If you are flying with TUI Airways, checking your cabin bag before leaving home can save you from extra charges and hassle at the airport.
The current TUI hand luggage size for the main cabin bag is 55 x 40 x 20 cm, with a maximum weight of 10kg. You can also take one small personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. The larger cabin bag goes in the overhead locker, while the smaller item must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
These limits apply when you are actually flying with TUI Airways. If your TUI holiday uses another airline, its baggage rules may be different.
TUI Hand Luggage Size at a Glance
For adults and children aged 2 and over travelling on a TUI Airways flight:
Main cabin bag
Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Maximum weight: 10kg
Storage: Overhead locker
Personal item
Size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
Examples: Small backpack, handbag or laptop bag
Storage: Under the seat in front of you
Infants under 2
TUI states that infants under 2 do not receive their own hand luggage allowance on TUI Airways flights.
That means the safest way to pack is to treat 55 x 40 x 20 cm as the absolute maximum for your main cabin bag rather than aiming to squeeze in something slightly larger.
What Does 55 x 40 x 20 cm Mean?
The dimensions refer to:
55 cm: Height
40 cm: Width
20 cm: Depth
When choosing luggage, measure the entire bag at its largest points.
Pay particular attention to:
- Wheels
- Handles
- Exterior pockets
- Hard shell edges
- Anything packed into expandable sections
A suitcase may be advertised as “cabin size” but still be unsuitable for TUI if one of its dimensions exceeds the airline’s limit.
Do not rely only on the manufacturer’s description.
Measure the actual suitcase before travelling.
How Much Can TUI Hand Luggage Weigh?
Your main cabin bag can weigh up to 10kg when flying with TUI Airways.
This is relatively useful for passengers who want to pack more than a few lightweight items, but the size restriction still applies.
A compact suitcase weighing 10kg is acceptable only if it also remains within 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
TUI also states that passengers should be able to lift their own cabin bag into the overhead storage compartment.
If a bag is so heavy that you cannot safely lift it yourself, it may cause problems even if it technically falls within the weight allowance.
Can You Take a Handbag as Well as Hand Luggage on TUI?
Yes.
TUI currently allows one additional small personal item alongside the main cabin bag.
This can include items such as:
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
The personal item must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 20 cm and fit underneath the seat in front of you.
This extra allowance can be useful for items you want easy access to during the flight.
For example, you might keep your:
- Passport
- Phone
- Charger
- Medication
- Headphones
- Wallet
- Travel documents
inside the smaller bag rather than repeatedly opening your suitcase in the overhead locker.
Is TUI Hand Luggage Included for Free?
For TUI Airways flight only bookings, adults and children aged 2 and over currently receive the standard 10kg cabin bag allowance without needing to buy it separately.
TUI’s current flight pages also advertise a 10kg hand luggage allowance and an underseat bag as included on its flight only services.
Package holiday customers flying with TUI Airways also receive the standard hand luggage allowance.
However, always check the details in your booking confirmation before travelling.
What if My TUI Holiday Uses Another Airline?
This is one of the most important details to check.
Booking your holiday through TUI does not always mean the aircraft is operated by TUI Airways.
Some packages use partner airlines.
TUI states that baggage allowances can vary when another airline operates your flight, so you should check your e-ticket, booking confirmation or Manage My Booking.
A useful clue is the flight number.
TUI says its own flights normally use flight numbers beginning with TOM or BY.
If another airline operates your flight, do not automatically use TUI’s 55 x 40 x 20 cm rule.
Check the allowance shown for your actual flight.
What Happens if TUI Hand Luggage Is Too Big?
TUI states that hand luggage exceeding its size or weight limits may need to be placed in the aircraft hold, and a charge may apply.
This means arriving with a slightly oversized suitcase is not a risk worth taking.
Problems often happen when travellers measure the main body of a suitcase but forget about wheels or an overfilled front pocket.
Before travelling:
- Fully pack your bag.
- Close every zip.
- Measure it again.
- Weigh it.
- Make sure it still fits within the allowed dimensions.
Checking after packing is more useful than measuring an empty suitcase.
Can You Buy Extra TUI Hand Luggage?
TUI’s current guidance says you cannot buy extra hand luggage allowance on its own flights.
If you need significantly more space, checked baggage is normally the better option.
Trying to bring a second large cabin bag is not the same as using the permitted small personal item.
