Michael Turner
Buy your checked bag when you book. Prices rise at each sales point: online advance fares are generally the cheapest, airport counters are highest, and last-minute add-ons via mobile can also be costly. Choose a 23 kg allowance for standard suitcases unless you travel with heavy equipment – common weight tiers offered by the carrier are 15 kg, 23 kg and 32 kg.
Size and weight limits matter: the usual maximum linear size is 275 cm (height + width + depth) and the per-piece weight cap is 32 kg. Overweight or oversized pieces trigger surcharge bands; expect a sharp fee increase once you exceed the purchased allowance. For multi-piece bookings, add each item separately in your reservation to lock in lower rates.
Check-in and drop-off timings affect feasibility: add checked items online up to 2 hours before departure, then present them at the bag-drop desk within the carrier’s published cut-off (check printed confirmation for the exact minute). Pack valuables and travel documents in your carry-on; declared pieces going into the aircraft hold cannot be accessed during the flight and insurance claims require receipts and photos.
Optimize costs and avoid delays: weigh and measure your suitcase at home; consolidate to a single 23 kg case if possible; buy the allowance for the return leg at the same time if round-trip; keep prohibited items out of checked pieces; label both inside and outside the case. If you need specific rules for sports equipment or fragile goods, purchase the dedicated excess category when booking and print the confirmation to present at check-in.
Checked-bag allowances and practical rules
Pre-book a checked bag online to save up to 60% compared with airport rates and to guarantee space; add or upgrade a weight option via Manage Booking up to 2 hours before the flight to avoid higher desk fees.
Typical per-piece weight options are 23 kg and 32 kg; most bookings allow up to three pieces. Overweight or oversized items trigger additional charges–weigh each case at home and keep the sum of dimensions near or below ~275 cm (L+W+H) to reduce extra fees.
Packing tactics: use soft-sided cases to compress, employ vacuum compression for garments, split heavy items across multiple checked pieces, and place fragile items centrally with padding. Keep medication, travel documents and electronics in your cabin bag. Use TSA-approved locks, attach an external tag and a copy of your itinerary inside the case.
At departure, present the baggage at the drop desk, retain the printed receipt and photographed barcode; if staff report excess weight, remove items or pay the overweight charge at the counter. For sport gear or instruments, pre-book as a special item to secure handling and pricing.
Packing checklist
Weigh each case at home; distribute heavy items across cases; label externally and internally; lock with TSA-approved lock; keep valuables and medicines in hand luggage; photograph contents and tags before check-in.
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How to add and pay for checked bags on the airline
Buy checked bags during the booking process to save money – online fares for extra items are commonly up to 50% lower than airport rates; add-ons can be purchased up to 2 hours before scheduled departure via the website or mobile app.
To add after booking, open Manage Bookings, enter your reservation code and surname, select the number of pieces and weight option (commonly 15 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg), confirm and pay. The app accepts Visa, MasterCard and Maestro; some markets allow PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay – payment options appear on the checkout page.
At the airport, proceed to the dedicated bag-drop desk with your boarding pass; bag drop normally closes 40 minutes before departure on short-haul routes. Fees bought at the airport are significantly higher than online prices; if an item exceeds the purchased allowance you must either upgrade to a larger allowance or purchase an additional piece at the desk.
For a smooth process: weigh items at home with a digital scale, label fragile contents, keep valuable and prohibited items in your cabin bag, and print or save the e-receipt showing the paid allowance. Sports equipment and oversized items often require a separate purchase and advance declaration via the Manage Bookings section.
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Checked baggage size, weight and quantity rules for the carrier
Match your purchase to your needs: standard per-item options are 15 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg – buy the allowance that covers the number of cases and weight you plan to carry.
- Maximum number of checked items per passenger: typically up to 3 when added during booking; contact the carrier for exceptions or higher quantities.
- Per-item weight options:
- 15 kg option – lower-weight tariff.
- 23 kg option – standard choice for most travellers.
- 32 kg – absolute single-item limit for manual handling; items over 32 kg will not be accepted.
- Size limits:
- Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 275 cm. Include wheels and handles when measuring.
