You’ve booked your flights – now it’s time to think about luggage. Understanding your airline’s checked baggage rules before you travel can help you avoid unexpected charges and last-minute hassle at the airport. Here’s everything you need to know.
- Most airlines allow checked bags up to 23 kg with a maximum size of 158 cm (length + width + height), although allowances vary by airline and fare.
- Add checked baggage before you travel. Buying baggage online is usually much cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Pack smart. Liquids over 100 ml are allowed in checked baggage, but spare lithium batteries, power banks and e-cigarettes must travel in your cabin baggage.
In this article
- What is checked baggage?
- Checked baggage vs. carry-on: what’s the difference?
- Checked baggage fees by airline.
- How much liquid can you take in checked baggage?
- What isn’t allowed in checked baggage?
- Checked baggage FAQs.
What is checked baggage?
Checked baggage is luggage you hand over at the airline check-in desk before your flight. It travels in the aircraft hold, so you won’t have access to it during the journey.
When you check in your bag, airline staff will weigh it and attach a baggage tag before it heads through the airport’s baggage handling system. To avoid delays or extra charges, make sure it meets your airline’s size and weight limits before you arrive.
After landing, collect your suitcase from the baggage reclaim carousel in the arrivals hall. Most bags arrive within a few minutes, although waiting times can vary depending on the airport.
What is a standard size checked bag?
Unlike cabin baggage, there isn’t a universal suitcase size for checked baggage. Most airlines use a maximum linear dimension of 158cm, calculated by adding together the length, width and height of your suitcase, including wheels and handles.
For example: 75cm + 50cm + 33cm = 158cm
If your suitcase exceeds your airline’s size limit, it may be treated as oversized baggage and you’ll usually need to pay an additional charge.
What is the weight limit for a checked bag?
Checked baggage allowances vary between airlines and fare types, but the standard allowance for an economy ticket is often 23kg per bag. Premium Economy, Business and First Class fares may include a larger allowance or multiple checked bags.
Most airlines also allow passengers to pay for additional, oversized or overweight baggage. However, individual bags are usually limited to 32kg for health and safety reasons, regardless of the fare you’ve booked.
Checked baggage vs. carry-on: what’s the difference?
| Checked baggage | Cabin baggage | |
|---|---|---|
| Stored | Aircraft hold | Overhead locker or under the seat |
| Accessible during the flight | No | Yes |
| Typical size | Up to 158cm total dimensions (length + width + height) | Varies by airline |
| Typical weight | Up to 23kg in economy | Around 7–10kg |
| Included | Depends on the airline and fare | Usually at least one small bag is included |
| Best for | Bulky items, larger toiletries and longer trips | Essentials, valuables and short trips |
Checked baggage fees by airline.
The table below shows the typical checked baggage allowance on some of the airlines most commonly used by UK travellers.
| Airline | Is checked baggage included? | Typical allowance |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Included on most fares* | 23kg |
| easyJet | No | Available as a paid add-on |
| Ryanair | No | Available as a paid add-on |
| Jet2 | No (flight only) | 22kg available as a paid add-on |
| Jet2holidays | Yes | 22kg included |
| Wizz Air | No | Available as a paid add-on |
| TUI | Usually included on package holidays | Typically 20kg |
| Virgin Atlantic | Included on most fares | 23kg |
*Some Basic or hand baggage only fares may not include checked baggage.
Always check your booking confirmation before travelling, as baggage allowances can vary by route, destination and ticket type.
How much liquid can you take in checked baggage?
Unlike cabin baggage, liquids packed in checked baggage aren’t subject to the 100ml airport security limit. That means you can pack full-size toiletries, drinks and other liquids, provided your bag stays within your airline’s weight allowance.
Some substances are still prohibited, however. Flammable, corrosive or otherwise hazardous liquids can’t be packed in either checked or cabin baggage.
Can you pack aerosols in checked baggage?
Yes. Everyday toiletries such as deodorant, hairspray and shaving foam can generally be packed in checked baggage.
Aerosols must be for personal or household use, and dangerous items such as spray paint, industrial chemicals and self-defence sprays are prohibited. Always check your airline’s guidance if you’re travelling with unusual items.
What isn’t allowed in checked baggage?
While checked baggage allows you to pack far more than cabin baggage, there are still some important restrictions.
Loose lithium batteries and power banks
Power banks, spare lithium batteries and spare e-cigarette batteries must travel in your cabin baggage, not in the aircraft hold. Electronic devices containing installed batteries are generally permitted in checked baggage, although carrying valuable electronics in your cabin bag is usually the safer option.
E-cigarettes and vapes
Vapes and e-cigarettes must be packed in your cabin baggage and must never be used or charged during the flight.
Flammable or explosive items
Fireworks, flares, fuel, gas canisters, camping fuel and other flammable materials are prohibited.
Hazardous chemicals
Bleach, drain cleaner, paint thinners and other corrosive or toxic chemicals can’t be packed in checked baggage.
Self-balancing devices
Hoverboards, electric unicycles and similar devices are generally prohibited because of their lithium batteries.
Items allowed with restrictions
Some items are permitted in checked baggage provided they meet airline and safety regulations.
- Alcohol: Drinks containing up to 24% ABV can usually be packed without restriction. Alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV is generally limited to 5 litres per passenger in unopened retail packaging. Alcohol over 70% ABV isn’t permitted.
- Sharp items and tools: Knives, axes and other tools can usually travel in checked baggage, provided they’re securely wrapped or sheathed.
- Sporting equipment: Many airlines accept items such as skis, golf clubs and bicycles, although these often require advance booking and additional charges.
Remember that you won’t have access to your checked baggage during the flight. Keep medication, travel documents, valuables, electronics and anything you’ll need during the journey in your cabin bag.
Checked baggage FAQs.
If your suitcase exceeds your airline’s weight allowance, you’ll usually need to pay an excess baggage charge. If it’s only slightly over the limit, you may be able to move a few items into your cabin bag, provided it stays within your hand luggage allowance. Bags weighing more than 32kg are generally not accepted for health and safety reasons.
Usually, yes. If checked baggage isn’t included in your fare, you’ll normally pay for it on both your outbound and return flights. If you’re flying with different airlines, each carrier’s baggage policy and charges will apply separately.
Yes. Most airlines let you add checked baggage through their website or app after you’ve booked your flight. It’s usually much cheaper to do this in advance than to pay at the airport.
Yes, but it’s usually the most expensive option. If you know you’ll need a checked bag, it’s worth adding it before you travel to save money.
Checked baggage is the best place for full-size toiletries, liquids over 100ml, sharp objects such as scissors or kitchen knives and larger sporting equipment. Spare lithium batteries, power banks and e-cigarettes must travel in your cabin baggage instead.
No. Many low-cost airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, don’t include checked baggage in their cheapest fares. Some full-service airlines include at least one checked bag on selected fares, while others offer hand baggage only tickets. Always check what’s included before you book.
