Which bags can you take on a plane for free?
Small bags, underseat bags, cabin bags, overhead bags, checked bags… airline baggage rules are endless, and often confusing. But what can you take on a plane this summer? And are there any free options? From crucial dimensions, to the luggage hacks which will transform your packing experience, travel expert Chelsea Dickenson is here to tell us more.
What are the 3 types of bags you can take on a plane?
Small Cabin Bag (Also known as a small personal item, carry on bag or small item).
Large Cabin Bag.
*Both of the above come with you and are on your person on the plane.
Check In Bag (Which you check in before security).
What is a small cabin bag?
A small cabin bag is the smallest bag you take on a plane - usually a hand bag or backpack though there are a few suitcases that do fit too.
This is the only 'free' baggage allowed on Ryanair, WizzAir and easyJet.
What are the sizes for each airline?
Ryanair (40 x 25 x 20cm)
Wizz Air (40 x 30 x 20cm, Max 10kg)
EasyJet (45 x 36 x 20cm, Max 15kg)
This is a bag that's supposed to sit under the seat in front of you.
They may get you to prove it fits by fitting it inside their 'baggage sizers'
Do all airlines allow small cabin bags for free?
Yes - so far, there is no airline that charges for a small cabin bag. At the very least, you will get this size included for free.
What about a large cabin bag. How big is this?
This bag should fit in the overhead bins above your seat on the plane. It's often a suitcase but a large backpack works in this size too.
The size allowance varies on different airlines with this as well?
British Airways (56 x 45 x 25cm & up to 23kg)
Jet2 (56cm x 45cm x 25cm & up to 10kg)
TUI (Large - 55x40x20cm & up to 10kg)
But large cabin bags usually cost extra?
Most of the major airlines charge you extra to take a large cabin bag including easyJet, Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Costs vary, and start from £5.99 - but they can get as expensive as £61 for one way.
There is one airline where you can get your large cabin bag for free - but there's a catch?
You get this included free on Virgin Atlantic, as long as it is within the dimensions: 23 x 36 x 56cm, weighing up to 10kg. But with Virgin, you can't take a small cabin bag as well.
What about airlines which let you take both a small and large cabin bag?
There are also airlines that let you take a small cabin bag AND a large cabin bag, such as Tui, British Airways and Jet2.
And of course there's the check-in bag. And these are more about their weight?
A check in bag is less about the dimensions - you can check in a variety of bag sizes and actually more about the weight.
Which are rarely free?
Almost NONE of the major airlines include this for 'free' on a flight only booking, apart from some very specific Virgin Atlantic flights.
But, these could be included in the price of a package holiday?
When booking a package holiday you may have a check-in bag included. However, in this case you may find they take away your small cabin bag option, so again it's always key to double check your specific flights.
What about prams and buggies? Can you take these on board for free?
Most airlines allow you to check in 2 essential infant items which can include prams, travel cots, booster seats, car seats and baby back carriers.
Can they be taken on board the plane?
Prams can sometimes be taken on board if they are collapsible and meet hand luggage dimensions - though often you have to pay for this.
Most airlines don't have a weight restriction on your pushchair - though Jet2's is 10kg for all baby items - and so as long as everything is secure, there could be a hack here!
Do you get any free luggage allowance for babies and children?
If you have booked a seat for your infant or child, they will get the same luggage allowance as a paying adult. Infants on laps have free luggage allowance.
Chelsea's space-saving luggage hacks
1. Boots' click and collect service:
Boots have a tailored 'Reserve & Collect' service at airports to guarantee your items from before you fly.
Visit the Boots website to buy your items and collect them in store after security. + Orders should be made 5-6 days in advance to guarantee arrival.
2. Prevent leakages with one simple trick:
As your luggage moves around during flights, leakage is likely to happen. But there's a genius solution: putting cling film under toiletry bottle lids. Simply remove the caps, put a small cling wrap around the opening, and seal the bottle off.
3. Keeping your clothes fresh & smelling good:
Hanging up your clothes whenever possible is not always practical.
So, if you put scented dryer sheets in your suitcase, it will keep things smelling fresh. Cedar chips are your best friends if you prefer a more natural solution.
If you are wearing perfume or cologne, remember: less is more. Overdoing it may impact how your clothes smell, especially in the enclosed s