Your Ultimate 2025 Luggage Lowdown

Ever turned up at the airport, only to realise your carry-on is a bit heavier (or bigger) than you thought? It’s the quickest way to add stress to an otherwise exciting holiday. As we settle into 2025, airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet have fresh rules around what you can bring on board—and what’ll cost you extra. Here’s a quick, no-nonsense look at how to avoid surprise fees and start your trip on the right foot.

Why These Rules Keep Changing

Airlines love to keep us on our toes with new weight and size limits. Sometimes it’s to speed up boarding. Other times, it’s just to make their own processes run smoother. Either way, if you don’t stay in the loop, it’s easy to be caught off-guard at check-in. Trust me: a bit of prep before you leave home is far better than rearranging your carefully packed bag while everyone’s watching.

British Airways: Generous, but Double-Check the Details

Cabin Baggage

British Airways usually allows one larger carry-on plus a personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag). That’s great for travellers who want to keep essentials close at hand. But be sure to confirm the exact measurements—you don’t want to argue with a gate agent if your bag’s slightly oversized. Here are some British Airways cabin-approved bags.

Checked Bags

Depending on which ticket you’ve bought (economy, premium, etc.), you might get a decent free baggage allowance. If you snagged the cheapest fare, though, you could face lower weight limits or even have to pay extra for a checked bag. Always check your confirmation so you’re crystal clear on what’s allowed. Check out these checked bags.

Ryanair: Low Fares, Strict Policies

Cabin Baggage

Ryanair is famous for rock-bottom ticket prices, but that usually means extras—like a bigger cabin bag—come at a premium. You can often bring one small personal bag for free, but anything more, and you’ll likely need to pay. Measuring and weighing your bag at home could save you from a nasty bill at the gate. Here are some Ryanair cabin-approved bags.

Checked Bags

If you do opt to check a bag, booking online ahead of time can be much cheaper than waiting until you reach the airport. If you’re on a tight budget (which is probably why you picked Ryanair in the first place), planning early is key to avoiding surprise fees. Travelpro has checked-bags for every budget.

easyJet: One Bag, but No Weight Limit

Cabin Baggage

easyJet’s main perk is that they don’t set a strict weight limit for your carry-on—just a size restriction. That’s good news if you’re the sort of person who can compress a surprising amount into a small space. But if your bag doesn’t fit the given dimensions, you’ll likely be forced to check it in and pay extra. Here are some easyJet cabin-approved bags.

Checked Bags

For longer trips (or heavier packers), easyJet has several checked baggage options, from around 15 kg up to 32 kg. The earlier you book, the cheaper it usually is, so if you already know you’ll need more than a carry-on, add it when you buy your ticket.  Checked bags for long trips or to pack for the whole family.

Handy Tips Before You Pack

• Review Your Fare Type: Different tickets often come with different baggage perks. A quick peek at your booking can spare you confusion later.
• Measure and Weigh at Home: A luggage scale and a tape measure might be the best travel accessories you ever buy. If your bag is near the limit, you’ll want to know before you leave.
• Pack What You Actually Need: If there’s any doubt, leave it out. Travelling light can save money and the hassle of lugging around too much stuff. And don't forget packing cubes, they are amazing for saving space!
• Check the Airline’s Website: Policies can change suddenly, and the last thing you want is to discover a new rule at the airport. A quick online check a day or two before departure can make all the difference.

Conclusion: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Airline baggage rules might feel like a moving target, but the payoff for doing your homework is huge—no extra fees, no frantic bag-repacking, and less hassle overall. Whether you’re flying British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, or any of Europe’s other airlines, a little research goes a long way. With the right bag size and weight, you’ll sail through check-in and head straight for the fun part—enjoying your holiday.