Category: Travel Planning

Jet2 hand luggage includes one cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring no more than 56 × 45 × 25cm, plus one small under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 20cm — free for every passenger. Hold luggage is separate: you can add up to three 22kg bags per person, and on package holidays a 22kg bag is usually included. Here is the full Jet2 baggage allowance for 2026.

Jet2 baggage allowance at a glance

Jet2 gives every passenger (excluding infants) two pieces of hand luggage, with hold bags added separately. Here is how the Jet2 baggage allowance breaks down:

Source: Jet2 official baggage policy. Allowances are the current 2026 rules and can change; baggage prices vary by route, flight and booking. Always confirm with Jet2 before you travel.

Jet2 hand luggage size and weight

Jet2 allows one cabin bag up to 56 × 45 × 25cm and 10kg, including wheels and handles.

The Jet2 cabin bag size limit applies to the widest points of your bag, so a hard-shell case must fit within 56 × 45 × 25cm at its wheels and handles, not just the main body. A soft holdall has a small advantage here because it can squeeze into a sizer more easily, but the stated limit is the same for both. Measure the bag fully packed, as it can bulge. The 10kg weight applies to the bag and its contents together. In short, the Jet2 cabin bag size and the Jet2 hand luggage size are one and the same allowance: a single 56 × 45 × 25cm, 10kg bag.

Jet2 small under-seat bag

Jet2 also allows one small under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 20cm, separate from the 10kg cabin bag.

This is your personal item — a handbag, a laptop bag or a small backpack — and it must fit beneath the seat in front of you. It is one bag, not several, so it does not cover multiple shopping bags on top of your cabin bag. Keep the things you want during the flight here: phone, documents, medication and a book.

Can you take two bags on Jet2?

Yes. Every Jet2 passenger can take two pieces of hand luggage: the 10kg cabin bag plus one small under-seat bag.

That combination — a 56 × 45 × 25cm cabin bag and a 40 × 30 × 20cm personal item — is included in the fare, with no priority upgrade needed. It is one of the simpler hand-luggage setups among UK airlines.

Does Jet2 weigh hand luggage?

The 10kg cabin-bag limit is official, and Jet2 can weigh or measure your bag at check-in or the gate.

Jet2 does not publish how often bags are actually weighed, and it varies by airport and flight. The safe assumption is that your bag may be checked, so pack to the 10kg limit rather than hoping it slips through. A luggage scale at home removes the guesswork. You can plan the whole bag with our Packing List Generator.

How strict is Jet2 with hand luggage size?

Jet2’s policy is a firm 10kg and 56 × 45 × 25cm; how it is enforced at the airport can vary.

The official limits are clear and do not change from flight to flight. Enforcement, though, depends on the airport, the staff and how full the flight is — so a marginally oversized bag might be waved through one day and stopped the next. Because you cannot predict an individual gate agent, the reliable approach is to stay inside the limits rather than rely on being let off.

What happens if a Jet2 cabin bag is too large or heavy?

A cabin bag that is over the size or weight limit may have to be checked into the hold, and a charge may apply.

If your bag exceeds 10kg or 56 × 45 × 25cm, Jet2 can require it to travel in the hold. The exact charge depends on the route and how you pay, so there is no single universal fee — and paying at the airport is generally more expensive than adding a hold bag online in advance. You can estimate likely costs with our Airline Bag Fee Estimator.

What is Jet2 Guaranteed Cabin Luggage?

Guaranteed Cabin Luggage

A paid, availability-dependent Jet2 add-on intended to keep your compliant 10kg cabin bag with you in the cabin, rather than having it moved to the hold when locker space runs out.

It is worth being clear about what this is and is not. Your 10kg cabin bag is already included free — Guaranteed Cabin Luggage is not how you buy the basic allowance. It is an optional extra that reduces the chance of your bag being placed in the hold on a full flight. It is subject to availability and operational requirements, so it is not an absolute guarantee in every situation. If having your bag in the cabin matters (for example, for tight connections), it can be worth considering.

Jet2 hold-luggage allowance

Jet2 hold luggage is a paid extra on flight-only bookings; a 22kg bag is usually included on Jet2holidays packages. You can add up to three 22kg bags per person.

Each purchased or included hold bag adds a 22kg allowance, and you can take up to three per person per flight. No single item may weigh more than 32kg (a manual-handling limit). Excess weight above your allowance is charged per kilogram, so it is usually cheaper to add a bigger allowance up front than to pay for excess at the airport. Prices vary by route and booking, so check the current cost when you book or in Manage My Booking.

Jet2 baggage allowance for infants and children

Infants without their own seat are not included in the standard cabin-bag and hold-bag allowance.

Children who occupy a seat get the same allowance as an adult. Infants (generally under two, travelling on a lap) do not receive the standard cabin-bag allowance, though Jet2 normally allows essential baby items such as a pushchair or car seat. Because infant and baby-equipment rules are detailed, confirm the current policy directly with Jet2 before you travel.

Jet2 versus Ryanair and easyJet

The stand-out point for Jet2 is that the 10kg cabin bag is included as standard — you do not need a priority add-on or a particular fare to bring it into the cabin. Here is how the hand-luggage basics compare:

For the full picture, see our hand luggage size comparison, and the dedicated guides to Ryanair cabin bag size and easyJet hand luggage size. British Airways works differently again and has its own guide.

How to avoid Jet2 baggage problems

• Measure your bag at its widest points, including wheels and handles, against 56 × 45 × 25cm.
• Weigh it at home so the cabin bag stays within 10kg fully packed.
• Keep essentials accessible — medication, documents, valuables, power banks and anything you need during the flight — in case the cabin bag goes in the hold.
• Prepare for the hold. On a full flight your 10kg bag may be placed below, so do not pack irreplaceable items you cannot check.
• Check restricted items and liquids separately — the baggage size rules are different from security rules.
• Reconfirm your allowance in Manage My Booking before you travel, as prices and details can change.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and update statement

Based on Jet2’s official baggage policy: jet2.com/en/baggage, Jet2 Terms and restricted items. Checked 10 July 2026. Airline baggage rules and charges can change, so confirm your allowance with Jet2 before travelling.

