Knowing exactly what you can take on board is crucial to a smooth day of travelling.
From overweight baggage fees to oversized carry-ons, a number of issues can mess up your travel plans - and cause a hit to your bank account.
We've combed through the small print of five top airlines used in the
5. easyJet
Cabin: One free bag with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25cm including handles and wheels. Any additional handbags or laptop bags must be able to fit into this one bag. However, there is no weight restriction.
Hold: Again, a maximum of three checked, 20kg bags come at a cost, which is significantly cheaper if booked online - £13-30 online, £32 at the bag drop desk and £45 at the gate. Total luggage weight allowance can also be pooled across items and customers on a booking.
Extra fees: Oversized bags will be checked into the aircraft for a charge, and you'll pay for any excess weight over 20g - £3 per kilo online and £10 per kilo at the airport up to a maximum of 32kg.
4. Ryanair
Cabin: One free bag weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus one small bag up to 35 x 20 x 20cm.
Hold: Checked bags (two maximum) come at a price, and the cheapest way to do so is online at the time of the initial booking. You can opt for either a 15kg or 20kg bag for £10 - £40 (per person, one way) depending on the flight, while bags purchased at the airport will range rom £25-50. The 20kg bag usually costs £5-10 extra. Checked baggage allowances can also be shared between passengers on the same flight reservation checking in together.
Extra fees: Oversizes bags will either be refused at the boarding gate or, when possible, placed in the hold for a fee of £50, while exess baggage is charged at £10 per kilo at the check-in desk.
3. Lufthansa
Cabin: One piece of cabin baggage up to 8kg with maximum measurements of 55 x 40 x 23cm is permitted on economy fares, along with another item (handbag or laptop bag) measuring up to 30 x 40 x 10cm.
Hold: Economy fares come with one free bag up to 23kg, while Economy Light fares can add a piece of baggage up to 23kg for €15 online, €30 at the checkin counter or €45 at the gate. The maximum size per piece of baggage, regardless of class, is 158 cm (width + height + depth) with a maximum weight of 32kg.
Extra fees: Extra bags up to 23kg can be added for €75-350 depending on their size and the type of flight, with 24-32kg bags costing €125-450. There is a charge for oversized bags (€100-200 depending on the flight) or overweight bags (€50-300 depending on the flight, weight and size.)
2. Virgin Atlantic
Cabin: One bag with maximum dimensions of 23 x 36 x 56cm and a weight of 10kg as well as a handbag or small backpack, although any laptops must be able to go inside the initial bag or must be checked in.
Hold: For standard economy fares, one free bag up to 23kg with measurements up to 90 x 75 x 43cm is permitted, while some flights allow for two bags.
Extra fees: Extra bags can be checked at a rate up £65 for the first bag and £150 for all bags thereafter up to 10 bags. Overweight bags 23-32kg cost an extra £65, while oversized baggage will set you back £40.
1. British Airways
Cabin: One free handbag or laptop bag up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and one additional cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, each with a maximum weight of 23kg.
Hold: While the allowance differs by flight, all with-baggage fares include at least one free bag per person up to 23kg. On hand baggage only (basic) fares, checked baggage comes at an extra cost, which should again be paid online to avoid paying extra fees at the airport. Checked bags can be up to 90cm x 75cm x 43cm.
Extra fees: Oversized baggage is charged at £65 per bag up to 32kg. For hand baggage only fares, the first bag is £20-30, then £60 for any additional, though this can be £65 for each checked bag if done at the airport. With a baggage-included fare extra bags are £36-60 online and £40-65 at the airport.