Michael Turner
Practical recommendation: Pack the larger cabin bag to a target of 8–10 kg. That weight range is manageable for lifting into overhead lockers and reduces the risk of gate staff requiring the item to be checked in because it is too bulky or awkward to stow.
What is included with a standard booking: one small under-seat item, maximum external dimensions 45 × 36 × 20 cm. The additional, overhead-sized cabin allowance of 56 × 45 × 25 cm is granted to passengers who purchased Priority or specific seat upgrades, or who added the extra cabin-bag option at booking.
Checked baggage options and limits: pay-per-bag choices are typically offered as 15 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg per piece. Any weight above the purchased allowance for a checked bag will incur excess-weight fees at online check-in or higher penalties at the airport desk.
Gate enforcement and penalties: staff use sizing boards and may require oversized or awkward items to be placed in the hold. If a cabin item is deemed too large or impossible to lift into the locker, it will be transferred to the hold and an additional charge applied; pre-measuring and weighing avoids surprises.
Packing tips: use a small digital scale when assembling bags, distribute heavy items between checked and onboard items, keep essential documents and medication in the small under-seat item, and compress kleding with packing cubes to stay within the recommended target weight while meeting the carrier’s size limits.
Maximum allowed cabin-bag weight on the airline
No fixed weight cap for cabin items – enforcement is by size and ability to lift; included small under-seat bag: 45 x 36 x 20 cm, optional overhead bag: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (included with Up Front, Extra Legroom, Flexi/Plus or available for purchase).
Checked-bag weight tiers: 15 kg, 23 kg, 32 kg (prebook online for lower fees than airport purchase).
- Measure and weigh pieces at home with a suitcase or kitchen scale; aim for 10–12 kg in carry-on to ensure easy stowage and avoid assistance at the gate.
- If an item exceeds the permitted dimensions it will be gate-checked and a fee will apply; typical gate-check charges range roughly £40–£80 depending on route and airport.
- Buy the larger cabin allowance during booking or add it before arriving at the airport – add-on cost at purchase is usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
- Distribute dense or heavy goods into checked bags purchased within a selected weight tier (15/23/32 kg) to avoid exceeding cabin restrictions.
- Keep passports, medicines, electronics and valuables in the small under-seat item for quick access and to reduce cabin weight.
- Medical devices and baby items are normally exempt from cabin weight rules; present supporting documents at check-in to avoid extra charges.
- Wear bulky footwear and outerwear during boarding to reduce packed mass; compression packing cubes and lightweight fabrics help keep total weight down.
Always verify the specific fare inclusions and current size limits on the carrier’s booking page before travel, since fare benefits determine whether the larger overhead allowance is granted or must be purchased.
Official cabin bag weight limit by fare type
Recommendation: buy Priority or reserve an Up Front/Extra Legroom seat if an overhead cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) is required; otherwise only a single small under-seat item (45 x 36 x 20 cm) is included with a standard ticket.
Standard ticket: one small item sized 45 x 36 x 20 cm included at no extra charge. That item must fit under the seat in front at boarding; carriers use gate sizers to enforce dimensions.
Priority (or Priority & Up Front) add-on: permits an additional overhead bag sized 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Priority is the common paid option to carry two pieces: the small under-seat item plus the larger overhead bag.
Up Front and Extra Legroom seats: these seat selections include the same benefit as Priority, i.e., the larger overhead bag allowance alongside the small under-seat item.
Plus membership and Flexi-style fares: membership cards or flexible fare bundles that include Priority provide the overhead bag allowance automatically; verify the booking summary to confirm inclusion.
Weight rules and practical guidance: the airline does not publish a strict numerical weight limit for cabin items; staff expect passengers to lift overhead pieces unaided. For smooth boarding, keep the overhead bag under 10 kg where possible, weigh bags at home and measure using a rigid tape. Overweight or oversized items must be checked in (pre-book a 10 kg or 23 kg hold option to save airport fees).
