When planning your travels, understanding each airline’s baggage policy is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey. In 2025, major UK airlines like EasyJet, British Airways (BA), and others have updated their baggage allowances and fees. Here’s a comprehensive overview to help you navigate these changes.
EasyJet Baggage Policy
EasyJet has recently revised its baggage policy, particularly for city break packages. As of August 7, 2024, the airline no longer includes a 23-kg checked luggage allowance in the package price. Instead, passengers can opt to add hold luggage for an additional fee. Flight-only ticket holders are not affected by this change. For city breaks, passengers are now limited to bringing only an under-seat cabin bag, with options to purchase larger cabin bags or hold luggage. Prices for additional luggage start at £5.99 one way for large cabin bags and £9.49 one way for 23kg bags.
British Airways Baggage Policy
British Airways offers a more generous baggage allowance compared to many budget airlines. Economy passengers are permitted to bring one personal item (up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm) and one cabin bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 23kg. Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the fare type and destination. For instance, Economy Basic fares do not include checked baggage, while other Economy fares include one checked bag. Premium Economy and Business Class passengers are allowed two checked bags, and First-Class passengers can check in three bags.
Ryanair Baggage Policy
Ryanair is known for its stringent baggage policies. Each passenger can bring one small cabin bag (up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm) included in the ticket price. To bring a larger cabin bag (up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm), passengers must purchase the “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” option. Checked baggage can be added for an additional fee, with options for 10kg or 20kg bags. It’s important to note that Ryanair charges for both cabin and checked baggage, and fees can vary depending on the route and booking time.
Jet2 Baggage Policy
Jet2 allows passengers to bring one under-seat bag and one cabin bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 10kg included in the ticket price. Checked baggage can be purchased for an additional fee, with options for 22kg bags. Jet2 also offers the option to pre-book “Guaranteed Cabin Luggage” for an extra charge, ensuring that your hand baggage remains in the cabin and doesn’t need to be checked in.
TUI Airways Baggage Policy
TUI Airways permits each passenger to bring one item of under-seat hand baggage and one cabin bag (up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm) with a maximum weight of 10kg included in the ticket price. Checked baggage can be purchased in addition to the ticket, with standard allowances of 20kg. TUI also allows passengers to pool their luggage allowance with others on the same booking, provided no single bag exceeds 25kg.
Virgin Atlantic Baggage Policy
Virgin Atlantic’s baggage policy varies depending on the cabin class. Economy passengers are allowed one under-seat bag and one cabin bag (up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm) with a maximum weight of 10kg. Upper-class passengers can bring a second cabin bag with a maximum weight of 16kg. Checked baggage allowances also vary, with Economy Classic and Delight fares including one item of checked baggage (up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm) at a maximum weight of 23kg. Premium and Upper-Class passengers can bring two checked bags.
Tips for Managing Baggage Allowances
- Plan Ahead: Before booking, review the baggage policies of your chosen airline to understand what’s included and what requires additional fees.
- Weigh Your Luggage: Use a luggage scale to ensure your bags are within the weight limits to avoid excess baggage fees.
- Pack Smart: Utilise packing cubes to maximise space and keep your belongings organised. This can help you fit more into your luggage and stay within weight limits.
- Consider Alternatives: If you prefer not to check in luggage, consider using a cabin bag that fits under the seat in front of you. However, be aware that some airlines are reducing the space available under seats, which may affect your ability to store larger cabin bags.
- Stay Informed: Airline policies can change, so it’s essential to check the latest baggage allowances and fees before your trip.
Conclusion
Understanding the baggage policies of your chosen airline is vital for a hassle-free travel experience. While budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair offer lower base fares, they often charge additional baggage fees. In contrast, full-service airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic may include more generous baggage allowances in their ticket prices. Always review the specific baggage policies of your airline before booking to ensure you pack appropriately and avoid unexpected costs.
Once your flight is booked, the next step is ensuring that your airport transfer is smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re heading to Birmingham Airport, Heathrow, or Gatwick, you can rely on XRide for an affordable and efficient transfer. From a cheap taxi to Birmingham airportvv to Luton airport taxi or cheap taxi Manchestervv, XRide offers competitive pricing, so you can enjoy a comfortable journey to your destination without the hassle of airport parking or public transport.
Book your airport transfer Edinburgh, taxi service London, or Gatwick airport pick up today with XRide and enjoy a hassle-free start to your journey. Let us take care of your airport transport needs so you can focus on what matters most—your trip.
