As a result of several airlines including easyJet and Monarch, changing their fees and regulations relating to hand baggage, holidaymakers can face even more confusion when packing their luggage. In order to help travellers to plan ahead and pack correctly, Airport Parking and Hotels has put together research on the regulations and restrictions on hand luggage across all major airlines. The research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the website, at www.aph.com/handbaggage.

The research compares the hand baggage allowance on 25 airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic, highlighting the number of bags,dimensions and weight allowance that each passenger is permitted. The research also features any additional rules and restrictions, as well as potential costs if a passenger does not adhere to the regulations. 

Of the 25 airlines surveyed, around half, 13, were found to allow two items of hand baggage; including one standard article and one personal article such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop. The remaining 12 airlines including easyJet and Ryanair, restrict passengers to strictly one item of hand luggage.

In terms of weight, among the most generous is British Airways who allow a weight limit of 23kg on all bags with the specification that passengers must be able to lift their own bag into the overhead locker. The least generous is Monarch who only allows 5kg of hand baggage which can be used in one bag of 25cm by 40cm by 56cm or two bags whose dimensions together add up to 121cm.

Of the other airlines included in the research, 15 specify limitations in both dimensions and weight. Four airlines, American Airlines, BMI Regional, Delta Air Lines and easyJet, only regulate dimensions and not specific weight, however Japan Airlines states that the maximum weight of hand luggage must be 23kg and gives no dimensions.

Across the airlines researched, dimensions of luggage ranged from a maximum overall breadth plus length plus height of 118cm to 126cm. EasyJet has recently introduced its Cabin Guarantee scheme which outlines that although passengers can bring hand luggage up to 126cm in total dimension, if they bring an item that is 110cm or less it is guaranteed to travel with the passenger in the overhead locker or under the seat in front. Whereas a bag of larger that 110cm may be placed in the hold if the flight is too busy, however this will be at no extra cost to the passenger.

Some airlines specify other rules when it comes to hand baggage and these are also highlighted in the research. For example, Qantas and Ryanair outline their musical instrument policy with both airlines stipulating that smaller instruments such as violins can be carried as standard hand luggage. Larger instruments may also be carried by a passenger into the cabin, however an extra seat must be booked to transport the instrument safely and comfortably.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH),

Visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

ENDS

Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK’s award winning long stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a third year running at British Travel Awards 2012. This year APH also celebrates its 33rd year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.

Media Enquiries
Sarah Salord / Jessica Meins / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 / aph@mccluskey.co.uk