Michael Turner
Action point: Add a hold item via the airline’s “Manage Booking” page or during booking. Online purchase windows usually remain open until about 2 hours before scheduled departure; online fares commonly range €10–€60 per sector depending on route and selected weight band (10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg). Buying at the terminal often raises the cost by €20–€70.
Deadlines and desk rules: Standard drop-off closes 40 minutes prior to departure at most EU airports; some hubs require 45–60 minutes. After the desk closes staff will refuse acceptance of additional pieces, so arrive early enough to complete payment and drop-off formalities.
Connections and ticket types: For a single reservation the carrier usually transfers hold items between connecting flights; with separate bookings anticipate manual re-check and allow at least 90–120 minutes for baggage re-processing. No automatic transfer should be assumed with different airlines unless an interline agreement is confirmed.
Weight limits and excess charges: Select the appropriate weight band before travel. Exceeding purchased allowance triggers airport excess fees or per-kg surcharges – these vary by airport and often exceed online rates. Weigh items at home and redistribute contents between your personal item and the hold piece to avoid surprise charges.
Last-minute mistakes: If you forget to pre-pay, airport staff may accept payment at a premium but will not accept pieces once the drop-off window has closed. Keep essential documents and high-value items in your carry-on equivalent and retain receipts for any on-site purchases to dispute incorrect charges later.
On-the-spot bag handover after the flight: direct recommendation
Do not expect to hand your baggage into the aircraft hold after touchdown; arrange hold allowance before departure, or use airport left‑luggage, transfer desk or re‑check services at the departures area.
Pre-flight actions and cost figures
Pre-booking hold allowance online usually costs between €8 and €60 per sector depending on route and weight band; at‑desk fares commonly run two times higher. Overweight penalties typically start at €30–€60 per bag or €8–€20 per excess kilogram; checking weight and dimensions at home reduces surprise fees.
Typical weight brackets offered by low-cost carriers span 10–23 kg; common size limits for hold items are roughly 80×50×40 cm. Weigh carry items and redistribute heavy contents into a second bag rather than pay an overweight charge.
Handling connections, separate tickets and post‑flight options
With separate bookings on different operators you will usually need to collect at the reclaim hall and re-process at departures; allow a minimum of 90–120 minutes for collection, transfer, security and re‑drop. For through‑checked transfers (one booking, interline agreement) confirm with the operator before travel and retain all baggage receipts.
If you only need short‑term storage after landing, use staffed left‑luggage counters or automated lockers: small lockers commonly cost €5–€15/day, larger units €10–€40/day; staffed storage often charges €6–€20/day and accepts larger items. Always keep the storage receipt for retrieval.
At airport desks present boarding pass, photo ID and any baggage tags; obtain and keep the drop receipt. If connection time is under two hours and you require your bag to transfer automatically, buy a through‑ticket that includes hold allowance rather than relying on post‑flight processing.
When the carrier accepts hold baggage at destination: eligible scenarios and exceptions
Book hold allowance on the outbound segment in advance; the operator will generally not accept new bags at the destination for carriage on a later flight except in limited situations described below.
Eligible scenarios
Through-registered items on a single booking reference: if your itinerary contains multiple sectors under the same reservation and the item was registered at the origin for the final port of call, the item will be transferred and delivered to the final collection zone.
Operator re-accommodation after disruptions: when the carrier is responsible for a cancelled or delayed service and rebooks you onto another of its flights, previously registered hold items remain the carrier’s responsibility and are routed to the new flight.
Pre-arranged special handling: oversized equipment, mobility aids or unusual items can be accepted for transfer or onward carriage only if declared and confirmed with the carrier’s cargo/handling team before travel (request written confirmation and a reference number).
Limited interline transfers: transfers to/from third-party airlines occur only under explicit agreements; verify in writing before travel, because most low-cost operators do not support interline through-registrations.
Exceptions and practical steps
If the operator rebooks you onto another carrier, expect manual handling and possible refusal to move previously registered items unless an interline agreement exists; obtain a written statement at re-accommodation if you need the item moved.
At airport action: present booking reference, boarding pass and original baggage tags at the transfers or handling desk; photograph tags and item condition before handing over. If an item is delayed or damaged, file a PIR (property irregularity report) immediately and keep all receipts.
Pre-travel checklist: confirm transfer rules in the carrier’s conditions of carriage, pre-notify special items at least 48 hours ahead, pre-pay hold allowances online to avoid higher counter rates, and secure written confirmation for any exception granted by ground staff.
Step-by-step procedure for depositing hold bags after landing
Go immediately to the carrier’s transfer or check-in desk after disembarkation to request adding a hold piece to your booking; delays reduce options and increase fees.
Required documents: boarding pass for the next sector (if connecting) or original boarding pass/booking confirmation, passport or national ID, and the booking reference. Present these without delay.
Where to present your request: within sterile transit use the transfer desk; if you have left the sterile zone proceed to the airline check-in or bag-drop counters in the departures/arrivals hall. Airport maps and signage usually show the exact location.
Weighing and size check: staff will place your item on scales and measure dimensions. Typical per-piece allowance offered at airport desks is 20 kg; overweight rates apply per kilogram and will be quoted before payment.