ETIAS for UK travellers is a new pre-travel authorisation you will need for short trips to most of Europe once the system launches, expected in the last quarter of 2026. It is not a visa, it costs €20 (free for under-18s and over-70s), and it lasts up to three years. You do not need to apply yet — the system is not live — but it is worth understanding before you book.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors to Europe, sometimes loosely called an ETIAS visa waiver. It is not a visa.

Once live, UK passport holders will complete a short online application, linked to their passport, before travelling to participating European countries for short stays. It is designed as a light-touch security pre-check, similar in spirit to the US ESTA. Because the UK is outside the EU, British travellers fall into the group that will need this Europe travel authorisation for the first time.

Do UK travellers need ETIAS in 2026?

Not yet — but you will once ETIAS launches, expected in late 2026, if you do not already hold a visa or residence permit.

UK passport holders travelling to the Schengen area and Cyprus for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180) will need an approved ETIAS before they travel, once the system is running. Until it officially opens, there is nothing to apply for and nothing to pay. If your trip is booked before ETIAS goes live, you will not need it for that journey — but keep an eye on the launch timing for trips later in the year.

When does ETIAS start?

ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, but the exact date has not been confirmed.

The launch is tied to the rollout of the new EU border checks under the Entry/Exit System, which came first. ETIAS is expected to follow roughly six months later, with the official start date announced several months in advance. There is also likely to be a transition period after launch, during which travellers are given time to comply. In short: expect it around Q4 2026, but treat any single date as provisional until the EU confirms it.

How much does ETIAS cost?

ETIAS costs €20 (about £17). It is free for applicants under 18 or over 70.

The fee was confirmed at €20 — higher than the €7 figure quoted in earlier reports, so ignore older €7 references. One approved ETIAS covers multiple trips during its validity, so it is a one-off cost rather than a per-trip charge. You pay only when you apply through the official system; there is nothing to pay now.

How long does ETIAS last?

An approved ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

Because it is linked to your passport, renewing your passport means applying for a new ETIAS. Within its validity, you can use the same authorisation for multiple short trips to participating countries, so most travellers will only apply every few years.

How to apply for ETIAS from the UK

You will apply online through the official EU ETIAS website or app once it opens — it is not open yet.

When the system is live, the application is expected to take a few minutes: enter your passport details, answer some background questions, pay the €20 fee, and most approvals should come through quickly. You cannot apply today, and you should never use a third-party site claiming to take ETIAS applications now.

Which countries will require ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply to the Schengen area and Cyprus — around 30 European countries. It will not apply to Ireland.

That covers popular UK destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands and Germany. Ireland is not in the Schengen area, and UK travellers use the Common Travel Area, so you will not need ETIAS for trips to Ireland. Always check the official list of ETIAS countries for your specific destination before you travel.

ETIAS vs EES: what’s the difference?

EES registers your entry and exit at the border with biometrics; ETIAS is an online authorisation you get before you travel.

They work together: you get your ETIAS before the trip, then your details are recorded by EES at the border. For the border-queue side of the story, see our full EES guide for UK travellers.

Quick definitions

ETIAS

European Travel Information and Authorisation System — an online pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors to Europe.

Travel authorisation

Permission to travel granted before departure — lighter than a visa, tied to your passport.

Schengen Area

A group of European countries with shared external border rules; the main area where ETIAS will apply, along with Cyprus.

EES (Entry/Exit System)

The EU’s biometric system that records non-EU travellers entering and leaving at the border.

UK ETA

The UK’s own travel authorisation for visiting or transiting the UK — a completely separate system from ETIAS. If your trip also includes Britain, see our UK ETA 2026 guide.

Do I need ETIAS? A quick check

You will most likely need ETIAS (once it launches) if all of these apply:

• You hold a UK (or other visa-exempt) passport.
• You are travelling to a Schengen-area country or Cyprus for a short stay.
• You do not already hold a visa or residence permit for that country.

You will not need ETIAS for Ireland, and you do not need it for any trip taken before the system officially launches.

What UK travellers should do before booking Europe trips

• Check your passport validity well ahead — ETIAS is linked to your passport, and Europe has its own passport-validity rules.
• Note the expected launch (Q4 2026) so you know whether a given trip will need ETIAS.
• Bookmark the official EU ETIAS site and apply only there, once it opens.
• Plan for the border checks too — read our EES for UK travellers guide and build in extra time at busy periods.
• Sort your airport logistics early with our airport arrival time calculator.

Common ETIAS mistakes to avoid

• Applying too early on a scam site — the official system is not open yet; anyone charging now is fraudulent.
• Confusing ETIAS with a visa — it is a lighter travel authorisation, not a visa.
• Assuming it covers Ireland — it does not.
• Relying on the old €7 figure — the confirmed fee is €20.
• Forgetting the passport link — renew your passport and you will need a fresh ETIAS.

FAQs about ETIAS for UK travellers

The bottom line

ETIAS for UK travellers is coming, most likely in the last quarter of 2026: a €20 online travel authorisation, valid up to three years, for short trips to the Schengen area and Cyprus. There is nothing to do yet — the system is not open — but understanding it now means no surprises when you book. When it launches, apply only through the official EU site, and remember it works alongside the EES border checks rather than replacing them.

Planning a Europe trip? TripBuffer helps you prepare for smoother journeys, airport transfers, and travel updates before you go.

Sources

Based on the official EU Travel Europe (ETIAS) and GOV.UK EU Entry/Exit System guidance. Last checked 9 July 2026 — ETIAS timing and details can change, so confirm on the official EU and GOV.UK pages before you travel.

