Airline Baggage Allowance Checker: Cabin Bag Size, Weight Limits & Hold Luggage Rules

Baggage rules have never been more complicated – or more expensive to get wrong. What counts as a ‘cabin bag’ on Ryanair is different from easyJet, different again from British Airways, and entirely different on Emirates or Singapore Airlines. Boarding Time's baggage allowance checker gives you the exact dimensions, weight limits, and fee structures for your specific airline and fare class – so you arrive at the airport knowing exactly what you can bring and what it'll cost.

Stop guessing. Stop gate-checking bags you could have carried on. Stop paying avoidable fees.

How to Use the Baggage Allowance Checker

1. Select your airline from the list
2. Select your fare class or ticket type (Basic, Standard, Flexi, Business etc.)
3. See the full breakdown: cabin bag dimensions, weight limit, personal item rules, and hold luggage allowance
4. Check excess baggage fees if you're over the limit
5. View tips on maximising your allowance for your specific airline

Cabin Bag Rules by Airline Type

Low-Cost Carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air)

Low-cost carriers have systematically tightened cabin bag rules over recent years. Many now charge separately for overhead bin access, allowing only a small personal item (handbag or laptop bag) in the cabin for free. A ‘priority boarding’ add-on or equivalent is often required to bring a full-size cabin bag on board without gate-checking.

Full-Service Short-Haul (British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa)

Most full-service carriers allow one cabin bag plus one personal item on short-haul routes. Weight limits typically range from 10–12kg for cabin baggage. Restrictions are less aggressively enforced than on low-cost carriers, but overhead bin space on short-haul aircraft is still limited.

Long-Haul Carriers (Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Virgin Atlantic)

Long-haul carriers are generally the most generous with baggage allowances – particularly in premium cabins. Economy allowances on long-haul typically include 23–30kg hold luggage plus a cabin bag. Business and First class allowances can reach 32–40kg per bag, with two or three pieces permitted.

Transatlantic US Carriers (Delta, United, American Airlines)

US carriers operate on a different baggage model – hold luggage is charged per piece rather than by weight on most routes. The first checked bag typically costs $30–35 each way, the second $45–50. Cabin bags are free but personal item rules are strictly enforced at US airports.

How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees

Weigh Your Bag Before You Leave

A digital luggage scale costs under £10 and saves multiples of that at the airport. Airlines are legally permitted to weigh and charge for overweight cabin bags as well as hold luggage – and airport staff at major airports do check cabin bags at the gate.

Wear Your Heaviest Items

Your clothing doesn't count toward your baggage allowance. Boots, heavy trousers, bulky jacket – wear them on the plane. This is the oldest trick in the traveller's handbook and remains entirely legitimate.

Use Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes can reduce the volume of soft items (clothing, towels, fleeces) by 30–50%. Reducing volume matters as much as reducing weight for cabin bags where dimension limits apply.

Pre-Purchase Hold Luggage Online

For low-cost carriers, adding hold luggage at the time of booking is almost always cheaper than adding it at check-in or at the airport. Some airlines charge 2–3 times the online price for airport bag drop additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my bag is overweight at the airport?

You'll be asked to pay an excess baggage fee – which can range from £12 to £75+ per kg on low-cost carriers, and flat rates of £60–200 on full-service airlines. If the bag is oversize, you may be required to check it into the hold.

Can I bring a pushchair or pram for free?

Yes – most airlines allow one pram or pushchair per travelling child to be checked free of charge, in addition to your regular luggage allowance. However, policies vary: some airlines require it to be checked at the hold, others allow it to the aircraft door. Battery-powered prams may require the battery to be removed.

Are sports equipment and musical instruments included in my allowance?

Sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, surfboards, bikes) and musical instruments typically require separate advance booking and incur additional fees – they're rarely covered by your standard allowance. Some airlines allow small musical instruments (guitars, violins) as cabin items if space permits.

What's the liquid limit for cabin bags on UK flights?

100ml per container, carried in a single clear resealable bag no larger than 1 litre. One bag per passenger. This rule applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes. Solid toiletry bars (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant) are not subject to this restriction and are worth switching to for cabin-only travel.

Can I bring lithium batteries in my hold luggage?

Most lithium batteries (including those in laptops, cameras, and power banks) must travel in your cabin bag, not your hold luggage. This is a safety regulation, not an airline policy. Spare batteries (not installed in a device) must be individually protected against short-circuiting and carried in the cabin. High-capacity power banks (over 100Wh) may require airline approval.

What's a personal item vs a cabin bag?

A personal item is a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you – typically a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. A cabin bag is larger and goes in the overhead bin. Most airlines allow one of each; low-cost carriers often charge extra for the overhead bin version and restrict free passengers to personal item only.

Do baggage rules differ on codeshare or interline flights?

Yes – this is a common source of confusion. On codeshare flights (where you book with one airline but fly on another), the baggage rules of the operating carrier generally apply, not the marketing carrier. Always check which airline is actually operating each leg of your journey and verify rules directly.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes – Boarding Time's baggage checker is completely free. No account required.

Pro Tips for Packing Within Your Allowance

• Roll clothes instead of folding – it reduces creasing and saves space, particularly for casual wear and t-shirts.
• Decant toiletries into reusable silicone bottles rather than bringing full-size products. Liquids are heavy and most destinations sell basics locally.
• Pack for 5 days and do laundry on longer trips. A week's worth of clothes for a two-week holiday nearly always fits in cabin bag-only once you've edited ruthlessly.
• Invest in lightweight luggage. A cheap suitcase can weigh 4–5kg empty. A quality lightweight case weighs 2–2.5kg – that's 2kg more contents within the same allowance.