Airline Baggage Weight & Cost Calculator

UK Airline Baggage Guide 2024

What's the key thing to understand about Hand Baggage Allowances?

Each airline has different hand baggage rules. 2024 typical allowances: British Airways: 1 large hand bag (56×45×25cm, 23kg) + 1 personal item (handbag/laptop bag). Among most generous. Ryanair Basic: 1 small bag under seat ONLY (40×20×25cm). Anything larger MUST go in hold (£25-50). Ryanair Priority: small bag + larger cabin bag (55×40×20cm, 10kg). £6-15 add-on per flight. easyJet Basic: 1 small under-seat bag (45×36×20cm). Easier than Ryanair (slightly larger size). easyJet Plus: small bag plus a large cabin bag, priority boarding, and extra legroom all bundled into one paid upgrade tier.

What do I need to know about Hold Baggage Costs?

Hold (checked) baggage pricing varies dramatically by airline: BA: typically included in mid-tier fares. easyJet/Ryanair/Wizz: pay-per-bag basis. Ryanair: 10kg bag £15-30 pre-booking. 20kg bag £25-50. Gate-day: £30-60. easyJet: 15kg £8-20 pre-booking. 23kg £12-25. Gate-day surcharges substantial. Jet2: typically 22kg hold bag included for package holidays. £20-40 for flight-only. Wizz: similar to Ryanair. Tighter sizes and slightly more expensive. TUI: 20kg typically included on package holidays, though flight-only bookings may charge extra for hold luggage.

What's the difference between What Counts as Hand and Hold?

Hand baggage: must fit under seat OR overhead locker. Must comply with size + weight limits (varies by airline). Stays with you throughout flight. Items you NEED during flight: medication, phone, valuables. Liquids must be in 100ml containers in 1 litre clear bag. Hold baggage: checked in at check-in. Goes in aircraft hold. Reclaimed at destination. Heavier items (over hand limit). Liquids over 100ml. Sharps (scissors, razors). Anything you don't need during flight. Lithium batteries: most must travel in hand luggage rather than the hold, since a fire risk from a damaged battery can be dealt with far more quickly in the cabin than in an inaccessible hold compartment.

What do I need to know about Maximising Your Allowance?

Pre-flight: weigh your bag with bathroom scales (or luggage scale). Repack to distribute weight. Wear heaviest items (jacket, boots) onto plane. Heavy electronics in hand baggage (laptop, camera) — usually no weight limit if 1 bag total. Buy lightweight bags: 1.5-2.5kg cabin bag empty weight typical. Some 3-4kg+. The bag's weight counts. Cabin Max, Antler are leading UK lightweight brands. Multiple bags: separate items. Most airlines allow handbag + cabin bag combinations. Check what counts. Ryanair and other strict budget carriers enforce this closely at the gate, so it's worth checking the specific policy before assuming a second small bag will pass unnoticed.