Most major UK airports now charge drivers to drop passengers directly outside the terminal, with fees ranging from around £3 to £13 for roughly 10 minutes in 2026. A handful of airports still offer free drop-off, but these zones are usually further from the terminal and need a short walk or shuttle bus. This guide compares the UK airport drop-off charges for every major airport, shows where the free options are, and explains how to avoid paying more than you need to.

UK airport drop-off charges 2026: full comparison table

The table below lists the standard terminal (or “express”) drop-off charge at each airport, the time it buys you, the penalty for overstaying to 30 minutes where one applies, and whether a free option exists nearby. Charges are ordered from most to least expensive.

Last checked: 9 July 2026. Figures based on official airport pages and consumer reporting (see methodology). Charges and time limits change frequently — always check the airport’s own website before you travel. Where a fee could not be confirmed, we have marked the free option as “Limited”; check the airport website before travel.

The key finding: nearly every large UK airport now charges for terminal drop-off, and the fees have crept up — but almost all of them also run a free drop-off or park & ride option a few minutes’ walk or shuttle away. The charge you see at the barrier is rarely the only choice; the cheapest option is usually signposted as “free drop-off”, “park & ride” or “long-stay”.

Quick definitions

Drop-off charge

A fee to stop your car directly outside the terminal to let passengers out, usually for around 10 minutes.

Kiss & fly

The informal name for the terminal drop-off zone — a quick goodbye before the driver leaves.

Express drop-off

The premium zone closest to the terminal doors, which is the one that carries the charge at most airports.

Free drop-off zone

A no-cost drop-off area, typically in a long-stay or park & ride car park, reached by a short walk or a free shuttle bus.

Which UK airport has the highest drop-off charge in 2026?

London City is the most expensive at £13, followed by Gatwick and Stansted at £10.

At the pricier airports the sting is also in the overstay penalty: linger past your free minutes and Edinburgh charges up to £28.50, Stansted £28 and Luton £27 for staying to 30 minutes. If your passenger is slow to unload, those minutes add up fast — another reason to plan the drop-off, not improvise it. Our airport arrival time calculator helps you time the run so no one is left waiting at the kerb.

Which UK airports still offer free drop-off?

A few regional airports (such as Cornwall Newquay) still offer free terminal drop-off, and Birmingham runs a genuinely free drop-off zone with a free bus.

Beyond those, “free” almost always means a free drop-off zone in a long-stay or park & ride car park, reached by a short walk or shuttle. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton all offer up to 1–2 hours free there; Heathrow’s park & ride is free for up to 29 minutes with a free bus. It is the same airport, just a slightly longer walk — and often the difference between paying £10 and paying nothing.

Heathrow drop-off charge 2026

Heathrow’s terminal drop-off charge is £7 for up to 10 minutes in 2026.

There is no cash option — payment is by number-plate recognition, and you must pay by midnight the day after (miss it and you risk a fine). To avoid the Heathrow drop-off charge entirely, use the free park & ride for your terminal, which allows up to 29 minutes free with a free bus transfer to departures. If you are heading into the city afterwards, compare your options for Heathrow airport transfers as well.

Gatwick drop-off fee 2026

Gatwick charges £10 for 10 minutes at the terminal drop-off in 2026, with penalties up to £30 if you stay to 30 minutes.

Gatwick is one of the most expensive kiss & fly zones in the UK. The free alternative is the long-stay car park, which gives up to two hours free plus a 10–12 minute shuttle to the terminal — ideal if you have time to spare or are collecting someone. For onward travel, see Gatwick airport transfers.

Manchester Airport drop-off charge 2026

Manchester charges around £5 for the first 5 minutes at the terminal, rising to about £6.50 for 10 minutes, with overstay penalties up to £25.

Manchester’s drop-off is tiered, so the true cost depends on how long you stop. The free option is JetParks 1, which offers free drop-off with a five-minute shuttle to the terminals. With three busy terminals, it pays to know which one your flight uses before you set off — check your UK airport travel guides and booking confirmation.

How to avoid UK airport drop-off charges

You have more options than the barrier suggests:

• Use the free drop-off / park & ride zone. Almost every airport has one; follow signs for “free drop-off”, “long-stay” or “park & ride” and take the shuttle.
• Drop at a nearby station. At airports with a rail or tram link (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham), dropping at the station and letting passengers take the short transfer can be free.
• Don’t overstay. Unload quickly — the overstay penalties (up to £28.50) dwarf the base fee.
• Pay on time. Most airports use number-plate cameras and require payment by the following day; a missed payment becomes a fine of £60+.
• Check Blue Badge rules. Many airports waive or reduce the charge for Blue Badge holders — check the airport’s accessibility page.
• Consider a pre-booked transfer if several of you are travelling — more on that next.

Is an airport transfer cheaper than paying drop-off and parking fees?

For two or more travellers, a pre-booked airport transfer can work out cheaper and less stressful than fuel, drop-off and parking combined.

A single drop-off looks cheap at £7–£10, but add the return journey to collect someone, fuel both ways, and any parking while you wait, and the real cost climbs. If a group is travelling together, one fixed-price transfer removes the drop-off fee, the parking, the fuel and the waiting-time stress in one go. It is worth running the numbers rather than assuming driving is always cheapest — compare airport transfer prices for your route and see how they stack up against the total driving cost.

Drop-off charges vs airport transfer: which is better?

There is no single winner — it depends on group size, timing and whether someone can drive. Use the best time to leave calculator and the transfer comparison together to decide.

Tips for families, elderly passengers, business travellers and early flights

• Families: the free zone plus a shuttle is usually worth it with children — but allow extra minutes for car seats and buggies so you don’t overstay the paid zone.
• Elderly or reduced-mobility passengers: check Blue Badge concessions and pre-book special assistance; the terminal drop-off may be worth the fee for a shorter walk.
• Business travellers: a pre-booked transfer with a fixed price and no parking is often the fastest, most predictable option.
• Early-morning flights: plan the drop-off time carefully with our airport arrival time calculator so you are not rushing, and factor in the shuttle wait if you use a free zone.

