Hand baggage allowances on flights to Barcelona

As a frequent flier to Barcelona before I moved here I used to always try and fly hand baggage only. While in those days there was no financial advantage to doing so as there now is with Ryanair (spit), the speed at which you can clear arrivals if you don’t have to wait for hold luggage has always made it more than worthwhile, although you need to think carefully about what you pack. Anyway, here is a look at what you can take and with who when travelling hand baggage on flights to Barcelona.

Restrictions on carrying liquids

The first thing to mention is that since additional security measures were introduced on European flights in the summer of 2007, passengers’ lives have been hugely disrupted by more stringent security regulations, including restrictions on any liquid or gel being carried in hand baggage.

At first all liquids and gels were banned completely, but later relaxed so that liquids, gels, pastes, lotions or liquid cosmetics can be carried provided they are presented in a single transparent 20cm x 20cm ziplock bag and each container is no larger than 100ml. It also means that when I travel to the UK to visit friends or family I can only buy wine in the airport’s duty free, which is always much more expensive than elsewhere, so it’s played nicely into the hands of the airport retailers.

This has increased the time for passengers to clear security as well as requiring some real forethought when travelling hand baggage only – make sure your toothpaste and deodorant are less than 100ml. However, I read recently that these restrictions may be eased in coming months – we’ll see in the fullness of time.

Ryanair

Ryanair is notorious for making extra charges and while they may advertise free flights, there is no such thing – they still charge taxes and fees, which is reasonable although should be more transparent, but what I find completely unacceptable are the charges for hold luggage and charges for checking in (yes, really).

Ryanair limits the weight of hand baggage to 10 kg with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm, which should either fit underneath the seat or in the overhead compartment. You should also be aware that they are strict about a single item of hand baggage – you can’t take a hand bag or laptop computer on board as well.

Easyjet

I’ve never had many problems with easyJet, although they once made me stow my hand baggage in the hold after I’d boarded the plane. EasyJet Aren’t as strict as Ryanair, and allow hand baggage to maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm, which the passenger should be able to lift into the overhead compartment.

They also allow musical instruments in the cabin as your hand baggage allowance, providing there is space available in the overhead locker and subject to the Captain’s discretion. The instrument’s case must not exceed 30 x 117 x 38cm and 32 kg, which should allow a musician to carry a violin, viola, piccolo, flute, clarinet, bugle or trumpet; otherwise it must be checked into the hold.

British Airways

British Airways allows a slightly larger bag of 56 x 45 x 25cm including the handle, pockets and wheels, which the passenger should be able to lift into the overhead lockers unaided. You can also carry a laptop-sized bag, handbag or briefcase, which is a significant improvement over the budget carriers.

Most airlines will have a gauge into which you can place your bag to ensure it meets the airlines requirements, but even when it is slightly larger I’ve been able to convince easyJet to let me fly with it in the cabin. I very much doubt that Ryanair is so generous though.

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