Holidaymakers need to watch out as airlines clamp down on hand luggage limits, and those who don't measure up could be hit with charges as steep as £70. Carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and TUI will be on the lookout for any bags that exceed size and weight restrictions at the gate as more people jet off abroad this summer.
To sidestep these fees, travellers should check their bag dimensions before heading to the airport if travelling light with a cabin case. While hand luggage allowances can vary by airline, most tickets typically include a cabin bag within the fare.
For those looking to ensure their luggage makes the cut, is a 'handy' travel tool, boasting 'easy' operation and precise measurements up to 50kg. Currently available for just £9.40, this gadget has garnered close to 50,000 reviews, earning an impressive 4.8 out of five stars.
Satisfied customers rave about the scale's simplicity and precision, with one reviewer noting its accuracy to 0.05kg. Its compact design, robust strap, and solid build have also won over many, who deem it a worthy investment, especially for airport use.
Users praise its practicality, with one pointing out its efficiency in weighing suitcases and another commending its utility for checking laundry weights, . Yet, not all feedback is glowing; one customer complained: "Not of good quality! Not efficient, it takes a long time to measure." Another added: "Not as big as shown in the catalogue and not working."
Passengers who have booked flights with checked-in luggage must follow certain rules to avoid unexpected fees at the check-in desk. Here is a summary of some of the top-rated cases that match the hand luggage rules for Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and EasyJet, .
Jet2. This bag must not exceed 10kg and can measure up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, including any wheels and handles.
For instance, the fits if selecting the Cabin option (£21, down from £30). It comes in a variety of colours and shoppers claim it is "absolutely brilliant" and a "bargain" but others found the shell "wasn't thick enough" to prevent damaging items inside.
Jet2 passengers are also allowed to bring a small personal item, such as a handbag, provided it fits under the seat in front of them on the plane. Holidaymakers who exceed their baggage limits could face a charge of £12 per extra kg.
EasyJet, with the airline only allowing customers to bring a small personal bag on board free of charge. Unless passengers pay extra for an upgrade, they'll need to fit all their holiday essentials into a 15kg bag no larger than 45 x 36 x 20cm, including any wheels and handles like this .
EasyJet's £48 excess luggage fee is one of the highest among the major budget airlines, so passengers will want to avoid any unexpected costs. (£37.34). Shoppers have praised this case as "robust" and capable of "packing a lot in", though some have reported issues with "stiff wheels" and "broken zips".
RyanairRyanair is notorious for its luggage restrictions, often requiring passengers to place their bags in a measuring crate to ensure they comply with the airline's requirements. Those flying with Ryanair are limited to a small personal bag no larger than 40 x 20 x 25cm, .
Passengers can opt to pay extra for Priority Boarding, which allows them to carry an additional 10kg hand luggage bag with dimensions up to 55 x 40 x 20cm. .
Ryanair passengers whose bags exceed these limits could face a charge of £48 per hand luggage bag or £70 if their 10kg suitcase is oversized. .
TUIFor those flying with TUI, a 10kg bag is allowed on board as standard. The permitted dimensions for TUI's hand luggage are 55 x 40 x 20cm, .
Travellers have shared mixed feelings in their luggage reviews, with one customer said: "Nice and spacious and lightweight suitcase. Able to fit quite a lot, so good if you're planning on taking or bringing back lots of things on holiday, etc Would definitely recommend. I've been using it luggage for over 15 years, can't go wrong."
Another satisfied shopper added: "Good purchase, good value for money, holds lots and very lightweight." Meanwhile, another traveller said: "I LOVE the colour. It's a bright turquoise (much nicer in real life than on the screen in my opinion) and honestly makes me so happy to travel with it."
However, not everyone shared this enthusiasm, as one person reported: "One of the wheels wore through and broke after only a couple of uses. Not very robust." Similarly, an unsatisfied customer said: "It is absolutely not practical to use."
Holidaymakers are reminded that they may carry a small personal item such as a handbag or briefcase aboard, which should fit comfortably under the seat. Yet, there's a twist for those jetting off with TUI on a package holiday - they're automatically allowed at least 20kg of checked luggage.
Beware the added costs when travelling without checked-in baggage allowance though, as TUI will charge for any excess weight beyond the hand luggage limit, with fees ranging from £14 to £18 per extra kilo based on how long you'll be in the air.