Baggage

Cabin bags and checked bags

A cabin bag, also called hand luggage or carry-on, travels with you in the aircraft cabin. A checked bag, or hold luggage, is handed over at the airport and collected at your destination.

Airlines set their own limits on how many bags you may take, how much each can weigh and how large it can be. Those limits can differ between airlines, between fares on the same flight, and between cabin classes.

What is included in your fare

Every fare in our search results shows the number of cabin bags and checked bags included for each passenger. On a return trip the allowance can be different in each direction, and where it is, both are shown.

• If your journey has a connection, the allowance shown is the one that applies for the whole journey.
• The lowest fares on some airlines include a cabin bag only. Look for the words "no checked bag" on the fare.
• Infants travelling on an adult's lap often have a smaller allowance, or none. The airline's rules apply.

Adding extra checked bags

If the airline sells extra checked bags for the fare you have chosen, you can add them during checkout, after entering passenger details. For each passenger and each flight you will see the bags on offer, the weight limit where the airline provides it, and the price.

These are the airline's own bags, sold for your specific flight. The price is set by the airline and is added to your total before you pay, so you see it in the price breakdown.

We do not publish a price list for extra bags, because there is no single price. It depends on the airline, the route and the fare, and it is only known once you have chosen a flight.

If extra bags are not offered at checkout

Not every airline makes extra bags available through booking agents. If you do not see the option, you can usually add bags on the airline's website, or at the airport, using the airline booking reference in your confirmation email. Buying at the airport is often the most expensive way.

Adding bags after you have booked

Where the airline allows it, you can add bags later from Manage Booking. If that is not available for your booking, use the airline's website with your booking reference.

Size, weight and special items

• Check your airline's baggage page for exact dimensions. A cabin bag that is too large may have to go in the hold for a fee.
• Sports equipment, musical instruments, mobility aids and medical equipment have their own rules. Contact the airline, or ask us and we will point you to the right place.
• Some items are restricted or banned in cabin or hold baggage, including certain batteries and liquids. Check the airline's and the airport's guidance before you pack.

Lost, delayed or damaged baggage

Report it at the airline's desk in the arrivals hall before you leave the airport, and keep the reference you are given. The airline is responsible for your baggage, and claims are made to the airline. Travel insurance may also cover you.