- Boxes, instrument cases or irregular shapes are measured the same way; oversized items may require special handling and fees.
- Overweight and oversized handling:
- Exceeding your purchased weight but within 32 kg: buy extra weight or an additional case online (cheaper) or at the airport (costlier).
- Over 32 kg or over 275 cm: likely refused at check-in or routed as special cargo; arrange in advance with the carrier’s special-items team.
- Special-item notes:
- Sports equipment and musical instruments often count as one checked item but may require separate booking and specific size/weight allowances.
Practical recommendations:
- Weigh and measure every case at home with a luggage scale and tape measure; compare against the allowance you purchased and round up to the next kilogram for safety.
- If a case is borderline overweight, redistribute contents between cases or purchase a second checked item online before arrival to avoid high airport fees.
- Label all cases and keep receipts for purchased allowances; items exceeding published limits are harder to accept and insure if damaged or lost.
Airport check-in, bag drop and boarding procedures for checked baggage
Arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before short-haul departures and 180 minutes for long-haul flights if you have checked bags.
Before you leave home
Check-in online and download the mobile boarding pass where possible; if you must use the airport desk, allow extra time. Have a valid photo ID or passport and the reservation reference ready. Weigh checked items at home on a luggage scale; fees for overweight at the airport are typically higher than pre-purchase.
Remove spare lithium batteries, power banks and loose electronic cells from suitcases – these must travel in the cabin. Put valuables, medications and fragile items in your carry-on. Label each checked item with a name, phone number and an itinerary tag inside the case as backup.
At the airport – counters, security and gate
Locate the airline’s check-in/bag-drop row on the departure boards as counters can change. Bag-drop desks usually open 2–3 hours before departure and close around 40 minutes prior; gates commonly close 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Security queues can take 30–60 minutes at busy times, so add that to your arrival window.
At the desk you will receive a printed baggage tag; keep the bag-tag stub and your boarding pass until you have collected your case at destination. If the item exceeds permitted dimensions or requires special handling (sports equipment, musical instruments), go to the oversized/special baggage desk for instructions and payment.
| Action | Recommended timing before departure |
|---|---|
| Arrive at airport (short-haul) | 120 minutes |
| Arrive at airport (long-haul) | 180 minutes |
| Bag-drop desk closes | ~40 minutes |
| Security screening | Allow 30–60 minutes |
| Boarding gate closes | ~30 minutes |
| Minimum recommended connection time (same terminal) | 90 minutes |
If a checked item does not arrive at destination, report it at the airline’s baggage desk inside the arrival hall before leaving the airport and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number. Keep boarding passes, bag-tag stubs and purchase receipts for essential items purchased due to delay; these will be required for claims.
For transfers on a single ticket, checked items are usually forwarded automatically – confirm at the originating check-in if the bag will be re-routed or if you must collect and re-check during a connection. Allow extra time when changing terminals or when transferring between different carriers.
Secure zippers with TSA‑approved locks if traveling to or via destinations with such screening; fragile or high-value items should travel in the cabin. If a bag is damaged, report it immediately at the arrivals desk and obtain written confirmation to support a damage claim.
Prohibited and restricted items to avoid in checked baggage
Do not pack explosives, flammable liquids or spare lithium batteries in checked bags; these items are banned or must be carried in the cabin under strict rules.
Completely prohibited items
Explosives and pyrotechnics (fireworks, flares, detonators); compressed gas cylinders and gas cartridges (camping gas, butane, propane); oxidisers and organic peroxides; corrosives (battery acid, bleach, strong acids/alkalis); toxic and infectious substances; radioactive material; goods liable to spontaneous combustion; illegal narcotics; items that mimic weapons and could cause alarm.
Restricted items – carriage rules and packing guidance
Lithium batteries: spare lithium-ion battery packs, power banks and loose lithium cells must travel in cabin only. Watt-hour limits: ≤100 Wh permitted without approval; 100–160 Wh allowed only with prior airline approval and a maximum of two spares; >160 Wh prohibited in both compartments. Lithium-metal batteries with >2 g lithium content are not permitted.
