TUI Hand Luggage Allowance: Package Holiday Cabin Rules 2026
What Hand Luggage You Get With TUI
TUI package holidays include one free under-seat bag measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm and one overhead cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg. Both are included at no extra charge, which makes TUI straightforward compared to budget carriers that charge separately for overhead space.
You're allowed to carry both bags on every TUI package flight without buying an add-on or priority boarding. If you've booked a flight-only ticket (rare, as TUI sells mainly packages), the same allowance applies.
Under-Seat Bag: What Fits Beneath the Seat
Your smaller bag must fit under the seat in front and stay within 40 × 30 × 20 cm. That's the same size as Ryanair's free personal item and identical to many budget carriers.
Good fits include:
- Small backpacks
- Handbags and totes
- Laptop bags
- Compact crossbody bags
The Ryanair Underseat Cabin Travel Bag at £10.48 (40×25×20 cm) leaves a 5 cm margin on depth, giving you breathing room at the gate. If you prefer a backpack format, the Cabin Backpack 40×25×20 (0.6 kg) — Grey at £11.48 uses the same dimensions and tucks neatly under most TUI seats.
Cabin Bag: Your Main Overhead Allowance
The overhead cabin bag can measure up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg. TUI does weigh bags occasionally, especially on busy routes, so staying at or below 10 kg avoids awkward conversations at the gate.
That 10 kg limit is enough for a week if you pack sensibly — our guide to packing one week cabin-only walks through the clothing maths and folding tricks that make it work.
What Happens If Your Bag Is Too Big
TUI doesn't charge a formal gate fine. Instead, oversized or overweight cabin bags are moved to the hold at the gate, and you'll pay around £60 for that privilege — more than if you'd pre-booked hold luggage online.
There's no sizer frame gauntlet at TUI check-in or boarding in most UK airports, but gate staff do intervene if a bag looks obviously oversized or if overhead bins fill up. The 10 kg weight matters more on TUI than on some other carriers.
TUI vs Jet2, Ryanair & easyJet
| Airline | Under-Seat Bag | Cabin Bag | Overhead Included? | Gate Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUI Airways | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg | Yes, free | ~£60 hold charge |
| Jet2 | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 10 kg | Yes, free | Hold charge applies |
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg | No — Priority add-on | £70–£75 |
| easyJet | 45 × 36 × 20 cm, up to 15 kg | 56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 15 kg | No — paid add-on | £48–£60 |
TUI and Jet2 both include overhead cabin bags at no extra cost, which is a significant saving if you're comparing total holiday prices. Ryanair and easyJet charge separately unless you buy Priority or a fare bundle.
Packing Tips for TUI's Cabin Allowance
Use both bags fully. Your under-seat bag is your in-flight essentials (book, snacks, tablet, charger), while the overhead cabin bag holds clothes and toiletries. Splitting the load this way keeps heavy items out of your lap.
Weigh before you leave. A cheap luggage scale costs less than the gate hold fee. TUI's 10 kg limit is real, and anecdotally they check more often on return flights from Spain and Greece.
Roll, don't fold. Rolling clothes tighter reduces wrinkles and saves 15–20% of your packing volume. Packing cubes keep everything organised and compress soft items further.
Wear your bulkiest items. Trainers, jeans, and a hoodie don't count toward your cabin allowance if you're wearing them. It looks odd in a sunny departure lounge but saves kilos in your bag.
Do TUI Weigh Cabin Bags?
Yes, sometimes. Gate staff and check-in agents have scales, and TUI does use them — especially on full flights or routes where hold space is tight. The 10 kg limit isn't decorative.
If you're a few hundred grams over, most agents won't notice or care. If you're at 13 kg, expect to either remove items, wear them, or send the bag to the hold.
What You Can't Pack in TUI Hand Luggage
Liquids must follow the 100 ml per container rule, all fitting inside one clear 20×20 cm bag. UK airports are gradually rolling out new scanners that remove this restriction, but as of 2026 most TUI departure gates still enforce it — our liquids guide covers which airports have changed.
Power banks are allowed in cabin bags but banned from hold luggage. They must be under 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh) and switched off during the flight. If you're carrying a larger battery pack for a laptop or camera gear, check the full power bank rules before you pack.
Sharp objects, lighters (except one on your person), and aerosols over 100 ml stay at home or go in the hold. The full banned items list covers the less obvious restrictions.
TUI Hand Luggage on Flight-Only Bookings
If you've booked a rare TUI flight-only ticket (not part of a package), the same allowance applies: one under-seat bag and one cabin bag, both free. TUI's baggage policy doesn't change based on how you bought the ticket.
Adding Hold Luggage to TUI
If cabin bags aren't enough, TUI sells hold luggage in 15 kg, 20 kg, and 25 kg allowances. Prices vary by route and season, but pre-booking online is always cheaper than paying at the airport or gate.
For a week-long summer holiday, most travellers find that two people sharing one 20 kg hold bag plus two cabin allowances covers everything without stress.
FAQ
Q: Can I take a handbag as well as a cabin bag on TUI?
A: Yes, if your handbag fits within 40 × 30 × 20 cm — that's your under-seat allowance. You can't carry a separate handbag and a full under-seat bag; the handbag counts as your smaller item.
Q: Does TUI allow duty-free bags in addition to hand luggage?
A: Yes. Items bought airside (after security) don't count toward your cabin allowance, so duty-free purchases and airport shopping bags are extra. Keep receipts visible in case gate staff ask.
Q: What size cabin bag can I take on TUI?
A: Your main cabin bag can measure up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm and weigh up to 10 kg. It goes in the overhead locker and is included free on all TUI package holidays.
Q: Will TUI charge me if my cabin bag is slightly over 10 kg?
A: TUI doesn't publish a formal gate fine for weight, but oversized or overweight bags are moved to the hold at a cost of around £60 — more than pre-booking hold luggage. A few hundred grams over usually goes unnoticed; a kilo or more risks intervention.
If you're planning a longer trip and want to make the most of your free cabin allowance, the Easyjet Underseat Cabin Bag at £11.48 (40×30×20 cm) uses every centimetre TUI allows and fits neatly under the seat.
Airline baggage rules and fees change frequently and can vary by route, travel date and when you book. Always check the airline's current official baggage policy before travelling.
