Travel
Travelling to or from Spain with only hand luggage is becoming increasingly popular. It saves a lot of hassle waiting at the baggage belt. But with which airline can you take the most in the cabin? And what rules must your hand luggage comply with? We list all the current hand luggage rules for you.
Each airline has specific rules regarding the permitted dimensions and maximum weight of hand luggage. Below is a full overview of these rules per airline.
Before we look at the rules, we would like to remind you that the European Parliament (EP) wants to take action on hand luggage. The EP has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for consistent EU rules on hand luggage for airlines. According to the EP, the current rules are unclear and cause inconvenience to travellers. The resolution calls for a revision of the EU legislation on air passenger rights.
With KLM, you are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage with a maximum of 55 x 35 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels). In addition, you are allowed to take one personal item with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The combined weight of both items may not exceed 12 kg.
With the Spanish airline Iberia, you are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage with a maximum of 56 x 40 x 25 cm and 10 kg. In addition, you are allowed to take one personal item with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
At Ryanair, the rules depend largely on your ticket. With a standard ticket, you are only allowed to take one small personal item of up to 40 x 25 x 20 cm. If you want to take a larger suitcase, you must book Priority boarding. With Priority, you are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage of 55 x 40 x 20 cm and one small personal item with no weight restriction.
At Transavia, just like KLM and many other airlines, both one piece of hand luggage and one personal item are allowed. The hand luggage (which can be booked including priority) may be a maximum of 55 x 35 x 25 cm. The personal item up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. The combined weight of both items may not exceed 10 kg. Transavia states on its website that only 70 hand luggage suitcases can be taken in the cabin.
Vueling allows 10 kg of hand luggage with dimensions up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (with special Fly and Fly Grande fares). In addition, you may take one personal item with you, such as a handbag or laptop bag. If you book the Fly Light fare, you may only take one personal item measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
Hand luggage only with additional payment such as TimeFlex, Fly and Fly Grande fares or when booking Space One and Space Plus seats.
TUI fly allows 10 kg of hand luggage with dimensions up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. In addition, each passenger aged 2 and over may take one personal item measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
Brussels Airlines allows one piece of hand luggage of 8 kg with dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm in Economy Class and Premium Economy Class and two pieces of hand luggage of 8 kg max. each in Business Class. The personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
Want to take as little luggage as possible? Here are some tips, because by packing smart you can still take all the essentials in your hand luggage!
FAQ
Usually hand luggage is allowed up to 10 kg. However, this differs per airline, so always check the rules that can be found on the websites of the companies.
Often only the dimensions of your luggage are considered. But it does happen that hand luggage is also weighed, so make sure you stay under the limit.
A personal item is a small bag such as a handbag, camera bag or laptop bag. You can often take these extra for free, provided that they fit under the seat.