Does thomson baggage allowance include hand luggage

Check if Thomson's baggage allowance includes hand luggage: permitted sizes, weight limits, allowed items and possible fees for cabin bags when flying with Thomson.
Does thomson baggage allowance include hand luggage

Typical cabin rules: common main cabin-size limits are 55×40×20 cm with a weight cap often set at around 10 kg. Low‑cost or basic fare types sometimes allow only a single small personal item (about 40×30×20 cm) that must fit under the seat. If your item is soft‑sided, flexible packing can help meet strict dimension checks at the gate.

Practical steps before travel: measure and weigh every bag at home using a luggage scale; compare dimensions against the carrier’s policy printed on your booking confirmation. If a suitcase exceeds cabin dimensions or weight, convert it to a checked case – typical checked options are 23 kg standard or 32 kg for larger fares – and buy that option online before arrival to save on surcharge at the airport.

At the airport and on board: staff will enforce size/weight rules and may gate‑check oversized items for a fee. Pack valuables, medications and travel documents in the item you keep with you. Follow liquids and battery restrictions: 100 ml max per container in a single transparent 1 L bag, and spare lithium batteries carried in the cabin only.

Where to confirm specifics: consult the carrier’s official policy page or your holiday provider’s booking notes for exact dimensions, permitted quantities by fare class, and pre‑purchase prices for extra pieces. If the website is unclear, call customer service with your booking reference for a definitive answer.

Carry-on rules for the airline

Keep passports, boarding pass, prescription medicine, electronics and valuables in your single carry-on and check the booking confirmation or the carrier’s website for the exact permitted pieces and weight before you arrive at the airport.

Measure your bag externally (including wheels and handles) and weigh it using a luggage scale at home; soft-sided bags that compress are easier to fit into the overhead bin and often avoid gate check. If your fare permits only one cabin piece but you routinely travel with two, buy an upgrade or priority boarding in advance to add a second item.

Pack liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml inside a single clear resealable bag (up to 1 L) and place that bag in an outer pocket for security checks. Charge electronic devices so they power on at security; batteries/spare power banks must stay in the cabin bag, not in checked items.

Infant equipment (folding pushchairs/boosters) and medically required devices are usually exempt from the carry-on piece count but require advance notification or documentation. Musical instruments may count as a carry-on unless you purchase an additional seat or a specific instrument allowance.

If staff ask you to check a bag at the gate, request the policy reference on your boarding pass or website and weigh your items before paying any excess fee; online pre-payment for extra cabin items or overweight pieces is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport. Use packing cubes and compressible travel clothing to shift weight and avoid last-minute charges.

Which cabin bag comes with each fare type?

Choose the Standard fare to guarantee one 55 x 40 x 20 cm roll‑on (max 10 kg) plus one small personal item; pick Basic only if you intend to travel with a personal item alone.

Basic / Value

Provided item: single small personal item only (suggested max 40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat. No free roll‑on. Oversized or extra cabin bags must be added during booking or at the airport for a fee – online pre‑purchase is cheaper (typical range £10–£50 each way depending on route and timing). Pack liquids in 100 ml containers inside a clear 1 L bag.

Standard / Classic and Flex / Plus

Standard: one roll‑on up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, weight up to 10 kg, plus one personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm). Flex/Plus: usually permits the same roll‑on with a higher combined cabin weight (often up to 15 kg) or a second roll‑on – check your exact fare code at purchase. If a bag exceeds size or weight limits at gate it will be checked into hold with a surcharge; airport surcharges are higher than online add‑ons.

Practical tips: weigh and measure bags before travel; place valuables and medication in the personal item; use soft‑sided roll‑ons to squeeze into bins; buy an extra cabin item online when booking if your itinerary includes tight connections or aircraft with smaller overhead bins.

Permitted cabin bag dimensions and weight limits

Carry one cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, maximum weight 10 kg, plus one small personal item (example: laptop or handbag) up to 35 x 20 x 20 cm.

Exact size and weight rules

  • Cabin bag maximum: 55 cm (height) × 40 cm (width) × 20 cm (depth) – measure including wheels, handles and external pockets.
  • Maximum mass for cabin item: 10 kg – combined weight of the main cabin bag and personal item must not exceed this unless your booking states otherwise.
  • Personal item: up to 35 × 20 × 20 cm; should fit under the seat in front of you.

Practical tips to avoid problems at the gate

  1. Measure and weigh at home: use a tape measure and luggage scale; airlines charge for overweight or gate-checked pieces.
  2. Pack liquids in 100 ml containers inside a single clear 1-litre zip bag for security screening.
  3. Soft-sided bags are easier to compress into overhead bins; rigid suitcases count fully to the depth limit.
  4. If your bag slightly exceeds dimensions but is under weight, expect closer scrutiny on full flights – consider a smaller bag to be safe.
  5. Priority or upgraded fares sometimes allow extra or larger cabin items; consult your booking to confirm any exceptions.

Yes – one cabin carry-on plus a single personal item (laptop bag or purse) is normally permitted

Standard practice for this carrier: one main carry-on sized at roughly 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a typical weight cap of 10 kg, plus one small personal item that must stow under the seat in front (suggested maximum 40 x 30 x 20 cm; many routes treat the personal item as unweighed but staff may enforce a 5 kg practical limit). If the small item exceeds under-seat dimensions or prevents safe stowage, it will be requested to travel in the hold at the gate, sometimes with a fee.