Key takeaways

• Most UK airports charge £3–£13 for terminal drop-off in 2026; London City (£13), Gatwick and Stansted (£10) are the priciest.
• Overstay penalties are the real trap — up to £28.50 — so unload quickly.
• Almost every airport has a free drop-off or park & ride option a short walk or shuttle away.
• Pay by number plate on time (usually by the next day) to avoid a £60+ fine.
• For groups and awkward flight times, a pre-booked transfer can beat drop-off, fuel and parking combined.

How we checked these fees (methodology)

The charges above were compiled from official UK airport websites and cross-checked against up-to-date consumer reporting, then last verified on 9 July 2026. Airport fees change frequently and can vary by zone, time of day and vehicle type, so we have flagged anything we could not confirm rather than guess. TripBuffer focuses on helping travellers plan airport timing and compare transfer options, so where a charge affects the best way to reach the airport, we have linked to the relevant tool or comparison.

FAQs

The bottom line

UK airport drop-off charges are now the norm rather than the exception in 2026, ranging from £3 at Cardiff to £13 at London City — with steep penalties for overstaying. But the barrier is rarely your only option: almost every airport has a free drop-off or park & ride zone a short shuttle away, and for groups a pre-booked transfer can beat driving once fuel and parking are added. Check your airport’s official page before you travel, plan your timing, and you can usually avoid paying more than you need to.

Sources

Fee data compiled from official UK airport websites and cross-checked against MoneySavingExpert (last updated 26 June 2026). Last checked 9 July 2026 — airport charges change frequently, so always confirm on the official airport website before travelling.

Can you take a power bank on a plane? Yes — but only in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage. Power banks up to 100Wh are allowed without airline approval, those between 100Wh and 160Wh need your airline’s permission, and anything over 160Wh is banned. Under the 2026 rules you can carry a maximum of two per person and must not recharge them in flight. Here is exactly what that means for UK travellers.

What changed in the 2026 ICAO/IATA power bank rules?

From 27 March 2026, updated international guidance from ICAO and IATA — reflected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority — tightened how passengers can carry power banks and spare lithium batteries. The headline changes are:

• A clear maximum of two power banks per person.
• Power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft.
• They should not be used to charge other devices during the flight.
• They must not be stored in the overhead lockers — keep them within reach, in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, so crew can act fast if a battery overheats.
• Each spare battery must be individually protected from short circuits (kept in its case or a bag, terminals covered).

The watt-hour limits (100Wh and 160Wh) themselves are unchanged — what changed in 2026 is the quantity, in-flight use and packaging guidance.

UK power bank flight rules at a glance

Here are the power bank flight rules in a form you can scan in seconds:

Based on UK CAA / IATA guidance effective 27 March 2026. Approximate mAh figures assume a typical 3.7V lithium-ion cell. Always check your airline before flying.

Quick definitions

Power bank

A portable battery pack that stores energy to charge phones, tablets and other devices on the go. Airlines treat it as a spare lithium battery.

Portable charger

Another name for a power bank — the rules are identical.

Watt-hour (Wh)

The energy capacity of a battery, and the figure airlines use to decide if it is allowed. Calculated as Wh = mAh × V ÷ 1000.

Spare lithium battery

Any lithium battery not installed inside a device — including power banks. These must travel in the cabin, never in the hold.

Can you take a power bank on a plane in hand luggage?

Yes. A power bank must go in your hand luggage (cabin baggage) and can be up to 100Wh without approval.

Because a power bank is a spare lithium battery, aviation rules require it to be in the cabin with you, where crew can act quickly in the rare event of a battery fault. Keep it easy to reach for the security tray, and protect the terminals so it cannot short circuit against keys or coins. For everything else that goes in your bag, see our full UK hand luggage rules.

Can you put a power bank in checked luggage?

No. Power banks are banned from checked luggage on UK and international flights.

Spare lithium batteries are not allowed in the hold because a fault there would be much harder to detect and control. If security or check-in staff find a power bank in a checked bag, they will ask you to remove it — and it may be confiscated if you have already dropped the bag. Never pack a power bank, spare phone battery or loose lithium cell in your checked baggage.

Can you take a portable charger on a plane?

Yes — a portable charger is just another name for a power bank, so the same rules apply.

Carry your portable charger on a plane in your hand luggage, keep it under 100Wh (or get airline approval for 100–160Wh), and bring no more than two. There is no separate category for “portable chargers” — security treats them exactly like power banks.

What size power bank is allowed on a plane?

Up to 100Wh with no approval; 100–160Wh with airline approval; over 160Wh is not allowed.

The power bank size limit is measured in watt-hours (Wh), not physical size or mAh alone. Most consumer power banks sit comfortably under 100Wh, so they are fine. The trouble starts with very high-capacity chargers marketed at 30,000mAh and above, which can cross the 100Wh line.

How to check your power bank’s Wh rating

Many power banks print the Wh figure on the casing. If yours only shows mAh, work it out with this formula:

• 10,000mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 37Wh — fine
• 20,000mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 74Wh — fine
• 27,000mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 99.9Wh — just under the limit
• 30,000mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 111Wh — over 100Wh, needs airline approval

As a rule of thumb, anything up to about 27,000mAh at 3.7V stays under 100Wh. Above that, check the Wh rating and your airline’s policy.

Can you use a power bank during a flight?

Under the 2026 rules you should not use a power bank to charge devices during the flight, and many airlines now prohibit it.

The updated CAA guidance says power banks should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board. Some airlines allow limited, supervised use; a growing number ban it outright, especially storing a power bank in the overhead locker while it is in use. The safe approach in 2026: charge your devices before you board and keep the power bank switched off in the cabin unless your airline clearly permits use.

Can you charge a power bank on the plane?

No. You must not recharge a power bank on board, for example from a seat-back USB port.

