TUI Airways Baggage Policy: 2026 Fees, Rules & Allowance 

TUI Airways allows one piece of hand luggage (up to 10kg, 55×40×20cm) plus one small personal item per passenger. Package holiday passengers get 20–25kg of checked baggage included; flight-only bookings must purchase hold luggage separately. Excess baggage fees range from £15–£20 per kg depending on route length.

What Is TUI Airways’ Hand Luggage Allowance?

TUI Airways permits one piece of hand luggage per passenger, weighing up to 10kg and measuring no more than 55×40×20cm. Passengers may also carry one small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack provided it fits under the seat in front, within dimensions of 40×30×20cm.

This applies to both package holidays and flight-only bookings. Infants under the age of two do not receive a hand luggage allowance on flight-only bookings.

TUI Hand Luggage at a Glance

Note: TUI Fly Nordic passengers have a slightly different allowance 55×40×23cm but with a reduced weight limit of 5kg.

Can You Take a Handbag as Well as Hand Luggage on TUI?

Yes. TUI allows one main cabin bag plus one small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front (max 40×30×20cm) and does not count separately toward a weight limit but combined, all cabin items are subject to the 10kg total limit on the main bag.

This is a commonly misunderstood rule. Unlike some carriers that offer a generous “bag plus personal item” setup with separate weight allowances, TUI’s personal item rule is more restrictive: your handbag, laptop bag, or backpack is permitted in addition to your cabin bag, but only if it fits under the seat. If it cannot fit there, you’ll need to consolidate.

How Do I Measure My TUI Carry-On?

Measure your bag across its longest points, including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. TUI’s official maximum is 55cm (height) × 40cm (width) × 20cm (depth). Most standard cabin bags sold as “55cm” in UK stores fall within this limit, but always double-check bags listed as “cabin approved” may conform to other airlines’ larger dimensions.

If your hand luggage exceeds the size or weight limits at the gate, TUI staff will ask you to place it in the aircraft hold. A charge may apply at this point.

How Strict Is TUI With Baggage Allowance?

TUI is known to enforce its hand luggage policy at the gate, particularly on busy summer departures. Staff can and do weigh hand luggage. If a bag exceeds 10kg or doesn’t fit the sizer, it will be moved to the hold, potentially at a fee.

For hold baggage, excess charges are calculated per kilogram over the limit not a flat penalty. A 2kg overage on a short-haul flight costs £30 (at £15/kg), while the same overage on a long-haul flight costs £40 (at £20/kg). These charges are applied before boarding if caught at check-in.

Does TUI Weigh Cabin Baggage?

TUI can and does weigh cabin baggage, though enforcement is not universal across all flights and airports. Gates with bag sizers are the most consistent checkpoint. The 10kg cabin limit is a firm policy, not advisory bags found to be over the limit at the gate will need to go in the hold.

Practically speaking, if your bag is visibly stuffed or misshapen, the likelihood of being asked to put it through a sizer increases. Traveling light in the cabin is the simplest way to avoid this entirely.

What Are TUI’s Checked Baggage Allowances?

Your checked baggage allowance depends on what you’ve booked. Package holidays flying both ways with TUI Airways include at least 20kg per adult. Certain premium holiday types and fare classes receive 25kg.

Checked Baggage by Booking Type

Passengers traveling on Marella Cruises receive a 20kg allowance. You can pool your hold baggage allowance with others on the same booking, as long as no individual bag exceeds 25kg.

For flight-only bookings, checked baggage is not included and must be added either during booking or via the TUI Flight Extras website (flightextras.tui.co.uk) before you fly. Adding luggage online is cheaper than paying at the airport.

How Much Is Baggage With TUI? (TUI Luggage Prices 2026)

Excess Baggage Charges  Passengers With an Existing Checked Allowance

Flight-Only Passengers Without a Pre-Booked Hold Allowance (at airport)

One bag maximum per passenger, capped at 25kg. Any weight above 15kg within that bag is charged at excess rates on top.

Real-world example: A flight-only passenger flying to Malaga who forgets to add hold luggage and arrives at the airport with a 20kg suitcase pays £60 for the first 15kg, then £15 × 5 = £75 a total of £135, compared to a much lower pre-booked price online.

Can I Add Extra Baggage to My TUI Flight?

Yes. You can add checked baggage at the time of booking, or afterward via the TUI Flight Extras website before you check in. If you’ve already checked in online, you must call TUI directly on 0203 451 2688.

Adding luggage in advance is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport. Options typically include 15kg, 20kg, and 25kg bags for flight-only bookings. Prices vary by route and travel dates, so check TUI Flight Extras for a live quote.

What Are the Luggage Rules for TUI Economy?

TUI Airways operates a single cabin on most flights (there is no traditional “economy” class distinction on short-haul). The standard economy allowance for package holiday customers is 20kg of hold luggage plus 10kg of hand luggage. On long-haul flights, TUI offers a Premium upgrade, which increases the hold allowance to 25kg and provides added airport benefits.

For flight-only bookings, the economy fare includes hand luggage only no hold baggage is included.

Can You Take Hair Straighteners in Hand Luggage on TUI?

Yes, hair straighteners are permitted in hand luggage on TUI flights. At airport security, you should place them flat in a separate security tray not stacked or covered by other items. Make sure they are charged in case security staff ask you to switch them on.

