Complete Airline Luggage & Baggage Guide
Everything you need to know about carry-on luggage, checked baggage, airline allowances, luggage sizes, weight limits, liquids, batteries and what you can take on your flight.
Compare Airline Baggage Allowances
Compare two airlines side by side before you pack. Check cabin baggage, checked luggage, special-item information and basic economy baggage rules using the interactive comparison tool below.
Baggage allowances can vary by route, fare, cabin class and operating carrier. Use the comparison as a planning guide and confirm the final allowance shown on your booking or directly with your airline before travel.
Understanding Airline Luggage Rules
Airline baggage rules can be confusing because there is no single luggage allowance that applies to every flight. Your baggage allowance can depend on the airline, route, fare type, cabin class and ticket conditions.
Before travelling, always check the baggage information provided by your airline and the airport you are travelling through. This is especially important if you are taking unusual items, sports equipment, medical equipment, batteries or large quantities of liquids.
- Your airline's cabin baggage allowance.
- Your airline's checked baggage allowance.
- The maximum dimensions and weight permitted.
- Whether your fare includes checked luggage.
- Airport security rules for liquids and other items.
- Rules for batteries, power banks and electronic devices.
- Special requirements for sports or oversized equipment.
- Rules that apply to children and infants.
Carry-On & Hand Luggage
Carry-on luggage, also known as cabin baggage or hand luggage, is the baggage you take with you into the aircraft cabin. Airlines may have different rules for the number, size and weight of cabin bags allowed.
Cabin Suitcase
A small suitcase may be allowed in the overhead locker, depending on your airline, fare and aircraft.
Personal Item
Some airlines allow an additional smaller item that fits beneath the seat in front of you. Check the airline's dimensions.
Important Items
Keep important travel documents, medication, valuables and items you may need during the journey accessible.
Cabin baggage limits are not universal. An airline may apply a particular maximum size, weight or number of bags, and some fares may include less baggage than others.
Checked Luggage
Checked luggage is handed to the airline before security or at the airline's bag drop and transported in the aircraft hold. Your ticket may include checked baggage, or you may need to purchase it separately.
What to Pack in Checked Luggage
Checked luggage is generally suitable for clothing, shoes, toiletries and other permitted items that you do not need during the flight.
What to Keep With You
Keep important documents, valuables, essential medication and suitable electronic or battery-powered items accessible according to the applicable airline and safety rules.
- Put your name and contact details on the outside of the bag.
- Consider placing additional identification inside the luggage.
- Keep valuable or irreplaceable items out of checked luggage.
- Photograph your luggage before checking it in.
- Keep your baggage receipt or tag information until your journey is complete.
- Check the bag's weight before leaving for the airport.
Airline Baggage Allowances
Your baggage allowance can vary according to the airline, route, ticket type and cabin class. Some tickets include checked baggage, while others may only include a cabin bag or personal item.
| Baggage Type | What It Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | A smaller bag that may be stored underneath the seat. | Maximum dimensions and whether it is included in your fare. |
| Cabin Bag | A larger hand-luggage bag usually stored in an overhead locker. | Size, weight, number of bags and fare restrictions. |
| Checked Bag | A suitcase or bag transported in the aircraft hold. | Number of bags, maximum weight, dimensions and additional fees. |
| Special Baggage | Items such as sports equipment, musical instruments or oversized luggage. | Advance notification, packing requirements and airline approval. |
Do not assume that another passenger's allowance applies to your ticket. Check the baggage allowance attached to your own booking.
Luggage Size & Weight Limits
Airlines can set different size and weight limits for cabin and checked baggage. Bags that exceed the permitted limits may be subject to additional charges, special handling or other restrictions.
Measure Your Bag
Check the airline's published maximum dimensions and measure your luggage according to the airline's instructions.
Weigh Your Bag
Use a luggage scale before travelling so you can avoid surprises at airport check-in.
Check Your Fare
Different ticket types and cabin classes can have different baggage allowances.
Some international baggage systems use a maximum combined dimension based on length + width + height. A commonly used maximum is 158 cm (62 in), but you should always check the specific airline and route requirements before travelling.
Liquids, Toiletries & Cosmetics
Liquids, aerosols and gels are subject to aviation security rules. The exact procedure can depend on the airport and current security requirements.
Toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, creams, gels, perfume and similar products may be treated as liquids for security purposes.
Hand Luggage
At UK security checkpoints, containers larger than 100ml are not permitted through security in hand baggage under current UK rules.
Checked Luggage
Larger quantities may be suitable for checked baggage where permitted, subject to applicable dangerous-goods and airline rules.
Security procedures can vary between airports and can change. Always check the current airport guidance before packing liquids in your hand luggage.
Electronics, Batteries & Power Banks
Battery-powered devices require particular attention when flying. Lithium batteries can present a fire risk if damaged, short-circuited or incorrectly packed.
Phones & Tablets
Keep important personal electronics accessible and follow the airline's instructions for use and storage during the flight.
Laptops & Cameras
These are generally best kept in cabin baggage where practical, particularly when you need them during your journey.
Power Banks
Spare lithium batteries and power banks must not be placed in checked baggage and should be carried in the cabin where permitted.
- Spare lithium batteries should be protected against short circuits.
- Power banks are treated as spare batteries and should be carried in hand luggage.
- Battery limits can depend on the watt-hour rating.
- Batteries above certain ratings may require airline approval.
- Some battery-powered devices have additional restrictions.
- If cabin baggage is taken at the gate and placed in the hold, remove spare batteries and power banks first.