At the airport: if a bag fails the sizer or is deemed unliftable, options are purchase of Priority (if available), paying to check the case, or repacking items into the permitted small item. Always check the booking confirmation and add-ons before arrival to avoid unexpected gate charges.
Accurate at-home weighing and measuring for carry-on bags
Immediate recommendation: weigh a fully packed carry-on with a calibrated hanging or digital bathroom scale and keep a 150–300 g safety margin below the allowed weight; measure zipped dimensions including wheels and collapsed telescopic handle and allow a 1–2 cm margin per side.
Weighing procedure
Use a luggage (hanging) scale for single-step readings: attach strap to the bag handle, lift vertically until the display stabilizes; note resolution (typical ±0.05 kg). If using a bathroom scale, weigh oneself, then weigh while holding the packed bag and subtract; repeat twice and average. Verify scale accuracy with a known-weight item (1 kg bag of flour or a labelled water bottle) before final measurement. For small items (chargers, toiletries) use a postal or kitchen scale with 1–10 g precision and add those totals to the main bag reading.
Weigh after liquids, electronics and shoes are packed. If the carry-on is soft-sided, compress and zip fully as it will be at the gate; compress again while lifting for a final reading. Log the date, scale model and photo of the readout if proof is needed.
Measuring dimensions
Place the packed bag on a flat floor surface. Use a retractable tape: measure length (wheel-to-top), width (side-to-side at widest pocket area) and depth (front-to-back including pockets and bump-outs). Include wheels and any fixed tags. Collapse telescopic handles and measure in that state unless specific rules allow extended handles. For soft bags, measure while compressed to gate-ready shape. Record measurements with the tape visible in a photo and keep a 1–2 cm allowance per dimension to avoid marginal rejections.
Reduce weight and bulk by swapping a full-size charger for a compact alternative, decanting toiletries into travel bottles and wearing the bulkiest footwear on transit. Weigh removable items separately (pair of shoes, toiletry pouch, umbrella) and remove the heaviest non-essential pieces if the total exceeds the target. Small items such as a folded umbrella commonly add 200–400 g; see best way to paint a patio umbrella.
Calibration and tolerance guide: choose a scale with at least 50 g resolution for whole-bag checks and 10 g resolution for component weighing; accept a measurement uncertainty of ±50–100 g for bathroom scales. Aim for a final margin of at least 150 g under the allowance and 1–2 cm per dimension to prevent issues at the gate.
Allowed exceptions: medical items, baby equipment and duty‑free purchases
Passengers are permitted one extra carry‑on item for necessary medical devices, infant equipment and sealed duty‑free purchases; present prescriptions, GP letters or manufacturer documentation at security or the gate.
Medical items: prescription medicines and medical liquids greater than 100 ml are allowed but must be declared and supported by a prescription or letter from a clinician. Insulin, syringes and auto‑injectors (EpiPens) are permitted in reasonable quantities for the journey. Portable medical devices (CPAP, nebulisers) are accepted in cabin; devices with lithium batteries are allowed only with batteries installed in the device. Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin with terminals taped or in original packaging: up to 100 Wh allowed without approval, 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to two spares, above 160 Wh are prohibited. Portable oxygen concentrators require advance approval and a manufacturer’s certificate specifying battery type and run time.
Baby equipment: foldable pushchairs/strollers and child car seats are carried free and usually gate‑checked; compact models that meet cabin size may be taken aboard if space permits. One additional small bag for infant food, nappies and feeding equipment is permitted beyond the standard allowance. Infant formula, sterilised water and expressed milk are exempt from the 100 ml rule but must be declared and presented for inspection. Request gate assistance when checking pushchairs so collection at the aircraft door is arranged where available.
Duty‑free purchases: purchases made after security and supplied in tamper‑evident bags with the purchase receipt are accepted in addition to the carry allowance; keep the sealed bag and receipt until final destination. If a connecting flight requires re‑screening, sealed bags may be opened or items inspected – retain receipts and, where possible, buy duty‑free after the last security check. Onboard purchases are normally allowed in addition to standard allowances but items containing lithium batteries must meet the same Wh limits and be carried in cabin.