If you know you will need extra luggage, arrange it before travelling rather than relying on paying for additional cabin space at the airport.
Do Children Get TUI Hand Luggage?
Children aged 2 and over travelling on TUI Airways receive the standard cabin allowance.
Infants under 2 do not have their own hand luggage allowance.
TUI also states that a baby changing bag counts towards the available hand baggage allowance rather than automatically being an unlimited additional bag.
Families should therefore plan carefully when packing nappies, feeding items, clothing and other essentials.
If you are travelling with a pushchair or car seat, check your booking information because separate rules apply to those items.
What Liquids Can You Put in TUI Hand Luggage?
Bag dimensions and airport security rules are separate issues.
A suitcase can be the correct TUI size but still contain something that cannot pass through airport security.
TUI currently advises passengers to pack normal hand luggage liquids in containers of no more than 100ml, with the containers placed inside one clear resealable bag no larger than 20 x 20 cm, or with a capacity of up to one litre.
Examples include:
- Drinks
- Creams
- Lotions
- Oils
- Perfume
- Sprays
Some UK airports are introducing newer security scanners, but rules are not identical everywhere.
TUI recommends checking the rules of your departure airport and any airports used on the return journey.
How to Stay Under the 10kg Limit
Ten kilograms can disappear quickly if you pack heavy shoes, electronics and toiletries.
A few simple choices can help.
Wear Your Heavier Clothing
If practical, wear your heavier shoes or jacket while travelling instead of packing them.
Use Travel Size Toiletries
Small containers save both space and weight.
Avoid Packing Duplicates
Think about what your accommodation already provides.
You may not need several items that perform the same job.
Weigh the Bag at Home
A basic luggage scale can help you avoid surprises at check-in.
Leave a little margin rather than aiming for exactly 10.0kg.
Use the Personal Item Wisely
Keep important travel essentials in your permitted underseat bag while making sure it remains within 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
Is a Backpack Allowed on TUI?
Yes, provided it meets the relevant size rules.
A backpack can be used as your main 10kg hand luggage if it fits within 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
Alternatively, a smaller backpack can be your personal item if it fits under the seat and remains within 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
Be careful with soft backpacks.
They may appear small when empty but become too deep once fully packed.
Measure them after packing.
TUI Hand Luggage vs Checked Luggage
Hand luggage stays with you during the journey and is useful for:
- Travel documents
- Electronics
- Medication
- Valuables
- A change of clothes
- Essentials needed during the flight
Checked luggage travels in the aircraft hold and is better for larger quantities of clothing and other permitted items.
TUI advises passengers to keep valuable and fragile belongings such as money, keys, jewellery, computers and important documents in hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
If you are planning your airport journey as well as your baggage, read our guide on how early you should get to the airport.
You can also browse more practical advice in the 2DayTimes Travel section or visit the 2DayTimes homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TUI hand luggage size in 2026?
For TUI Airways flights, the main cabin bag can measure up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weigh up to 10kg.
Can I take a handbag as well as a cabin bag on TUI?
Yes. TUI allows one small personal item up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm in addition to the main cabin bag. It must fit underneath the seat.
Is TUI hand luggage 10kg?
Yes. The current maximum weight for the main cabin bag on TUI Airways is 10kg.
Can I take two cabin bags on TUI?
You can take one main cabin bag plus one smaller personal item. The additional item is not a second full size cabin suitcase.
Do infants get a TUI cabin bag?
TUI states that children under 2 do not have their own hand luggage allowance on TUI Airways flights.
What happens if my TUI cabin bag is oversized?
TUI says an oversized or overweight cabin bag may need to travel in the hold and a charge may apply.
Does TUI Premium allow more hand luggage?
TUI currently lists a 10kg hand luggage allowance for Premium passengers as well. Premium provides additional benefits and checked luggage allowance, but it does not automatically mean a heavier cabin bag.
Final Thoughts
The current TUI hand luggage size is straightforward when you are travelling on a TUI Airways flight.
Your main cabin bag can be up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10kg, while your additional personal item can measure up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm and must fit underneath the seat.
Measure your luggage after you have packed it, check the weight at home and make sure you can lift the main bag into the overhead locker.
Most importantly, confirm who is actually operating your flight.
If another airline is flying your TUI holiday, its cabin baggage rules may be different. A quick check of your booking confirmation before packing can prevent unnecessary fees and last minute repacking at the airport.