E-cigarettes and vaping devices must be carried on board and not placed in checked stowage; do not pack spare cartridges or refill canisters in checked bags. Devices with non-removable batteries are usually accepted in checked baggage, but removing or securing removable batteries is safer.
Aerosols and flammable liquids: small personal care aerosols may be permitted, but flammable aerosols, paints, solvents, petrol, lighter fuel and similar liquids are forbidden. Single disposable lighters are sometimes allowed in the cabin only; fuel canisters and refill containers are banned.
Firearms and ammunition: some operators permit transport only with prior approval, secure hard-sided cases, declaration at check-in and compliance with national regulations; others prohibit carriage entirely. Do not assume weapons or ammo can be packed without explicit carrier permission and correct permits.
Sharp objects and tools: knives, scissors and tools are generally restricted to checked carriage where allowed by local law; secure blades in protective sheaths and immobilise moving parts. Large power tools containing batteries must meet the battery rules above.
Special items requiring declaration or paperwork: medical oxygen, large quantities of prescription liquids, certain chemicals and commercial samples often need prior authorisation and documentation. Carry prescriptions and supporting letters in the cabin when feasible and declare such items at check-in.
Packing best practice: tape battery terminals or keep cells in original packaging; place power banks and spare batteries in hand baggage; separate hazardous items from clothing to limit spill risk; label and declare any restricted articles to staff. Non-declaration can result in item seizure, fines, flight delay or legal action.
Reporting lost, delayed or damaged checked baggage and claiming compensation with the airline
Report missing, damaged or delayed checked baggage at the airport desk before leaving and obtain a written incident reference (PIR or carrier reference).
At the arrival desk: present boarding pass and bag tag(s), request the incident reference in writing, record the name and contact details of the staff member, and photograph visible damage and the bag tag. If theft is suspected, file a police report at the airport and keep a copy.
If you discover damage or non-delivery after leaving the terminal, submit a formal claim through the carrier’s online baggage/claims form. Deadlines commonly applied by carriers: report damaged items within 7 days of receipt; report delayed/non-delivered bags and submit final loss claims within 21 days from the date the bag should have been returned. File sooner rather than later.
Required evidence for any claim: boarding pass, checked bag tag number(s), incident reference, clear photos of damage, itemised receipts for contents, purchase receipts for emergency essentials, proof of ownership for high-value items, and copies of any police report. Keep the damaged bag, packaging and contents until the carrier confirms disposal instructions.
Eligible emergency purchases: toiletries and basic clothing while awaiting delayed bags. Keep all receipts; reimbursements cover reasonable, necessary items only. Avoid buying luxury replacements; submit original receipts and explain why each purchase was essential.
Compensation framework: carrier liability for checked bags is governed by the Montreal Convention and expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs); the limit and the SDR-to-currency conversion rate are public and can be checked at any time. Claims for delay may be paid for proven reasonable expenses; damage or loss claims require proof of value and ownership. If a high-value item was declared and additional charges paid at check-in, a higher liability limit may apply–keep the declaration receipt.
Follow-up and escalation: note the carrier’s claim reference, expect an acknowledgement, and keep all correspondence. If the carrier does not resolve the claim within its published timeframe or you receive an unsatisfactory offer, escalate to the national aviation regulator or use the carrier’s Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme where available. As a last resort, preserve all evidence and consider a small-claims action; include all receipts, the incident reference, and written communications in the court bundle.
Practical prevention tips: photograph bag tag and contents at check-in, place a list of valuables inside the bag, avoid packing irreplaceable or high-value items in checked bags, and take out travel insurance with baggage cover that specifies delayed-bag allowance and personal possessions limits.
FAQ:
What is hold luggage on easyJet and how does it differ from cabin baggage?
Hold luggage (also called checked baggage) is the luggage you hand over at the airport check-in desk or bag drop so it travels in the aircraft hold, not in the passenger cabin. Cabin baggage is the small bag or suitcase you carry into the cabin and keep with you during the flight. Hold luggage is measured by weight and may be charged per bag; cabin baggage rules are mainly about size and number of items allowed in the cabin. After landing, hold luggage is collected at the baggage reclaim belt.