Recharging a power bank in flight is specifically not allowed under the 2026 rules. Seat USB ports are intended for phones and tablets, not for topping up spare batteries. Arrive with your power bank already charged.

How many power banks can you take on a plane?

A maximum of two power banks per passenger.

The 2026 guidance sets a clear ceiling of two power banks per person. If you are travelling as a family, each traveller has their own allowance, but pack sensibly — two well-marked, sub-100Wh power banks cover almost any trip.

What about larger power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh?

Allowed only with your airline’s prior approval, and still limited to two per person.

Power banks in the 100–160Wh band — typically high-capacity units around 30,000–43,000mAh — are permitted only if your airline agrees in advance. Contact the airline before you travel; do not assume approval, as staff can refuse an oversized battery at the gate.

Airline rules can be stricter

The CAA sets the UK baseline, but individual airlines can — and increasingly do — add their own restrictions on using or storing power banks in the cabin. A rule that is fine on one carrier may be tighter on another, and destination countries can differ too. Always check the operating airline’s dangerous-goods or restricted-items page before you fly, especially for connecting or long-haul flights.

Airline power bank rules compared (2026)

Some carriers are now noticeably stricter than the UK baseline — a few allow only one power bank, and the major US airlines have explicitly banned storing them in the overhead lockers. Here is how popular airlines compare in 2026:

*Jet2 requires a clearly printed Wh rating and short-circuit protection. Compiled from each airline’s published guidance and reputable 2026 reporting; verified 14 July 2026. Southwest’s one-charger limit applied from 20 April 2026 and the US carriers’ overhead-locker ban from around 1 May 2026. Airlines change these frequently — confirm with your carrier before you fly.

UK airport power bank rules: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and beyond

The power bank rules are set nationally, so they are the same at every UK airport — Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Luton, Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol and the rest. Security at any UK airport can ask to see your power bank, check its Wh or mAh marking, and refuse it if it is over the limit or unmarked. What varies is not the airport but your airline and your destination, so plan around those.

Power bank rules vs UK liquid rules

Travellers often lump power banks in with the liquids rule, but they work very differently:

In short, liquids can go in the hold but power banks cannot. For the latest security-lane liquid limits, see our guide to the UK airport liquid rules.

Common mistakes that could get your power bank refused

• Packing it in checked luggage — the single most common reason a power bank is pulled or confiscated.
• No visible Wh or mAh marking — if staff cannot confirm the capacity, they can refuse it.
• Assuming a 30,000mAh unit is fine — it is likely over 100Wh and needs approval.
• Bringing three or more — over the two-per-person limit.
• Loose in a bag with keys or coins — a short-circuit risk; keep terminals protected.
• Recharging or using it in flight where the airline prohibits it.

Packing checklist before you fly

FAQs

Final answer

So, can you take a power bank on a plane? Yes — in your hand luggage, up to 100Wh without approval, up to 160Wh with your airline’s permission, never in checked baggage, and no more than two per person. Keep it marked, keep it charged before boarding, don’t recharge or use it in flight where prohibited, and check your specific airline. Do that and your power bank will sail through security at any UK airport in 2026.

Sources

Based on the UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance on lithium batteries and power banks (rules effective 27 March 2026), aligned with ICAO and IATA passenger lithium-battery guidance. The airline comparison table is compiled from each carrier’s published guidance and reputable 2026 reporting. Verified 14 July 2026 — rules and airline policies change frequently, so confirm with your airline before you travel.

easyJet hand luggage is more generous than most budget airlines — but the rules on the free bag versus the larger cabin bag still catch people out. This guide explains the easyJet hand luggage size for 2026 in full: exactly what is free, how to bring a bigger bag, the weight limits, and how to avoid paying more at the airport.

easyJet hand luggage size 2026: the basics

easyJet gives every passenger one free bag and offers a larger bag on top. Here is the easyJet hand luggage size breakdown at a glance:

Dimensions include handles and wheels. Allowances are the current 2026 rules and can change — always check easyJet before you fly.

The free easyJet cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm)

Every easyJet passenger, on every fare, can bring one small cabin bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm for free. It must fit under the seat in front of you. At 45 x 36 x 20 cm, the easyJet cabin bag size for the free bag is noticeably bigger than Ryanair’s free allowance, so a small carry-on or a large backpack usually fits without paying anything extra.

easyJet large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm)

If you want a second, bigger bag in the overhead locker, the easyJet large cabin bag can be up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm. You get it free if you are an easyJet Plus member, on an Inclusive fare, or seated in Up Front or Extra Legroom; otherwise you can book a large cabin bag as a paid add-on when you buy your flight. It is always cheaper to add online than at the gate.

easyJet cabin bag weight

The free small cabin bag can weigh up to 15 kg, but there is a practical catch: you must be able to lift and carry it yourself. There is no separate weigh-in for the small bag as long as it fits the sizer and you can handle it. The large cabin bag follows the same lift-it-yourself principle.

easyJet baggage allowance: hold luggage

Beyond hand luggage, the easyJet baggage allowance for checked bags is a paid extra. You can add hold luggage in weight tiers (commonly 15 kg or 23 kg) when you book, and adding it online is much cheaper than paying at the airport. Hold bags are separate from your free cabin bag, which you keep either way.

easyJet vs Ryanair cabin bag

easyJet wins on the free bag: 45 x 36 x 20 cm versus Ryanair’s smaller 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Ryanair’s headline fares are often cheaper, but if you need more than the free allowance, the add-on costs can level things out. See our dedicated Ryanair cabin bag size guide and the full hand luggage size comparison for Ryanair, easyJet, BA and Jet2.

How to avoid easyJet bag fees

• Measure with wheels and handles against 45 x 36 x 20 cm before you leave home.
• A 45 x 36 x 20 cm bag is the sweet spot — it uses your full free allowance without needing a paid large bag.
• Book the large cabin bag or hold luggage online, never at the gate.
• Pack light with a list using our Packing List Generator, and keep toiletries within the liquid rules.
• Allow time at security with the Airport Arrival Time Calculator so a bag issue does not turn into a missed flight.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Based on easyJet’s published 2026 cabin bag policy, including the easyJet cabin bags page. Checked June 2026 — sizes and fees change, so confirm with easyJet before booking.

