Which airline has the best baggage policy? Latest 2025 rules

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With many airlines now slapping on extra charges for carrying on hand luggage and checking in bags.

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With airlines frequently altering their rules or employing varying standards, depending on the flight route and ticket class, it can be a challenge to stay informed.

We've looked at the policies of the major airlines flying to and from the UK, to see which one provides the best baggage allowance.

I'm here to help with any questions you may have. I'll provide you with helpful, detailed, and polite responses to your queries.

Which airline has the most satisfactory baggage policy?

The airlines with the best baggage policies are Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways.

These three airlines offer one free personal item and one free cabin bag, plus a free checked bag on their cheapest fares on most routes.

Etihad offers up to 23kg of checked luggage for economy passengers, while Emirates and Qatar Airways provide up to 20kg free on their economy flights.

You won't have to fork out extra cash for luggage on your flight, as long as you stick to the size and weight limits.

What types of luggage can people take on an airplane?

There are generally three different types of bags that passengers can bring on a flight.

• A larger suitcase that needs to be checked in at the airport desk when you arrive. They're stored in the cargo hold during the flight and generally have a maximum weight limit of 23kg.
• Also known as a small bag, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and is usually no bigger than 40x30x20cm.
• The bag must be stored in the overhead locker, typically weighing up to 10kg and no larger than 56x45x25cm.

What's the budget airline with the most reasonable baggage policy?

Low-cost airlines usually only permit a compact case that fits under the seat in front of you to be included in the ticket price.

This is the exception to the rule, allowing one piece of cabin baggage for free, weighing up to 10kg, as long as it's no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. This comes on top of a personal item, no bigger than 40 x 30 x 15cm.

As for the other budget airlines:

• One small carry-on bag, no bigger than 45 x 36 x 20cm, is included with every ticket. EasyJet Plus members can bring a bigger carry-on bag for free. Everyone else has to buy a checked bag.
• Each ticket comes with a small bag, with a maximum size of 40 x 20 x 25cm. You can buy cabin luggage weighing up to 10kg or checked luggage weighing either up to 10kg or up to 20kg.
• All Vueling passengers can carry a cabin bag on board with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 20cm. Passengers booking a Fly or Fly Grande package can include a 10kg cabin bag in their travel. The Fly Grande package also includes a 25kg checked bag per person.
• One small cabin bag with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 20cm is included with every ticket. Passengers with Wizz Priority can also bring a 10kg cabin bag on board, and checked baggage can be purchased separately.

What are the regulations for travelling with smart luggage?

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These are bags with an electronic component that lets them perform tasks such as charging devices, creating a Wi-Fi hotspot, and linking up with Bluetooth.

Make sure to check the rules with the airline you're flying with, as they can differ.

For example, Qantas won't permit any smart bags in either the hold or the cabin if you can't remove the battery from it.

You can leave the battery in the bag if you're taking it with you into the cabin, but if it's going in the luggage hold, you'll need to take it out.

Meantime, Ryanair and easyJet will not let you charge the battery in a carry-on bag, whether it's in the cabin or in the cargo hold.

If you can't remove the battery from your bag, you won't be allowed to fly.

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* Fuel-powered items such as chain saws and generators

It's not simple – the list is lengthy and varies depending on whether you're carrying your bag into the cabin or checking it into the cargo hold.

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Below is a list of items that are not permitted to be packed in any luggage that you take on a plane:

• Flammable liquids and solids
• Oxidising agents such as bleaching powders
• Organic peroxides
• I don't have information on that.
• Infectious substances such as live virus materials
• Wet-cell car batteries
• There's a concern that magnetrons and instruments containing mercury might pose a risk to the environment and human health.
• Instruments containing magnets
• Fireworks and pyrotechnics
• Non-safety matches
• Flaming torch, igniting fuel, paints, solvents
• Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller
• Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic substances
• Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper
• * Fuel pumps
• Explosives, ammunition, detonators and associated equipment
• Smoke canisters and smoke grenades

Suitcase packing tips

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• Roll up your clothing items to save space. For instance, shove a pair of socks inside two pairs of undies, fold bras inside dresses, and store swimwear in a ziplock bag.
• Pack footwear that can be worn in multiple settings. For example, choose flip flops that are stylish enough for a night out, and trainers that are suitable for the gym and casual outings.
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• Pack multi-purpose beauty products to make the most of your liquid allowance.
• Wear multiple layers on the plane to leave more space in your luggage.
• Leave the toiletries behind if you're staying in a hotel that already supplies them.
• – make sure you check what your airline allows.

Got a yarn to share?

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