Cabin bag size: The most generous airlines when it comes to your luggage allowance

BA and easyJet are most generous, Thomas Cook Airlines and TUI Airways the least

(Rex)

With practically every airline charging for checking baggage into the hold on European flights, the amount of cabin luggage you are able to take is important. But which airlines are the most generous, and which the least? The Independent has awarded star ratings to the short-haul airlines you are most likely to use.

British Airways *****

How many pieces? Two

Size limit: Large bag: 56x45x25cm, 63 litres. Small bag: 40x30x15cm, 18 litres

Weight limit: 23kg each, so 46kg in total, though, to get the smaller bag up to its legal maximum would take some doing.

To note: British Airways sends texts to passengers on some busy flights offering the chance to check in cabin baggage for free. Also, the smaller piece is guaranteed to go into the cabin, provided a yellow tag is attached.

easyJet *****

How many pieces? One, plus “one standard shopping bag of duty free goods bought at the airport”

Size limit: 56x45x25cm, 63 litres

Weight limit: None: “There’s no weight limit but we do ask that you are able to lift it into the overhead locker,” says the airline

To note: easyJet Plus cardholders, travellers on flexi fare tickets or who have paid for Up Front or Extra Legroom seats can take an additional bag 45x36x20cm (32 litres).

Flybe ***

How many pieces? Two

Size limit: Large bag: 55x35x20cm, 38 litres. Small bag: “Personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag/briefcase that can fit under the seat in front of you.”

Weight limit: 10kg in total

To note: If your Flybe flight is part of a reservation made through Air France, the cabin baggage limit increases by a quarter to 55x35x25cm (48 litres).

Jet2 ****

How many pieces? Two

Size limit: Large bag: 56x45x25cm, 63 litres. Small bag: No dimensions specified; a “handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase [that] can be reasonably carried on board, either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you”.

Weight limit: Large bag: 10kg. Small bag: not specified

To note: “Subject to availability, you can pre-book ‘guaranteed cabin baggage’ for an extra charge.”

KLM ****

How many pieces? Two

Size limit? Large bag: 55x35x25cm, 48 litres. Small bag: 40x30x15cm, 18 litres

Weight limit: 12kg total

To note: If your European flight is part of an intercontinental journey, or continuing to Armenia, Belarus, Georgia or Russia, you can take a much larger bag (maximum length/breadth/height 158cm, 143 litres, weight 23kg)

Norwegian ****

How many pieces? Two

Size limit: Large bag: 55x40x23cm, 51 litres. Small bag: 25x33x20cm, 16 litres

Weight limit: 10kg total

To note: On flights to Dubai, the weight limit is reduced to 8kg. “This is due to weight restrictions on board these flights,” says the airline.

Ryanair ****

How many pieces? Two

Size limit: Large bag: 55x40x20cm, 44 litres. Small bag: 35x20x20cm, 14 litres

Weight limit: Large bag: 10kg. Small bag: not specified

To note: If you have not purchased priority boarding (£5 at time of booking, £6 if added later) or a Plus/Flexi Plus/Family Plus ticket, the larger cabin bag will be tagged at the boarding gate and placed in the hold. You must retrieve it from the baggage carousel at your final destination. You will always be able to take your smaller bag into the cabin.

Thomas Cook Airlines **

How many pieces? Two

Size limit: Large bag: 55x40x20cm, 44 litres. Small bag: “A small handbag, a laptop/tablet including case or an umbrella”

Weight limit: Large bag: 6kg. Small bag: not specified

To note: In Premium Class, the weight limit is increased to 10kg

TUI Airways (formerly Thomson Airways) *

How many pieces? One, and there’s a warning that “Things like laptops, handbags and items bought at the airport must fit within your one piece of hand luggage.”

Size limit: 55x40x20cm, 44 litres

Weight limit: 5kg

To note: “On some holidays you’re allowed 7kg – this will be clearly shown whilst you’re booking if it applies”

Wizz Air ***

How many pieces: One

Size limit: 55x40x23cm, 51 litres

Weight limit: 10kg

To note: “Priority service allows passengers to bring an additional small bag on board and place it under the seat with maximum dimensions of 40x30x18cm”