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

How can a UK traveller avoid unexpected baggage charges? Start by checking what is included in the flight you have actually booked. A bag that fits one airline's overhead locker may be a paid extra on another fare, and even a small bag must meet its size and packed-weight rules.

1. Check your allowance before choosing a bag

Read your booking confirmation and the operating airline's latest baggage guidance before buying or packing luggage. Check which under-seat, overhead and checked bags are included or must be added, their full dimensions and packed weights, and any connecting flight. Measure the bag including wheels and handles where required, and weigh it after packing.

• Ryanair: one free under-seat personal bag up to 40 × 30 × 20cm. Priority & 2 Cabin Bags includes an additional overhead bag up to 55 × 40 × 20cm and 10kg. Check your booking.
• easyJet: one free under-seat bag up to 45 × 36 × 20cm and 15kg. A large overhead bag up to 56 × 45 × 25cm and 15kg must be booked or included through an applicable fare or membership benefit; do not assume it is included with a seat.
• British Airways: a guaranteed under-seat hand bag up to 40 × 30 × 15cm and a cabin bag up to 56 × 45 × 25cm that may need to go in the hold. Check partner-airline rules separately.
• Jet2.com: one main hand-luggage bag up to 56 × 45 × 25cm and 10kg for passengers other than infants, plus one under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 20cm. On busy flights the main bag may go in the hold.
• Wizz Air: one free under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 20cm and 10kg; WIZZ Priority permits an additional overhead trolley bag up to 55 × 40 × 23cm and 10kg. Check the bundle on your booking.

Airline rules can change, so confirm the current details with your operator before travel. These figures are a starting point, not a guarantee of acceptance or a promise that a particular case will save fees. For a comparison of three UK airlines, read our Jet2, easyJet and British Airways cabin-bag guide.

2. Pack to the trip you are taking

Lay out your clothes and travel essentials before filling the case, then remove items you do not expect to use. Try rolling or folding according to the garment and available space; neither method guarantees a particular percentage of space saved. Packing cubes can help organise categories, but they do not automatically reduce the packed weight or volume. Keep medicines, documents and valuables accessible in a bag permitted by your airline.

See our weekend packing guide or family packing guide for more ideas.

3. Compare baggage costs before departure

If you need a checked or extra cabin bag, compare the current price shown during booking or in Manage Booking with the airline's current airport charges. Several airlines say adding a bag online before travel can cost less than paying at the airport, but the price and deadline vary. Check the price and deadline on your booking rather than assuming a fixed saving.

4. Choose a case that fits your plans

A cabin case may work for a short trip when its size, packed weight and bag entitlement suit your booking. A luggage set can offer several sizes for different trips, but it is not automatically cheaper than individual cases or a substitute for buying checked baggage when needed. Compare current product prices and the full dimensions of each piece; read our luggage set guide if you are considering one.

Travel Smarter with Neil's Luggage Store.