SMART TR AVE LLE R Tese seemingly small differences in size restrictions are oſten


Transatlantic hand baggage


We guide you through the latest size and weight allowances


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Atlantic, British Airways offers the most generous hand-baggage size allowance. Te rest of the airlines’ size restrictions are anywhere from 1-10cm less than BA, oſten only differing in one dimension (length, width or height). Tis can be a problem if you purchase a carry-on bag specifically designed to fit BA’s overhead bin, but then end up on a flight with Delta or United, which both have the same length limit as BA (56cm), but only allow widths of up to 35cm (compared to BA’s generous 45cm).


T


he rapid growth of low-cost carriers operating transatlantic routes has forced more established airlines to compete on price by offering cheaper hand baggage only (HBO) fares. Tis presents such HBO passengers with quandaries: how much, exactly, can I carry on board; and how does this differ between airlines? Of the carriers offering nonstop flights across the


enforced, and that further complicates which is the best carry-on suitcase to buy. A bag that meets the smallest requirements can be used everywhere, but you could be missing out on up to 10cm of space when you fly certain airlines. If you’re hoping to travel with only a carry-on, that extra 10cm makes a difference. Te weight limit of a carry-on also varies, though this is easier to


plan for. Te most common cut-off is 10kg. Te largest allowance is a generous 23kg, again with British Airways. None of the three major American airlines (American, Delta, United) gives an official weight restriction for carry-on baggage, although they do clarify that anything too heavy for you to liſt is too heavy to take on board. Primera Air and the trailblazer of the low-cost transatlantic fare, Norwegian, both give a maximum weight limit for the carry-on bag and personal item combined (10kg or 15kg depending on ticket). Most airlines also allow you to carry a “personal item” (handbag,


satchel, etc), but its size threshold also varies by airline. Delta and Virgin both shy away from specifying how big is too big, instead suggesting the item be a “purse, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop computer or an item of a similar or smaller size”. Other airlines are clearer. Te generous allowance on American Airlines (45x35x20cm) can easily accommodate a backpack, while the smaller limits on Aer Lingus, Norwegian and Primera leave far less wiggle room. Currently, none of the airlines count a jacket, book, umbrella, or other similarly small item you may happen to have in your hand while boarding as your personal item. Te easy solution to this confusion would be for the airlines to


agree on a universal baggage size and weight limit, but that day may never come. Until then, check the exact restrictions for your forthcoming flight, and observe them. With low-cost flights, the penalty fees for not following directions can add up. Laura Miserez


HAND-BAGGAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON MAJOR AIRLINES FOR TRANSATLANTIC FARES: AIRLINE


CARRY-ON


Aer Lingus Air Canada


American Airlines British Airways Delta Norwegian


55x40x24cm, 10kg 55x40x23cm, 10kg


56x36x23cm, kg limit not specified 56x45x25cm, 23kg 56x35x23cm, kg limit not specified


PERSONAL ITEM 33x25x20cm 43x33x16cm 45x35x20cm


40x30x15cm, 23kg Maximum not specified


55x40x23cm, 10kg or 15kg (combined) 33x25x20cm, combined kg limit: 10kg for LowFare, LowfarePlus and Premium; 15kg for Flex and PremiumFlex


Primera Air United Airlines Virgin Atlantic


54x45x25cm, 10kg (combined) 56x35x22cm; kg limit not specified


56x36x23cm, 10kg; Upper Class passengers can bring two pieces, which can weigh a combined total of 16kg


SEP T E M B ER 2 0 18


33x25x20cm, combined kg limit: 10kg 43x25x23cm


Maximum not specified


bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om


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