Airline Baggage Allowance: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly
Airline Baggage Allowance: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

Planning a trip? Don’t get caught out by surprise baggage fees or last-minute repacking at the check-in desk. Airline luggage rules can vary wildly — even within the same country or alliance. That’s why we’ve created a detailed set of guides to help you navigate the cabin and checked baggage policies of over 30 international carriers.

From budget airlines with tight restrictions to long-haul carriers offering generous allowances, this page is your one-stop resource for understanding what you can bring, how much it’ll cost, and what to expect at the airport.

🧳 Airline Baggage Allowance by Carrier

💸 Budget Airlines

RyanairWizz AirEasyJet
Jet2TransaviaVolotea
VuelingEurowingsPegasus Airlines
AirBalticBlue AirNorwegian Air
Spirit Airlines

💼 Mid-Range Airlines

Aegean AirlinesAer LingusTUI Airways
LOT Polish AirlinesFinnairAustrian Airlines
Turkish AirlinesKLMSWISS International
American AirlinesAir FranceHop!

🛫 Premium Airlines

EmiratesBritish AirwaysLufthansa
Air New ZealandAir ChinaCathay Pacific

🔍 What You’ll Find in Each Guide

Every airline page covers:

  • Cabin Bag Allowance
    Dimensions, weight limits, and personal item rules — including whether you can bring both a handbag and a laptop case.
  • Checked Baggage Rules
    How many bags you can check in for free (if any), size and weight limits, and how to avoid excess fees.
  • Special & Oversized Items
    Guidelines for sports equipment, musical instruments, baby gear, and medical items.
  • Baggage Fees
    Common charges at the time of booking vs. at the airport — plus tips to avoid last-minute costs.
  • Useful Tips
    Each guide includes insider advice based on the airline’s reputation for strictness or leniency, and how to make the most of your allowance.
  • Stasher’s Support Services
    Travelling light? We show you when it’s worth storing or shipping luggage with Stasher — especially for low-cost carriers with minimal free allowance.

🌍 Popular Baggage Guides

Travellers frequently search for:

  • 🧳 Ryanair Baggage Allowance
    One personal item only — unless you’ve paid for priority. We’ll show you how to fly without fines.
  • 🧳 EasyJet Baggage Rules
    How to bring more than just a small under-seat bag — and the trick to getting extra carry-on space.
  • 🧳 British Airways Baggage Policies
    BA offers some of the most generous free allowances — here’s what you can bring in economy, premium, and business.
  • 🧳 Emirates Luggage Guide
    A favourite for international travellers — find out how much you can check in for free.
  • 🧳 Wizz Air Cabin Bag Rules
    Travel light or pay the price. See what’s included in the base fare and what you’ll need to add on.

⚖️ Compare Airline Baggage Policies

A few highlights for quick comparison:

AirlineCabin BagChecked Bag (Economy)Notes
Emirates7kg25kgGenerous and clear
Ryanair1 small bagNoneStrictest enforcement
Lufthansa8kg23kgFlexible for European routes
Wizz Air1 small bagNoneAdd-ons required for anything more
British Airways23kg cabin & hold1 x 23kgExcellent for long-haul
American Airlines1 carry-on & 1 personal item1 bag (some routes)Depends on ticket class

Travelling with a snowboard, cello, or baby stroller? Each airline handles these differently — click through for specifics.

🧠 Tips for Travellers

  • Check dimensions carefully — many airlines enforce size rather than weight.
  • Print boarding passes and baggage receipts in advance when using budget airlines.
  • Use soft-sided bags when trying to squeeze into cabin baggage gauges.
  • Travelling with kids? Some airlines offer extra allowances for baby equipment or prams.
  • Flying with a group? Pooling baggage is sometimes allowed — sometimes not.

📦 Extra Services from Stasher

Sometimes your bags just won’t fit within airline rules. That’s where we come in:

  • Store your bags temporarily if your flight doesn’t align with check-in times.
  • Ship your luggage ahead with Stasher’s delivery service — ideal for long trips, relocations, or heavy gear.
  • Use our network of 1000+ locations across cities and airports for secure storage and pickup.

Check out our Item-Specific Shipping Guides for help packing golf clubs, paintings, instruments, and more.

❓ FAQs

Can I take two bags on the plane?
That depends entirely on your airline and ticket type — some include both a carry-on and a personal item, others only allow one.

Is it cheaper to add luggage at booking or later?
Almost always cheaper to add bags online during booking. At the airport, prices can double or more.

What if my bag is a few kilos overweight?
Low-cost airlines may charge you by the kilo. Premium airlines often allow a small margin — but don’t rely on it.

Are laptops and handbags included in cabin allowance?
Yes, unless the airline explicitly allows a separate personal item. Always check your airline’s specific rules.

Luggage Storage Illustration
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Sobre el autor
James Stagman
James Stagman
Hi! I'm James, the marketing manager at Stasher. I'm passionate about slow travel, immersing myself in new cultures and building unique memories in different places. On our blog, I share insights and stories to inspire and help you avoid pitfalls. Most importantly, I hope to make sure that you have the most rewarding travels!
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