Travel question of the day: Simon Calder on luggage restrictions

Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder

easyJet has a generous cabin baggage policy

Q Here’s my dilemma. I’m booked on a Thomas Cook package holiday, but it’s with an easyJet flight. In terms of cabin baggage, Thomas Cook says the limit is 6kg, while easyJet says there is no weight limit. It is a confusing situation. Who is right?

“VegasIII”

A I agree, it’s confusing. The Thomas Cook website promises “everything you need to know about taking baggage with you on flights with Thomas Cook Airlines and our partners,” which you’d imagine includes easyJet. But then it tells you only what the rules are for Thomas Cook Airlines: a 6kg bag with the volume of an ungenerous 44 litres, plus one of the following: a handbag, a laptop, an umbrella or a bag of duty free.

Fortunately, the only rule that counts for your flight is easyJet’s. The airline has a very generous cabin baggage policy, with an unlimited weight policy. You can pack as much as you like so long as it squeezes into 56 x 45 x 25cm, which yields a capacity of 63 litres. For many travellers this will be quite sufficient, and there is no need to pay for extra baggage – though bear in mind the liquids rule (no containers above 100ml, etc) when you are packing.

I contacted Thomas Cook to point out the conflicting information. A spokesperson for the company said: “We are very sorry to have caused confusion and appreciate your feedback on the baggage allowance information included on our website.” They confirmed that the easyJet hand baggage rules apply to everyone flying on easyJet, and added: “We are in the process of updating our website to ensure we are providing our customers with the correct baggage allowance information.”

Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder