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"THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST COMMON ERROR I SEE AMONG UK PASSENGERS" 16:34, 21 May 2025 A travel expert has said that millions of UK holidaymakers are making the same mistake at

airports. Hand luggage rules vary for all airlines which may lead to unexpected charges if you do not check the measurements properly before boarding flights. Airlines impose luggage size

restrictions due to safety concerns, weight distribution considerations, and practical limitations within the aircraft. According to a travel expert at Ski Vertigo, many travellers still

don’t understand how hand luggage rules vary from one airline to the next. For millions of people heading on holiday over the years, this has resulted in unexpected charges, delays at

security, and even missed flights. The expert says: "This is probably the most common error I see among UK passengers. "People assume that what worked on their last flight will

work again—but every airline sets its own limits for cabin bags, and they can be very different." Most UK travellers are familiar with the concept of a "cabin bag", but many

don’t realise that there’s no standard definition. While one airline might allow a small suitcase, another may only permit a backpack or handbag. Anything larger must be checked in, often at

a steep cost if caught out at the airport. Ski Vertigo explains: "For example, Ryanair’s basic fare includes only a small personal bag measuring up to 40cm x 20cm x 25cm, which is

roughly the size of a large handbag or small backpack. "If you bring a standard cabin suitcase on a basic Ryanair ticket, you will have to pay extra to check it in." EasyJet allows

a larger cabin bag of up to 45cm x 36cm x 20cm included in all fares, but their hold luggage fees are high if you exceed this. British Airways offers a more generous allowance, letting

passengers take two items - a cabin bag up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and a smaller personal item. Other airlines such as Wizz Air and Jet2 also have their own size limits. This means travellers

booking multiple airlines on one trip must check each airline’s rules carefully. Failing to follow these restrictions often leads to hefty charges at the gate, with some airlines charging

£45 or more to place an oversized bag in the hold. One of the most common slip-ups involves travellers bringing a cabin bag that’s just slightly too big Ski Vertigo's travel expert

added: "We’ve seen people paying more in fees than they spent on their flight—just because of a bag that’s a few centimetres over." This happens frequently on budget airlines where

the overhead bin space is limited, and staff are under pressure to turn flights around quickly. Article continues below Travellers should check their airline’s baggage policy every time

they travel, even if they’ve flown with them before. The travel expert advises: "You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be prepared. Hand luggage rules aren’t hidden—they’re

right there in the booking confirmation. The smartest travellers are the ones who actually read it."