Payment methods and expected costs: most desks accept credit/debit cards and contactless; cash acceptance varies by airport. On-the-spot fees are substantially higher than advance online purchases – budget at least double the online price, often more at smaller airports.
Tagging and receipt: after payment the agent will apply a hold tag and issue a printed receipt with a tag number. Keep that receipt; it is required for tracking, reporting damage or loss, and collection queries.
For connections: verify whether you must collect the bag at the transfer point or whether staff will transfer it to the connecting flight. If immigration or security exit is required, notify the agent so they can advise about re-check procedures.
If your item does not arrive at final collection: file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the baggage services desk before leaving the airport; provide the tag number and receipt. Note the reference number supplied by staff for follow-up.
Practical tips: weigh and measure at the gate-side stall or with a portable scale before approaching the desk, remove prohibited items, secure valuables in your cabin bag, photograph contents and exterior condition, and keep devices charged to access booking emails and receipts.
Timing guideline: make the request immediately after landing – agents are far more likely to assist within the first 10–20 minutes after disembarkation; delays may force you to use standard check-in queues or pay higher fees.
Baggage fees, weight and size limits for the carrier
Pre-purchase any hold-bag allowance online – typical savings versus airport purchase range from €20 to €60 on intra‑Europe routes.
Hard limits (sizes and weights)
- Included under‑seat item: maximum 40 × 20 × 25 cm; must fit fully under the seat in front.
- Priority cabin bag (when purchased): maximum 55 × 40 × 20 cm, maximum weight 10 kg.
- Hold‑bag tariffs usually offered in 10 kg, 20 kg and 25 kg options; the most common standard is 20 kg per item.
- Maximum permitted weight per single hold item commonly capped at 32 kg; items above this are normally refused for transport or require specialist handling and extra charges.
- Maximum linear dimension for hold items (length + width + height) typically enforced – oversized items incur special handling fees or refusal at bag drop.
Typical fees and penalties (examples)
- Pre‑book 20 kg hold item online: commonly €25–€60 depending on route and time of booking.
- Purchase the same 20 kg item at the airport/desk: commonly €55–€90 (route dependent).
- Failure to buy allowance before reaching the desk (presenting bag without allowance): gate/desk charge often €60–€120.
- Overweight charges at bag drop: roughly €10–€20 per kg (varies by airport and route).
- Oversize handling or special items (sports equipment, large boxes): separate fees; price often exceeds standard hold charges and must be pre‑declared.
Practical steps to avoid extra cost:
- Weigh and measure each bag at home using a luggage scale and tape measure; allow a 0.5–1.0 kg margin.
- Redistribute weight between the under‑seat and cabin bags when possible; wear heavy shoes and coat on travel day to reduce packed weight.
- Buy hold allowance during initial booking or in the app – that rate is usually lowest. Upgrades during online check‑in are often cheaper than at the desk.
- If transporting fragile or odd‑sized items, pre‑book special handling and verify maximum dimensions with the carrier’s terms for your route.
Extra resources and small travel tips: pack a compact umbrella that fits under the seat (best city gents umbrella uk), review financial protections for contract workers via an umbrella company (best umbrella company for supply teachers), and use a gentle hand detergent for travel‑washable items (best hand dishwashing detergent find the perfect solution for sparkling clean dishes).
Timing, required documents and desk locations for post-landing bag drop
Report to the transfer or bag‑drop counter at least 40 minutes before departure for short‑haul sectors; allow 90–120 minutes for intercontinental connections or whenever re‑entering the terminal to clear border controls.
Typical time windows: most low‑cost operators stop accepting hold bags 40 minutes before scheduled pushback for short flights and 60–90 minutes for longer sectors; airports with extra security or peak congestion may require earlier presentation (90+ minutes). If your itinerary requires reclaiming items through customs and then re‑registration, add 30–60 minutes to your planning.
Documents required at the counter: valid passport or national ID, boarding pass for the onward sector (mobile or printed), booking reference or e‑ticket number, any issued bag tag or receipt from the inbound flight, visa or transit permit if the onward leg requires it, and payment confirmation for any pre‑purchased hold allowance. If traveling on separate tickets with another carrier, present the onward ticket and contact details for that operator.
Where counters are located: for airside connections look for signs reading “Transfers” or “Flight connections” immediately after disembarkation; transfer desks are usually before passport control inside the secure zone. If you must exit to landside to reclaim and re‑drop items, bag‑reissue counters are typically adjacent to the baggage reclaim hall or next to central check‑in rows. At larger hubs a dedicated transfer desk may be positioned between gates and passport control; at regional airports the drop counter often sits next to general check‑in islands.
If a bag tag is missing or the outbound boarding pass is unavailable, proceed directly to the operator’s transfer counter rather than a general information desk. For interline transfers, request confirmation that the item will be forwarded and obtain a written tag or reference number at handover.
Practical checklist: arrive at the correct counter within the stated cut‑off window, have passport/ID plus onward boarding pass and booking reference ready, confirm the physical location of the transfer/drop desk on airport monitors or the airport website before leaving the gate area.
