UK Carry-On Rules: Airline Allowances and Airport Security

For a UK departure, check two separate things: what the airport permits through security and what your operating airline includes in the booking. A bag can pass security yet exceed its airline allowance. A checked-bag entitlement does not increase cabin dimensions or weight.

Airline examples

Operating airline	Included small bag	Main cabin bag	Important condition
Jet2	40×30×20 cm	56×45×25 cm, 10 kg, included	Operational or capacity restrictions can require hold carriage
TUI Airways UK	40×30×20 cm	55×40×20 cm, 10 kg, included	Ages 2+; flight-only included; other TUI operators differ
easyJet	45×36×20 cm	56×45×25 cm with entitlement	Each bag up to 15 kg; passenger must carry it without help
Ryanair	40×30×20 cm	55×40×20 cm, 10 kg with Priority & 2 Cabin Bags	Small bag alone is the free allowance
Wizz Air	40×30×20 cm, 10 kg	55×40×23 cm, 10 kg with WIZZ Priority	Limits apply separately to each piece

Jet2’s 22 kg checked allowance is not a cabin limit. TUI Airways UK Premium does not raise the cabin bag above 10 kg. A ticket sold by a holiday company may use a different operating airline; inspect the confirmation. Infant and special equipment conditions require their own check.

British Airways publishes a 56×45×25 cm cabin bag and a 40×30×15 cm handbag or backpack. Check its current baggage page for your operator and booking; do not treat a checked-baggage weight as a combined cabin allowance.

Airport security is a separate check

Read GOV.UK hand-luggage restrictions and the departure airport’s current guidance. Rules for liquids and what must come out of a bag can depend on the airport and screening equipment. Do not infer the procedure from another UK airport or from a previous trip.

Check every departure and transfer airport. Follow instructions for ordinary liquids, medicines, baby food and special items. Keep items accessible where staff require separate screening. Passing an airport scanner does not establish permission under an airline’s dangerous-goods policy.

Before leaving for the airport

Measure the packed exterior and weigh the load. Check number of pieces, large-bag entitlement and any separate or combined weight restriction. Buying a seat does not automatically provide an easyJet large cabin bag. Buying checked luggage does not provide cabin storage.

Use the bag checker for the airline and fare in your booking, then read its policy notes. The result evaluates one bag; it cannot approve contents or sum multiple pieces. Confirm required arrival and boarding times with the airline and airport. No assumed enforcement tolerance, free gate-check or terminal shortcut is part of the allowance.

Sources

Sources and scope

Source-based research; no hands-on test or specialist review claimed.

Main bag 56×45×25 cm including wheels/handles, 10 kg; personal 40×30×20 cm with no numeric separate weight; liquids 100 ml/1 litre; hold-carriage and infant exceptions.