Baggage rules
Baggage is the most variable part of flying — every airline has its own dimensions, weights, and fees. Here's what's universal versus carrier-specific, plus the rules for things that travelers always get wrong (lithium batteries, sports equipment, liquids).
The three baggage categories
| Category | Typical limits | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 40×30×20 cm, ~5–10 kg, free everywhere | Under the seat in front of you |
| Carry-on / cabin bag | 55×40×20 cm typical, 8–15 kg, often paid on low-cost | Overhead locker |
| Checked baggage | 23 kg standard, max 158 cm (L+W+H), paid on most carriers | Cargo hold, drop off at counter |
Low-cost vs full-service — the real difference
Full-service airlines (Lufthansa, KLM, BA) typically include both a cabin bag and a personal item in basic Economy. Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) include only the personal item in their cheapest fare — the cabin bag costs extra.
This is the #1 cause of "Why is my Ryanair flight more expensive than I thought?" complaints. Compare like-for-like by adding cabin bag + checked bag to the low-cost price before booking.
What you can't pack — universal prohibited items
Never (cabin or checked):
- Compressed gases (oxygen tanks, large CO₂ cartridges).
- Flammable liquids (lighter fluid, fuel canisters, large alcohol).
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition (special licensing exists for hunters).
- Toxic substances, infectious materials.
- Magnets above a certain field strength (industrial magnets).
Cabin only — banned in checked:
- Lithium batteries over 100 Wh (most laptop batteries are under, but power banks, e-bike batteries can exceed). Spare batteries always cabin only.
- E-cigarettes and vape pens.
- Smart luggage with non-removable batteries (banned outright on most carriers since 2018).
Checked only — banned in cabin:
- Sharp items: knives, scissors over 6 cm, tools, sporting equipment.
- Liquids over 100 ml per container (with the EU exception for medical needs).
- Flammable liquids in any quantity.
The 100ml liquids rule
All liquids, gels, and pastes in cabin baggage must be in containers of ≤100ml each, all containers fitting in a single 1-liter transparent resealable bag. One bag per passenger.
Exemptions: medication (with prescription if asked), baby food/milk, duty-free purchases sealed in tamper-evident bags.
Coming change: some airports (LHR, AMS) are rolling out CT scanners that allow liquids up to 2L per container. Check airport-specific rules before assuming.
Sports equipment
Skis, surfboards, bikes, golf clubs are usually accepted as checked baggage with extra fees (€30–€100). Pre-book — counter-bought sports fees are 2–3× higher.
Bicycles must be partly disassembled (handlebars sideways, pedals removed) and packed in a hard or soft case. Some airlines require tires deflated.
Lithium battery rules — the detail
- Devices in use (phone, laptop, tablet): in cabin or checked OK.
- Spare batteries (loose): cabin only, terminals taped or in original packaging.
- Power banks under 100 Wh: cabin only, max 2 per passenger (some airlines).
- Power banks 100–160 Wh: cabin only, with airline approval, max 2 per passenger.
- Power banks over 160 Wh: not allowed in passenger aircraft.
Wattage marking is on the battery itself. If unmarked, multiply mAh × V / 1000.
What to do if your bag is overweight
- Most airlines charge €10–€30/kg over the limit at the counter.
- Pre-paying online is usually 50 % cheaper than at airport.
- Heavy items (books, electronics) move to cabin bag if possible — most carriers don't weigh cabin bags unless you look obvious.
- Consider shipping ahead via SendMyBag or Luggage Forward — typically €30–€80 per bag, often cheaper than overweight + extra-bag fees on long-haul.