How to Avoid Baggage Fees: The Complete Guide for UK Travellers

Baggage fees have become one of the most frustrating parts of modern travel. UK airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air have made checked luggage an expensive add-on — but with the right strategy, you can avoid them entirely.

1. Master the Cabin Luggage Rules

Every airline has different size and weight limits. The key is knowing them before you book — not at the gate. For a full breakdown by airline, read our best cabin bags guide for easyJet, British Airways and Jet2.

• Ryanair — 40 x 20 x 25cm (free personal item) or 55 x 40 x 20cm (priority boarding required)
• easyJet — 45 x 36 x 20cm (under seat, free) or 56 x 45 x 25cm (overhead, paid)
• British Airways — 56 x 45 x 25cm (free in most fares)
• Jet2 — 56 x 45 x 25cm (free, up to 10kg)

Investing in a cabin-sized hard-shell suitcase means you'll never pay for hold luggage on short-haul flights again. Our Kono 15" Cabin Suitcase at £24.99 is the perfect starting point — or browse our full cabin size luggage collection. Not sure which size to choose? Read our complete suitcase size guide.

2. Pack Smarter, Not More

• Roll clothes instead of folding — saves up to 30% more space
• Use packing cubes to compress and organise
• Wear your heaviest items on the plane
• Limit shoes to two pairs maximum

For a full packing strategy, read our ultimate weekend packing guide. Travelling with family? Our family holiday packing guide covers how to manage luggage for four without paying a fortune in fees.

3. Ship Your Luggage Ahead

For longer trips where you can't travel light, shipping ahead is often cheaper than airline fees. Send My Bag is one of the UK's most trusted luggage shipping services — send a suitcase door-to-door for less than the cost of a checked bag.

👉 Get a quote from Send My Bag

4. Book Baggage in Advance

If you do need to check a bag, always add it at booking — airlines charge 2–3x more at the airport. A little preparation saves a lot of money. If you're going to check a bag, make sure it's a good one — read our guide to why durable luggage matters before you buy.

5. Consider a Luggage Set

If you travel regularly with different trip lengths, a luggage set gives you a cabin case, medium, and large suitcase in one purchase — so you always have the right size for the right trip, without overpaying for hold luggage on short breaks. Read our luggage set buying guide for more detail.