When gate staff will request check-in

Gate-checking happens when overhead bin space is full, the personal item is oversized, or the flight type restricts cabin items for that fare. Bulky cases, coolers, or strollers disguised as “small items” are common triggers. To avoid surprises, measure both items before arrival and carry fragile electronics in the under-seat bag; carry-on-sized items should be soft-sided for easier bin fit.

Packing and practical tips

Keep travel documents, medications, a charged phone, chargers and a laptop in the under-seat item for quick access. Store liquids in 100 ml containers inside a clear resealable bag to meet security rules. Choose slim, soft laptop sleeves and compact folding umbrellas – examples of compact options appear in reviews such as best portable umbrella light for outdoor photography and best choice products bech umbrella versus sportbrella. If you plan to bring plant-milk beverages or special foods, check liquid rules first; a useful comparison of almond vs oat milk protein content is here: which has more protein almond milk or oat milk.

How to verify cabin item on your booking and boarding pass?

Check the booking confirmation email and the airline “Manage booking” page immediately: the entry will show permitted cabin pieces and any size/weight notation (e.g., “1PC 10KG” or “Max 55x40x20cm”).

Quick verification checklist

Have your booking reference, surname and flight number ready. Use these to:

– Open the carrier’s online “Manage booking” or mobile app and scan the flight details for a cabin bag line or icon.

– Inspect the PDF or printed itinerary for a short code such as “CABIN 1PC” or “CBG: 1” – that indicates the number of permitted cabin items.

– Check the emailed fare breakdown section: fare class + add-ons rows will list whether a cabin piece is included or is an optional paid extra.

Boarding pass indicators and examples

On airport-issued and mobile passes look for a field labeled CABIN, CARRY, or a small suitcase icon. If no cabin item entry appears, the ticket usually does not grant a free cabin piece and a purchase may be required at check-in or online.

Source Where to look What to look for Example text
Confirmation email Fare breakdown / special conditions Line stating cabin piece count or add-on description “Cabin bag: 1 piece (max 56x45x25cm)”
Manage booking (website/app) Flight details / baggage section Icon or code showing included cabin piece or option to buy “CABIN: 1PC” or “Buy cabin bag”
Mobile/printed boarding pass Near seat/class info or next to barcode Simplified indicator (suitcase icon, “1PC”, or weight/size) “1PC” / small suitcase icon
Check-in desk / gate Agent screen or boarding pass reissue Agent confirmation if a cabin piece is permitted or must be paid for Agent note: “No cabin included; charge applies” or “Cabin OK”

If the documents are unclear: call the airline with your booking reference, request the exact cabin piece entitlement, and ask whether an extra purchase can be made online (fares often allow lower-cost purchases in Manage booking than at the airport). Arrive early at the airport for a final check at the desk to avoid gate charges.

What fees and steps apply if staff classify your carry-on as oversized?

If staff label your carry-on oversized, repack at the gate if possible or accept gate-check and pay the charge; buying a checked bag online before travel usually costs less than a gate fee.

  • Immediate actions at the gate

    • Try to reduce dimensions: remove items to a coat, personal item, or pockets; collapse wheels/handles where possible.
    • If you cannot make it fit, tell staff which valuables and batteries you will keep with you.
  • Gate-check procedure

    • Staff will tag the bag for the hold and issue a gate-check tag – keep the tag number and request a receipt.
    • Electronics containing lithium batteries must remain in the cabin; remove batteries or ask staff for guidance.
    • Gate-checked items are typically retrieved at the arrival baggage belt; in some airports they are returned at the aircraft steps – confirm with staff.
  • Fees and payment

    • Fee tiers vary by route and timing: expect roughly £25–£60 or €30–€70 when paid at the airport or gate; pre-purchasing online can be significantly cheaper.
    • Some carriers charge a flat gate-oversize fee; others apply the standard checked-bag rate or per-kilogram overweight surcharges.
    • Payment is usually by card at the desk or via the airline app/self-service kiosk; request a printed or emailed receipt for the transaction.
  • Oversize or overweight beyond hold limits

    • Very large items may be refused for stowage or moved to special handling with an extra heavy/oversize charge; ask staff for the exact code and fee.
    • If an item cannot be accepted, staff will explain options – repacking, shipping separately, or leaving the item behind.
  • Disputes and proof

    • If you disagree with the measurement, request a re-measure on the official sizer and ask for a supervisor.
    • Show manufacturer dimensions (photo or webpage) and take photos of the sizer and tag; get a written explanation if a fee is charged.
  • After collection and claims

    • Keep the gate-check tag and receipt for lost/damaged-item claims; report missing or damaged items immediately at the airline’s baggage desk at arrivals.
    • Expect possible delayed delivery of gate-checked items on busy flights – allow extra time before leaving the terminal if your bag is essential.
Michael Turner
Michael Turner

Michael Turner is a U.S.-based travel enthusiast, gear reviewer, and lifestyle blogger with a passion for exploring the world one trip at a time. Over the past 10 years, he has tested countless backpacks, briefcases, duffels, and travel accessories to find the perfect balance between style, comfort, and durability. On Gen Buy, Michael shares detailed reviews, buying guides, and practical tips to help readers choose the right gear for work, gym, or travel. His mission is simple: make every journey easier, smarter, and more enjoyable with the right bag by your side.

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