Many airlines are currently tightening their baggage allowances, and regulations seem to be constantly shifting. This guide contains everything you need to know about TUI hand luggage size regulations, along with other tips for avoiding issues on your next flight.
- Every passenger gets 2 free bags: one cabin bag (up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, max 10 kg) and one personal item (up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm) that fits under the seat.
- Measure and weigh your bag before you travel. TUI may check cabin baggage at the gate, and oversized or overweight bags can be moved to the hold for an additional charge.
In this article
- TUI hand luggage size: the basics.
- What does and doesn't count as hand luggage when flying with TUI.
- TUI hand baggage insider tips and tricks.
- TUI hand luggage FAQs.
TUI hand luggage size: the basics.
TUI allows one piece of hand luggage and one personal item per person over the age of two – free of charge.
TUI does not publish a formal weight limit for the personal item, so while there’s no number to hit, it still needs to be something you can manage and stow yourself.
Last updated and fact-checked: August 18, 2026.
- Your hand luggage must fit in the overhead locker. (Note that this includes any wheels, handles, or attachments on your luggage.)
- Your personal item – such as a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag – must fit easily under the seat in front of you. Avoid trying to put your personal item in an overhead compartment, as this may violate baggage guidelines and lead to penalty fees.
- Finally, you must be able to lift your hand luggage and place it in the overhead bins without the help of flight staff.
TUI hand luggage liquids rules.
- Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100ml each.
- All liquid containers must fit in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag. This counts as part of your one cabin bag allowance, not an extra item.
- Exemptions apply for essential medications and baby milk, which can exceed 100ml if you declare them at security.
What does and doesn’t count as hand luggage when flying with TUI.
The tl;dr is that if any of the following items fall within the hand luggage size and weight dimensions, then they can serve as your hand luggage or personal item on TUI flights.
Let’s go into the details on some common bulky items in case you’re unsure.
Push carriages
- If you’d like to bring a push carriage on board your flight, this will have to count as your carry-on. It must comply with the same TUI cabin bag dimensions outlined above. It also must be labeled with a hand-luggage tag at the check-in counter.
- Luckily, you can use it in the airport and have the flight staff check it at the gate for free. Just make sure you get the appropriate luggage tag for this at the check-in counter before your flight.
Sports equipment
- Any sports equipment that doesn’t comply with the carry-on weight and dimensions must be pre-booked (by calling 0203 451 2688) and checked. Note that if you don’t pre-book, airline staff can decline to check your equipment.
- If, say, you bring ski boots or other sporting equipment that falls within the carry-on or personal-item dimensions, you can opt to have these counted in place of a suitcase or bag.
Musical instruments
- If your instrument fits within the designated dimensions for hand luggage or personal items then you are welcome to bring your instrument on board.
- However, if the instrument is too large, you’ll need to clearly label it as fragile, check it, and notify the flight staff to handle it with extra caution.
Traveling with pets
- If you plan to bring your furry friend with you on your next trip, make sure you take note of TUIs pet-specific regulations.
- Pets weighing up to 8kg, including the carrier, and of at least 12 weeks of age can generally travel on TUI flights.
- You must bring it in a carrier that does not exceed 50 x 35 x 30 cm and keep it in the space under the seat in front of you.
TUI hand luggage allowance for children and infants.
Children aged two and over receive the same hand luggage allowance as adults: one cabin bag (55x40x20cm, max 10kg) plus one personal item (40x30x20cm).
Infants under two travelling on a lap ticket do not receive a standard hand luggage allowance – though you can typically bring a small changing bag as a necessity item. Confirm the exact entitlement for your infant on your booking confirmation or directly with TUI before travel.
TUI hand baggage insider tips and tricks.
from travel expert Lily Cichanowicz
1. Pack your personal item with airport security and flight essentials in mind.
Anticipate what you’ll need to have at the ready when going through airport security and passport controls – and keep these things easily at hand.
Keep snacks, medications, and in-flight entertainment in your personal item, too, to make your flight as comfortable and hassle-free as possible.
If you’re gearing up for a long-haul flight, this guide has more info on how to make the experience as efficient and smooth as possible.
2. Leave some room to spare in your carry on.
Whether it’s a snazzy new souvenir or just your dirty laundry, you’re likely to have more bulk in your baggage on your return journey. Wear layers on your flight to reserve space in your bag. Rolling your clothes or investing in compression bags can also be helpful if you’re a chronic over packer.
Not a light packer? These packing tips will help you make the most of your space.
3. Always plan ahead.
There’s no better way to put a damper on your next holiday than by incurring excess baggage penalty fees. Make sure you weigh and measure your bag at home, and that you take necessary measures to comply with the luggage pre-check guidelines if you’re bringing anything that doesn’t fit TUI’s cabin bag size regulations.
Always refer to what’s stated on your flight reservation and ticket to confirm the specifics of your baggage allowance and avoid incurring excess fees. On TUI flights, these start at £60 per bag up to 15kg, with an added £15 per kilo after that.
If you do decide to check your bags, this guide can help you make sure your luggage complies with airline rules.
When I’m traveling, I almost always try to avoid bringing checked baggage. Not only does that make travel cheaper, but it’s much easier to get around without hauling heavy luggage to your destination. Remember that you can save space by purchasing items like sunscreen or towels once you arrive.
TUI hand luggage FAQs.
On TUI flights, anything (that you're legally allowed to bring on the plane) can serve as your hand luggage / personal item, as long as it fits the designated dimensions for each.
Aside from a backpack or handbag, your ski boots or even your pet (in a carrier) can serve as your personal item, if it can fit neatly under the seat in front of you at less than 40x30x20cm in size.
Yes, but your handbag counts as your personal item, not a third separate bag.
Like most airlines, if you wind up having excess luggage, you're likely to get slapped with fees. Therefore, it's best to make sure you're informed and prepared on current luggage regulations before you get to the airport.
Generally expect to put both your carry on and your hand luggage in the overhead compartment if you are seated in an exit row. Always defer to instructions you receive from the flight crew (and enjoy that extra leg room on your journey).
TUI enforces its hand luggage rules actively – staff at the gate can and do ask passengers to weigh or resize bags that look oversized, particularly on busy routes. Be sure to follow the designated policies and procedures if you plan on bringing luggage that might fall outside of the above regulations.
It can. TUI's standard allowance of one 10kg cabin bag plus one personal item applies to most bookings, but your exact entitlement depends on your fare type and whether you've booked a package holiday or a flight-only ticket.
Some fare tiers include a checked bag as standard, which can affect what's included in your overall allowance. Always check your booking confirmation for the specific baggage allowance attached to your ticket before you pack.
TUI can and does weigh cabin bags. Enforcement varies by route, airport, and how busy the gate is, but don't count on slipping through. If your bag is over the 10kg limit, staff can ask you to check it at the gate, which typically means paying an excess baggage fee starting at £60.
