Which airlines have the best hand luggage policies?

Thinking of going hand-luggage-only for your next holiday? You’re not alone.

As travellers read the headlines about thousands of bags being mislaid or held up by airports struggling to recruit ground staff, many have decided to make their holiday as straightforward as possible and pack light to get away more efficiently.

According to retailer Studio, searches for “hand luggage allowance” are up 2,816 per cent year on year, while there have been 1,300 per cent more searches for “how to pack hand luggage” than this time last year.

Meanwhile, they say there’s been a 130 per cent increase in cabin case sales since last summer.

Going hand-luggage-only is worth it for three reasons: you can skip the often-lengthy check-in queues (some airlines have been plagued by staff shortages, making them slower than usual to check passengers in); you avoid any risk of the airline or airport losing your luggage or leaving it piled up in the wrong place – baggage claim waits have also been longer in recent months; and hand-luggage travellers can get off the plane and head straight out into their destination without having to wait for a bag.

But which airlines give you the most cabin-ready packing space for your buck?

Here are the top options.

1. British Airways

BA is famous for its generous baggage allowance, though it does depend on which route you’re taking with them. Broadly speaking, passengers are allowed one cabin bag – such as a wheelie case or holdall – not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm in size and 23kg in weight, as well as one handbag or laptop bag not exceeding 40cm x 30cm x 15cm in size and 23kg in weight. That’s a fair amount for a week’s beach holiday or a shorter city break.

Of flight legs that may be operated by a different (codeshare) airline, British Airways says: “Flying with a partner airline? Your hand baggage allowance may be different – please take a moment to check the airline’s baggage policy.”

2. Jet2

Jet2 also allows you to bring two bags into the cabin, and its size allowance is larger than BA’s – though its weight allowance is less than half of the UK flagship carrier’s. Passengers can take one piece of hand baggage on board at a maximum weight of 10kg and not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm in size, including any wheels and handles.

“You can also bring a small, personal item on board (such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase), as long as it is placed underneath the seat in front of you,” says the airline.

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