CHECKLIST: SAVING MONEY ON BAGGAGE

Short-haul flights often appear cheap – until you factor in the additional cost for your luggage. The fee for a checked-in bag can more than double the basic fare. Moreover, with airlines imposing their own baggage restrictions and allowances, it’s all too easy to fall foul of the rules and get penalised for doing so.

So it’s definitely worth being clear about luggage arrangements and charges – not only before you fly but also prior to booking your flight, particularly where you have a choice of airlines flying the route. Here are some key pointers to consider. one 20kg bag as hold luggage can cost as much as £68 return. But hand-luggage size and weight limits vary and are usually strictly enforced – airlines make money from catching passengers out and charging extra to put oversized or overweight bags in the hold. Typically, the weight allowance is 10kg, but easyJet imposes no limit, while with Tui Airways it’s normally a miserly 5kg. British Airways’ hand-luggage allowance of two bags (including a smaller handbag/laptop case) is one of the most generous for short-haul flights – and particularly worth knowing about given that BA offers lower-priced hand-baggageonly fares. now lets you take only one small bag (such as a handbag/ laptop case) into the cabin for free. To be able to take on a regular-sized carry-on bag as well, you need to pay an additional £10 return for “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags”, or buy a more expensive Plus/ Flexi ticket. Otherwise, you have to hand over the larger bag at the gate for it to be put in the hold (free of charge, in this case). each way with Jet2.com.

Note: given that checked-in bags are often essential when travelling with children, with Ryanair it can work out a bit cheaper to opt for its baggageinclusive Family Plus fares.

WHAT A CARRY-ON Don’t be stung by last-minute baggage allowance fees