Hair straighteners can also travel in hold baggage.

What Can You Take in Hand Luggage on TUI? (Liquids & Restricted Items)

TUI Hand Luggage Liquids Rules

• Liquids, gels, and creams must be in containers of 100ml or less
• All containers must fit within a single transparent resealable bag (approximately 20×20cm)
• One resealable bag per passenger
• Exceptions: Duty-free (in sealed, tamper-evident bag), prescribed liquid medication (with doctor’s letter), baby milk and food

Prohibited items in hand luggage include dangerous liquids, certain batteries, lighters, explosive items, and magnetic materials. Full UK government restrictions apply check gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions before flying.

What Are the Rules for Special Baggage on TUI?

Sports Equipment

TUI accepts sports equipment in the hold, but you must pre-book by calling 0203 451 2688 as soon as possible. Arriving at the airport without pre-booking risks your equipment being refused at check-in.

Bicycles must have handlebars turned inwards, pedals removed, tyres deflated, and be wrapped in plastic or cardboard (a dedicated bicycle bag is recommended). TUI advises insuring sports equipment for its full replacement value.

Musical Instruments

Instruments that fit within 55×40×20cm and weigh no more than 10kg can travel as your hand luggage. Instruments larger than this must be checked into the hold for an extra fee. Mark oversized instruments clearly as fragile and inform check-in staff at drop-off.

Diving Equipment

Certified divers receive a free 5kg additional luggage allowance on top of their standard entitlement simply show your diving certificate at check-in. Additional diving equipment beyond that 5kg limit can be added for an extra charge.

Medical Equipment and Mobility Aids

TUI Airways carries medication and medical equipment at no extra charge. To ensure a smooth experience:

• Bring a doctor’s letter or prescription confirming the medication is yours
• Liquid medication over 100ml is permitted in the cabin with a valid doctor’s letter
• Insulin can be carried without a medical certificate, but inform check-in staff
• Keep insulin in cabin baggage hold temperatures may damage it
• Contact TUI’s Assisted Travel team on 0800 145 6920 to arrange transport for larger medical items or mobility aids

Mobility aids such as wheelchairs can typically stay with you until boarding, though this depends on the airport.

What Happens If Your Luggage Is Lost or Delayed by TUI?

If your baggage doesn’t arrive at your destination, act immediately. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Before leaving the arrivals hall: Report to the baggage information desk and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Your PIR reference will look like: MANBY12345 (5 letters + 5 numbers)
2. Days 1–5: Track your bag via TUI’s self-service portal at mybag.aero, or contact the Ground Handling Agent listed on your PIR
3. Day 6+: Call TUI Baggage Services on 0333 577 0300 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or email bysecondarytracing@airlinelugageclaims.com
4. If lost permanently: File a claim at tui.airlineluggageclaims.com or write to TUI Airways Baggage Claims, PO Box 1215, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 0HA
5. Claim deadlines: Within 21 days of bag delivery for delayed luggage; within 7 days for damaged baggage

You can claim through your travel insurance or directly through TUI but not both. Deciding which route to take depends on your policy’s excess and the value of your lost items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is TUI’s personal item, and does it count toward the 10kg hand luggage limit?
The personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) must fit under the seat in front, within 40×30×20cm. TUI does not give it a separate weight allowance all cabin items are covered under the one-bag 10kg limit.

Can I pool luggage allowances with my travel companions on TUI?
Yes. TUI allows passengers on the same booking to pool their hold luggage allowance. The only restriction is that no individual bag may exceed 25kg.

Does TUI charge for pushchairs and car seats?
No. Pushchairs and car seats can be checked into the hold for free on TUI Airways flights. Pushchairs can also travel in the cabin if they weigh under 10kg and collapse to within 55×40×20cm.

What is the maximum single bag weight TUI will accept?
TUI will not accept any single bag weighing more than 25kg, regardless of your total allowance.

How much does 1kg of extra baggage cost on a TUI long-haul flight?
For passengers who already have a checked allowance, each additional kilogram on a long-haul TUI flight (over 7 hours) costs £20. On short and mid-haul routes, it’s £15 per kg.

Does TUI charge extra for sports equipment if I’ve already paid for hold luggage?
Sports equipment is treated separately from standard checked baggage and typically incurs its own fee, regardless of your existing allowance. Always pre-book by calling 0203 451 2688.

Can passengers on the same TUI booking share diving equipment’s extra 5kg allowance?
No. The free 5kg diving equipment allowance applies only to the individual presenting the diving certificate at check-in. Each diver must show their own certificate to receive their own 5kg exemption.

What is the deadline to file a TUI delayed baggage claim?
Claims for delayed baggage must be submitted in writing within 21 days of the date the bag was delivered. For damaged baggage, the deadline is 7 days from receipt.

Does TUI’s 10kg hand luggage limit apply on all routes, including TUI Fly Nordic?
No. TUI Fly Nordic passengers have a different limit 55×40×23cm in size, but only 5kg maximum weight. All other TUI Airways routes allow 10kg at 55×40×20cm.

Is it cheaper to add TUI hold luggage online or at the airport?
Always online. TUI’s airport pricing for unbooked hold luggage on short-haul flight-only tickets is £60 per 15kg bag. Pre-booking via TUI Flight Extras is considerably cheaper exact pricing varies by route and date.