Battery rules can vary depending on the device, battery size, airline and destination. Check with your airline before travelling with large batteries, drones, e-bikes, mobility equipment or unusual battery-powered devices.
What Can You Take on a Plane?
Not every item can be carried in cabin or checked baggage. Some items are prohibited completely, while others may only be permitted under specific conditions or with airline approval.
Sharp Objects
Knives, blades and other sharp objects may be restricted in cabin baggage. Check the applicable airport and airline rules.
Flammable Items
Fuels, certain chemicals, flammable substances and other dangerous goods can be prohibited or restricted.
Sports Equipment
Large sports equipment may require special handling, advance notification or additional charges.
Medical Equipment
Essential medicines are generally important to keep accessible, while some medical equipment may require advance arrangements.
Camping Equipment
Camping stoves, fuel containers and other outdoor equipment can have specific dangerous-goods restrictions.
Battery-Powered Equipment
Devices containing lithium batteries can have specific cabin, checked-baggage and approval requirements.
Airport security and airlines can refuse items considered dangerous even if you expected them to be permitted. Check the airline and departure airport before travelling with unusual or restricted items.
Special, Oversized & Sports Baggage
Some items cannot be treated like ordinary suitcases. Airlines may have separate procedures for transporting sports equipment, musical instruments, wheelchairs and other oversized or specialist items.
Golf Equipment
Golf clubs and associated equipment may need to be packed in a suitable protective bag and checked as special baggage.
Bicycles
Bicycles may have special packaging, size and advance-booking requirements.
Ski Equipment
Skis, snowboards and winter sports equipment may be subject to separate baggage policies.
Musical Instruments
Smaller instruments may sometimes be carried in the cabin while larger instruments may require a separate seat or checked baggage.
Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids
Mobility aids are subject to specific airline and safety procedures. Contact the airline in advance when travelling with powered equipment.
Oversized Bags
Large or unusually shaped baggage may need advance arrangements and can involve additional charges.
Flying With Children & Families
Families should check baggage rules carefully because allowances for children and infants can differ from adult allowances.
Baby Equipment
Pushchairs, car seats, travel cots and other baby equipment may have separate airline rules. Check whether each item can be taken to the aircraft door, carried into the cabin or must be checked.
Children's Baggage
Do not assume that a child automatically receives the same baggage allowance as an adult. Check the conditions attached to the booking.
Lost, Delayed or Damaged Luggage
If your luggage does not arrive or appears damaged, report the issue to the airline as soon as possible and keep the relevant baggage documentation.
Report the Problem
Contact the airline or baggage service desk at the airport and report delayed, missing or damaged luggage.
Keep Your Baggage Information
Keep your baggage tag, boarding pass and any reference number supplied when you report the problem.
Keep Relevant Receipts
If you need to purchase essential replacement items because baggage is delayed, keep receipts and check the airline's claim procedure.
Check Your Rights
Baggage rights and compensation procedures can depend on the circumstances, airline, route and applicable passenger-rights rules.
Airline Luggage Checklist
Use this checklist before leaving for the airport.
Smart Airline Luggage Tips
Check Before You Pack
Review your airline's current baggage policy before deciding what luggage to take.
Weigh at Home
A small luggage scale can help you avoid unexpected excess baggage charges at the airport.
Keep Essentials Accessible
Keep documents, medication and important personal items easy to reach during your journey.
Protect Your Bag
Use suitable luggage protection and avoid packing fragile or irreplaceable items in checked baggage.
Leave Room for Changes
Airline and airport procedures can change, so check the latest information shortly before your trip.
Arrive Prepared
Having your baggage allowance and documentation ready can make airport check-in easier.
Airline Luggage FAQs
How much luggage can I take on a plane?
There is no single allowance for every flight. Your allowance can depend on the airline, route, fare and cabin class. Check your booking and the airline's current baggage policy.
What is the difference between carry-on and checked luggage?
Carry-on luggage travels with you in the aircraft cabin, while checked luggage is handed to the airline and transported in the aircraft hold.
Can I take a handbag as well as cabin luggage?
Some airlines allow a personal item in addition to a cabin bag, while others have different restrictions. Check your specific fare and airline.
Can I take a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and should be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage, subject to the applicable rules.
Can I take liquids in my hand luggage?
Liquids are subject to airport security restrictions. In the UK, containers larger than 100ml are currently not permitted through security in hand baggage. Always check the latest rules for your departure airport.
Can I take medication in my hand luggage?
Essential medication can generally be carried in hand luggage, but additional arrangements may apply to larger quantities, medical equipment or certain medicines. Check with the airline and airport when necessary.
What happens if my suitcase is too heavy?
The airline may charge an excess baggage fee, require you to repack your luggage or apply other handling arrangements depending on its policy.
Can I take sports equipment on a flight?
Many airlines accept sports equipment, but special baggage rules, charges, size limits and advance notification may apply.
Can I take a laptop in checked luggage?
Battery-powered electronic devices are generally better carried in cabin baggage. If an electronic device containing a lithium battery is placed in checked baggage, specific safety requirements apply.
What should I do if my luggage is missing?
Report the missing or delayed luggage to the airline's baggage service team as soon as possible and keep your baggage tag and report reference.
Do children have the same luggage allowance as adults?
Not necessarily. Children and infants can have different baggage allowances depending on the airline and ticket conditions.
Should I check my airline's luggage rules before every trip?
Yes. Baggage allowances and safety requirements can change, and different airlines, routes and airports can have different rules.
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