Ryanair’s bag rules cause more confusion — and more gate-side fees — than any other airline. This guide explains the Ryanair cabin bag size for 2026 in plain English: exactly what is free, what Priority adds, what it all costs, and how to make sure your bag fits so you never pay a gate fee.

Ryanair cabin bag size 2026: the basics

There are two bag options on Ryanair, and the difference between them is the single most important thing to understand before you book:

Dimensions include wheels and handles. Allowances are the current 2026 rules and can change — always check Ryanair before you fly.

The free small cabin bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm)

Every Ryanair passenger, on every fare, can bring one small bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm free of charge. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Ryanair recently increased this free allowance from 40 x 25 x 20 cm to 40 x 30 x 20 cm to align with the new EU cabin baggage standard, so a slightly bigger bag now travels free. A small backpack or holdall within those dimensions is the cheapest way to fly Ryanair.

Priority & 2 Cabin Bags (the 10 kg bag)

If you want to bring a second, larger bag in the overhead locker, you need Priority & 2 Cabin Bags. This adds a 10 kg cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm on top of your free small bag, and lets you board early. Priority is a paid add-on — typically a low double-digit amount online, varying by route and how busy the flight is.

Ryanair cabin bag fees: what you’ll pay

This is where most passengers get caught out. If you arrive at the gate with a wheelie bag but did not pay for Priority, or your bag is too big for the sizer, Ryanair charges a gate bag fee of around £70–£75 — almost always more than the cost of buying the allowance when you book.

What actually fits in a Ryanair cabin bag

The free 40 x 30 x 20 cm bag holds more than it looks — roughly enough for a long weekend if you pack well: a few rolled outfits, toiletries within the liquid rules, a laptop or tablet, and a charger. The 10 kg Priority bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) comfortably covers a week away. Pack to a list rather than “just in case” extras with our Packing List Generator.

Ryanair vs easyJet cabin bag

If you are choosing between airlines, easyJet is more generous on the free bag: its under-seat allowance is 45 x 36 x 20 cm (up to 15 kg) versus Ryanair’s 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Ryanair’s fares are often cheaper to start, but the cost of adding a bigger bag can close the gap. See our full hand luggage size comparison for Ryanair, easyJet, BA and Jet2.

How to avoid Ryanair bag fees

• Measure your bag with wheels and handles against 40 x 30 x 20 cm before you leave home.
• Buy a bag sized exactly to the limit — many “Ryanair-approved” 40 x 20 x 25 cm bags are sold specifically to fit under the seat.
• Add Priority online if you need the 10 kg bag — never at the gate.
• Weigh the 10 kg bag at home — the limit is enforced.
• Plan your airport timing so you are not rushed into a costly mistake — our Airport Arrival Time Calculator helps.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Based on Ryanair’s published 2026 bag policy and fees, including the Ryanair fees page. Checked June 2026 — sizes and fees change, so confirm with Ryanair before booking.

Cabin bag fees and gate-side surprises are one of the most stressful parts of flying budget airlines. The good news for 2026: a new EU standard is tidying up the rules. This guide breaks down the hand luggage size rules for 2026 across Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 — exact dimensions, weights, what is free, and how to avoid a fee at the gate.

Hand luggage size rules 2026: airline comparison

Dimensions include handles and wheels. Allowances are the current 2026 rules and can change — always check your airline before you fly.

Ryanair hand luggage size

Ryanair hand luggage starts with one free small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you, sized up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm — recently enlarged from 40 x 25 x 20 cm to meet the new EU standard. To bring a second, larger bag you need Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, which adds a 10 kg bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm in the overhead locker. Without Priority, an oversized bag at the gate means a fee, so measure carefully. For the full breakdown, see our dedicated Ryanair cabin bag size guide.

easyJet hand luggage size

easyJet hand luggage is the most generous of the budget airlines for the free bag: every passenger can bring one under-seat bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm, weighing up to 15 kg. For a bigger 56 x 45 x 25 cm cabin bag in the locker, you need an Up Front, Extra Legroom or FLEXI fare, or a Plus membership. For the full breakdown, see our dedicated easyJet hand luggage size guide.

British Airways hand luggage size

British Airways hand luggage is the best value on this list: even on the cheapest fares you get two bags free — a small under-seat bag up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm plus a larger cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm, each up to 23 kg. On very busy flights BA may ask you to check the larger bag into the hold for free if the lockers fill up.

Jet2 hand luggage size

Jet2 hand luggage includes a 10 kg cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm as standard — no separate “priority” purchase needed — plus one small under-seat bag (handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase) up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. That makes Jet2 one of the simpler airlines for hand luggage. For the full breakdown, see our dedicated Jet2 hand luggage & baggage allowance guide.

The new EU cabin bag standard

From 2024 into 2026, the EU has been standardising cabin baggage to end the confusion between airlines. The agreed reference sizes are a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a personal/under-seat item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The change also pushes low-cost carriers to include a basic carry-on and a personal item in the fare, which is why Ryanair increased its free bag size. Rules are still settling, so the exact allowance can vary by airline for now.

How to avoid hand luggage fees

• Measure with wheels and handles. Airlines measure the bag’s largest points, and gate staff use a sizer that does too.
• Buy to the smallest airline you use. A 40 x 30 x 15 cm bag fits the free allowance on all four airlines here.
• Weigh it at home. Weight limits (10–23 kg) are enforced as strictly as size on many airlines.
• Pack a packing list, not extra “just in case” items — our Packing List Generator helps you pack light enough to stay within the free bag.
• Add Priority before the airport. Buying an extra bag at the gate costs far more than online.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Based on the airlines’ published 2026 hand luggage policies and EU cabin baggage guidance, including Your Europe (European Union). Checked June 2026 — allowances change, so confirm with your airline before booking.