Practical recommendations: notify the carrier 48–72 hours ahead for battery‑powered mobility aids; carry printed prescriptions, a clinician’s letter and device manuals; photograph serial numbers and keep batteries isolated and terminals taped; pack infant feeds and nappies in an easily accessible separate bag; retain all duty‑free receipts and keep purchases in tamper‑evident packaging. Consider adding a compact stroller umbrella – for a reliable option see best branded umbrellas.
Charges and options if a carry-on exceeds the allowance at check‑in or boarding
Purchase a hold-bag allowance or the large-cabin option before arrival – this typically costs far less than settling a charge at the airport.
Typical fees and timing
Pre-purchase online: prices often start around £6.99 / €8 / $8 for route-dependent add-ons and rise with distance and season; buying during online check‑in is usually cheaper than at the desk. At the airport: upgrades or forced transfer to the hold commonly incur fees in the range of £25–£60 / €30–€70 when processed at the check‑in desk or gate (exact amounts vary by route and airport). If an item is taken to the hold at the gate, expect an immediate card payment request and a baggage tag.
Practical on-the-spot options
Redistribute items into a permitted personal bag or wear bulky garments to reduce measured size/weight. If redistribution is not possible, purchase an additional checked allowance at the check‑in desk or gate – adding online beforehand usually yields the best price. Priority boarding or a paid seat upgrade often provides permission for a larger cabin bag; check the ticket category before departure. If the carrier refuses carriage and moves the bag to the hold, keep the receipt and photo of the tag for claims or reimbursement queries.
If tight on time at the airport, prioritize payment by card (cash is not always accepted), allow extra time for bag drop and security, and confirm estimated arrival time for collected items at baggage reclaim to avoid missing connections.
Packing adjustments to reduce cabin bag weight without buying extra allowance
Wear the bulkiest items onboard: a coat (300–700 g), boots (500–800 g), belt (50–150 g) and scarf (50–100 g) together typically remove 0.9–1.7 kg from the carry-on.
Replace full‑size toiletries with refillable 100‑ml bottles or solid bars; swapping a 400‑ml shampoo bottle for a 100‑ml travel bottle saves about 300 g; solid shampoo or conditioner bars weigh 30–60 g each.
Limit footwear to one pair packed plus the pair worn; each additional shoe adds 250–600 g. Choose ultralight options (minimal trainers ~250–350 g) and foldable travel slippers (50–120 g) for hotel use.
Swap multiple chargers and single‑purpose adapters for a single multiport USB‑C PD charger: typical multiport units weigh 120–220 g versus several chargers totalling 300–500 g; carry one short USB cable per device instead of long cables.
Use compression packing cubes to eliminate air and reduce bulk by 30–50%, enabling removal of one garment (200–400 g saved) or tighter placement of dense items to avoid wasted space.
Choose multi‑use clothing: zip‑off trousers, merino layers (150–300 g) and quick‑dry pieces replace heavier cotton items; each substitution often saves 150–400 g while preserving outfit options.
Transfer dense items into outerwear pockets at boarding: passport wallet, power bank (200–300 g), paperback book (200–400 g) placed in a coat can shift 0.6–1.0 kg away from the cabin bag.
Replace a laptop with a tablet when feasible (laptop 1.4–2.2 kg vs tablet 400–800 g); alternatively, carry a lightweight Chromebook or use a cloud‑first approach and offload storage-heavy files.
Remove unnecessary packaging and manuals, decant spare batteries into smaller protective cases, and leave duplicates at home – two small changes like these typically reduce pack weight by 200–500 g.
Before leaving, verify warranties and specs for any bulky accessory online; manufacturer pages such as best pressure washer warranty provide weight and accessory dimensions that help decide whether to pack or check items.
