How much hand luggage can you take on a plane? With several airlines, including easyJet and Monarch changing their fees and regulations, it’s a question we are often asked.
Helpfully, holiday extras firm Airport Parking and Hotels has done some research into the regulations and restrictions across all major airlines.
The research compares the hand baggage allowance on 25 airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic, highlighting the number of bags, dimensions and weight allowance that each passenger is permitted. The research also features any additional rules and restrictions, as well as potential costs if a passenger does not adhere to the regulations.
Of the 25 airlines surveyed, around half, 13, were found to allow two items of hand baggage; including one standard article and one personal article such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop. The remaining 12 airlines including easyJet and Ryanair, restrict passengers to strictly one item of hand luggage.
In terms of weight, among the most generous is British Airways who allow a weight limit of 23kg on all bags – with the specification that passengers must be able to lift their own bag into the overhead locker. The least generous is Monarch which only allows 5kg of hand baggage which can be used in one bag of 25cm by 40cm by 56cm or two bags whose dimensions together add up to 121cm.
Of the other airlines included in the research, 15 specify limitations in both dimensions and weight. Four airlines, American Airlines, BMI Regional, Delta Air Lines and easyJet, only regulate dimensions and not specific weight, however Japan Airlines states that the maximum weight of hand luggage must be 23kg and gives no dimensions.
EasyJet has recently introduced its Cabin Guarantee scheme which outlines that although passengers can bring hand luggage up to 126cm in total dimension, if they bring an item that is 110cm or less it is guaranteed to travel with the passenger in the overhead locker or under the seat in front. Whereas a bag of larger that 110cm may be placed in the hold if the flight is too busy, however this will be at no extra cost to the passenger.
Some airlines specify other rules when it comes to hand baggage and these are also highlighted in the research. For example, Qantas and Ryanair outline their musical instrument policy with both airlines stipulating that smaller instruments such as violins can be carried as standard hand luggage. Larger instruments may also be carried by a passenger into the cabin, however an extra seat must be booked to transport the instrument safely and comfortably.
For the full details of the survey, see www.aph.com/handbaggage.