Summer is the busiest — and most disrupted — time to fly from the UK. With record passenger numbers, new EU border checks and the usual strike and weather risks, flight delays in summer 2026 are a real planning concern. This guide shows the worst UK airports for delays using official CAA data, why this summer could be tougher, and exactly how to protect your trip — including how to claim up to £520 in compensation.

Worst UK airports for delays in 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) measures punctuality as the share of flights arriving or departing within 15 minutes of schedule. Based on the most recent 2025 figures, these were the worst UK airports for flight delays by on-time rate — the lower the percentage, the more delays:

Source: CAA punctuality data, 2025. On-time means within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Figures vary by month and airline.

Why summer 2026 could be worse

Several factors are stacking up for the 2026 summer season:

• New EU border checks. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out in 2026, adding biometric checks at the border that can lengthen queues at peak times. See our guide to EES delays for UK travellers.
• Air traffic control strikes. Summer strikes — especially French ATC action — routinely delay flights across European airspace, even ones that do not land in the striking country.
• Record passenger numbers. Airports are handling more passengers than ever, which leaves less slack when something goes wrong.
• Weather. Summer thunderstorms can close runways and back up schedules for hours.

Flight delay compensation: your UK261 rights

If your flight is delayed, you may be owed flight delay compensation under UK261 — the UK’s version of EU261. It applies to flights departing any UK airport, and to flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline. You qualify if you arrive at your destination 3 or more hours late and the delay was the airline’s responsibility.

Compensation is not paid automatically — you claim it directly from the airline, and you generally have up to six years to do so. If the airline refuses unfairly, you can escalate to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body or the CAA.

When you can’t claim — but still get care

You are not owed compensation if the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” outside the airline’s control — such as bad weather, ATC strikes, security alerts or political unrest. However, the airline must still look after you regardless of the cause once the delay passes a couple of hours:

• Food and drink (usually vouchers) appropriate to the wait
• A means to communicate (phone calls)
• Accommodation and transfers if you are delayed overnight

How to protect your trip

• Fly early. The first flights of the day are the most punctual — delays cascade as the day goes on.
• Build buffer time into connections and onward plans. Use our Layover Calculator to check your connection is realistic.
• Plan your airport arrival sensibly with the Airport Arrival Time Calculator so a delay does not turn into a missed flight.
• Take out travel insurance with delay and missed-connection cover, especially for self-transfers.
• Prefer direct flights where possible — fewer connections means fewer points of failure.
• Track your flight status the day before and on the day, and know your UK261 rights before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Punctuality figures from the UK Civil Aviation Authority; passenger rights from the CAA delays guidance. Checked June 2026 — figures vary by month and airline; confirm your rights for your specific flight.

If you are flying from the UK this year, the airport liquid rules are more confusing than ever — because they now depend on which airport you fly from. Some airports have scrapped the old 100ml limit and let you carry up to 2 litres; others still enforce 100ml. Here is the up-to-date, airport-by-airport breakdown for 2026, including the catch that trips travellers up on the way home.

UK airport liquid rules 2026 at a glance

Every row was individually re-checked on 14 July 2026 against the airport’s official security guidance and the Which? scanner tracker. The rollout is ongoing, so an airport on the 100ml list may move to 2 litres at short notice — always check your specific airport before you fly.

Heathrow liquid rules

Heathrow has scrapped the 100ml limit. After a major investment in 3D CT scanners across its terminals, Heathrow liquid rules now allow containers up to 2 litres in your hand luggage, and you no longer need to take liquids or electronics out of your bag at security. That means a full-size sun cream, a 1-litre water bottle or larger toiletries are fine when flying from Heathrow.

Manchester Airport liquid rules

Manchester is the big exception travellers ask about. As of 2026, Manchester Airport liquid rules still enforce the 100ml per-container limit — its CT scanner rollout has not yet passed the checks needed to lift the cap. The one bit of good news: you no longer have to remove your liquids from your cabin bag or place them in a clear plastic pouch. So pack within 100ml per container at Manchester, but you can leave them in your bag.

Which UK airports allow 2 litres of liquid?

The airports that have completed their CT scanner upgrades and passed government checks now allow up to 2 litres per container: Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham, with Bristol and the Belfast airports among others that have also lifted the limit. At these airports, liquids and laptops stay in your bag.

Which UK airports still use the 100ml rule?

Several major airports still enforce 100ml: Manchester, Luton, Stansted, Liverpool and Glasgow. At all of these you can keep liquids inside your cabin bag without a plastic bag, but each container must hold no more than 100ml.

The catch: your return or transfer airport

This is the part that catches people out. The rules apply to the airport you are leaving from, not your whole trip. A 500ml bottle you happily carried through Heathrow can be confiscated at your destination or transfer airport if it still uses the 100ml rule. So if your return or connecting airport is on the 100ml list, pack as if the 100ml limit applies to avoid losing items.

Other things worth knowing

• Vacuum flasks must be emptied — the scanners cannot see through the double insulation, even at 2-litre airports.
• Metal water bottles should be emptied before security too.
• Baby milk, formula and medication are allowed in larger quantities at all UK airports — declare them at security.
• Airline cabin-bag limits still apply to the size and weight of your bag, separately from the security liquid rules.
• Allow time for security regardless — queues vary — and plan your arrival with our Airport Arrival Time Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Every airport’s status in the table above was re-verified on 14 July 2026 against official airport security guidance and independent consumer reporting, including Which?, Heathrow, Stansted and Liverpool. The 100ml-to-2-litre rollout is signed off airport by airport by the Department for Transport, so rules can change at short notice — confirm your specific airport shortly before you travel.

