases no allowance at all. For example, Ryanair doesn’t allow hand luggage for infants who travel in their parent’s lap or in their own seat.

But the airline may allow a 5kg baby bag (dimensions: 45x35x20cm) that you can add to your cabin baggage allowance.

If you’ve bought your child their own seat, they should have the same allowance as adults. But it’s always worth checking the T&Cs on your booking. 

Some airlines might let you take a pushchair and 1 other item, like a booster seat or travel cot. Sometimes this is free of charge but it’s always worth double-checking.

If you get a family travel insurance policy, your infant's baggage should be covered if their luggage gets lost, stolen or damaged.

What can you take in hand luggage?

You can usually pack liquids in your hold bag. If you need to take liquids in your hand luggage, they can't be more than 100ml. You also need to make sure they’re in a clear plastic bag. 

The bag must:

• Not hold more than 1 litre of liquid
• Seal, not tie – it must be able to fully seal with the liquids stored in it
• Measure approximately 20 x 20 cm

Liquids include:

• All drinks, including water
• Soups, jams, honey and syrups
• Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• Shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Toothpaste
• Hair and shower gel
• Contact lens solution
• Any other solutions and items with a similar consistency

You can find the full list on GOV.UK.

Remember that you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person and you must show the bag to security.

You should be able to take liquids with you on the plane if you’ve bought them at the airport. For example, in duty-free. You must keep a receipt for these and keep them sealed in the airport’s security bag.

You’re allowed to take some liquids in your hand luggage if they’re:

• For essential medical reasons
• For special dietary requirements
• Baby food or baby milk

Is my baggage covered under my travel insurance?

Travel insurance policies cover baggage as standard. So, if your baggage is lost, stolen or damaged by accident you should be able to claim for it on your travel insurance.

You could claim from the airline instead if your cabin baggage is damaged and it was their fault. The airline might cover basic costs, for example:

• Bare essentials, like toiletries and underwear
• Some of the cost of replacing your luggage

Although you can claim from the airline, you might not be able to claim for as much as you could on a travel insurance policy.

For example, if you claim from the airline, they might pay up to £1,000 to cover the costs of your baggage. With a travel insurance policy, you might be able to claim between £1,500 and £2,000.

Make sure you check the details on your travel insurance policy. Some insurers might impose single-item value limits - for example between £200 and £300 per item.

Others might charge an excess. This is an amount you pay when you claim on your travel insurance policy. This can be up to £80, sometimes more.

But the main benefit of travel insurance is that it’s often easier to claim for your luggage compared to claiming through an airline.

Travel insurance also covers you if:

• Your luggage is lost or stolen
• Your travel plans are cancelled
• Bad weather causes flight delays
• Your airline goes bust