If you have a European trip booked this year, you have probably heard about EES delays — and the warnings are real. Since the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) rolled out fully in April 2026, UK travellers have faced border queues of several hours at peak times. Here is what the EES actually is, why it is slowing things down, when ETIAS joins it, and — most usefully — how much extra time you should build into your trip.

What is the EES, and why the delays?

The EU Entry/Exit System is a digital border system that records non-EU visitors entering and leaving the Schengen area. It started on 12 October 2025 and reached full rollout on 10 April 2026. Instead of a quick passport stamp, UK travellers now register biometric data — fingerprints and a facial photo — the first time they enter.

That extra step is exactly why you are seeing EES delays. A routine passport check that used to take around 20 to 25 seconds now takes roughly 90 seconds under EES. Multiplied across a full flight, that has driven queues of two to four hours at major European airports, with warnings of up to six hours at the busiest summer peaks. The good news: there is no fee and no advance registration — it all happens at the border on arrival.

Where and when does the EES affect you?

This is the part travellers get wrong. The EES check happens when you enter the Schengen area, so for a flight it is done on arrival in Europe, not at your UK departure airport. Your check-in and security timing in the UK are unchanged — but expect a longer wait at passport control when you land, and again on your return into the EU if your trip involves one.

If you travel by Eurostar, the Eurotunnel or the ferry at Dover, it is different: French border officers operate “juxtaposed controls” on the UK side before you leave, so the EES queue is added to your departure in Britain. For those routes especially, give yourself plenty of extra time.

How much extra time should you allow?

For flights, your UK departure buffer doesn’t change — use the normal arrival times and our Airport Arrival Time Calculator to plan it. What changes is the arrival end: allow extra time after you land for the EES queue, and don’t book a tight onward connection (train, transfer or domestic flight) immediately after a Schengen arrival during the first weeks of a busy season.

For Eurostar, Eurotunnel or Dover, add a meaningful buffer to your UK departure — many operators are advising travellers to arrive earlier than usual while the system beds in. If you are connecting onward in the UK first, our Leave-Time Calculator helps you back-time the whole journey.

EES vs ETIAS: what’s the difference?

They are often confused, but they are two separate things — and only one of them exists yet. For the full picture on ETIAS — the cost, timing and how to apply — see our dedicated ETIAS for UK travellers guide.

ETIAS is not a visa — it is a quick online authorisation, similar to the US ESTA, that most UK travellers will need for short stays in around 30 European countries once it launches. Until then, you do not need an ETIAS; you only need to allow for the EES at the border.

And if your journey also touches the UK, that has its own separate requirement — the UK ETA — which is not the same as the EES or ETIAS. Our UK ETA 2026 guide explains who needs it and the airside-transit exemption.

How to beat the EES queues

• Allow extra time, especially on the return leg and on Eurostar/Dover routes.
• Travel off-peak where you can — mid-week and outside school holidays see shorter queues.
• Have your passport ready and know that the first registration takes longest; later trips are quicker.
• Don’t book a tight onward connection straight after a Schengen arrival in the first weeks of peak season.
• Watch for the ETIAS launch date — the EU will confirm it at least six months ahead, so you’ll have time to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Official guidance: GOV.UK — EU Entry/Exit System, European Union — About ETIAS, and consumer reporting from Which?. Checked June 2026 — EES and ETIAS rules are changing, so confirm the latest official guidance before you travel.

Wondering how early to get to Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester for your flight in 2026? The honest answer is “a bit earlier than you think” — UK airports are busy, security queues are unpredictable, and the cost of getting it wrong is a missed flight. This guide gives you each airport’s official recommendation, what realistically affects your timing, and a simple way to work out exactly when to leave home.

How early to get to Heathrow, Gatwick & Manchester at a glance (2026)

How early should you get to Heathrow?

Heathrow officially recommends arriving at check-in and bag drop three hours before a long-haul departure, and two hours before a UK or European flight. As the busiest airport in the UK, Heathrow handles huge passenger volumes, and security queues at the larger terminals (especially Terminals 2 and 5) can build quickly at peak times.

If you’re asking how early to arrive at Heathrow on a tight schedule, the safe rule is: don’t cut the official times fine. Bag drop typically closes around 60 minutes before departure (sometimes earlier for long-haul), and gates usually close 20–35 minutes before. With hand luggage only and online check-in done, you have more flexibility — but you still need to clear security, which is the unpredictable part.

How early should you arrive at Gatwick Airport?

Gatwick recommends arriving two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before long-haul. Check-in desks open four hours before long-haul flights, three hours before European flights, and two hours before UK and Ireland flights, so there’s no benefit to turning up earlier than that. Gatwick is split across North and South Terminals connected by a shuttle, so double-check which terminal your airline uses before you travel.

How early should you get to Manchester Airport?

Manchester advises a minimum of 90 minutes for European flights, but in practice 2–3 hours is wiser — security screening and immigration processing can take time, and Manchester has had well-publicised busy spells. For long-haul departures, give yourself the full 3 hours. Manchester has three terminals, so allow time to find the right one if you’re being dropped off.

What changes how early you should arrive

• Peak times. Early-morning departures, Friday evenings, school holidays and summer all mean longer security queues — add 30–60 minutes.
• Bags vs hand luggage only. No checked bag and checked in online? You can shave time. Checking a bag means beating the bag-drop deadline (usually ~60 minutes before).
• Fast Track security. Many UK airports sell a Fast Track lane — useful insurance on a tight morning, but never a substitute for arriving on time.
• Your journey to the airport. Traffic, train delays and parking shuttles all eat into your buffer — plan the ground leg as carefully as the flight.

Work out exactly when to leave home

The numbers above are the time you should be at the airport. To avoid a stressful morning, work backwards from your flight: arrival buffer + check-in/security + the journey to the airport.

And don’t forget the journey itself — compare the cheapest ways to get to Heathrow or estimate costs with our Airport Transfer Cost Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Official arrival guidance: Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport. Checked for the 2026 travel season. Always confirm your airline’s specific check-in and bag-drop deadlines before you travel.