Baggage on Your GoToBeach Holiday
What’s included, what costs extra, and how to add baggage to your booking
The short version
The biggest mistake UK travellers make in 2026 is assuming that "scheduled" or "flag carrier" airlines automatically include checked baggage. They no longer do. Even British Airways, KLM and Turkish Airlines now sell "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" fares on European short-haul routes that include no checked luggage at all. Your baggage allowance is determined by the fare class you book, not by the airline brand — and the definitive answer is on your GoToBeach booking confirmation. If you want to add hold luggage, the easiest moment is during the booking process, or by calling our reservations team before you fly.
Why baggage rules differ on every flight
In the last few years the European airline market has changed in a way that catches a lot of UK travellers out. Until fairly recently, the rule of thumb was simple: low-cost airlines charged for everything, and full-service or "flag carrier" airlines included your bags. That rule no longer holds.
Today, almost every major airline serving the UK — including British Airways, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus — also sells stripped-back "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" fares on European short-haul routes. These fares look like a traditional ticket from a traditional carrier, but they include no checked luggage in the price. If you buy one and turn up at the airport with a suitcase, you’ll be charged at the check-in desk — often at a higher rate than you’d have paid by adding the bag online in advance.
What this means in practice is that the airline’s name no longer tells you your baggage allowance. The fare class does. The good news: when you book through GoToBeach we show you the exact baggage allowance for your specific fare during the booking process, and we confirm it on your booking confirmation. That confirmation is the definitive answer for your flight.
For reference, here’s how the airlines most commonly used by UK leisure travellers structure their fares in 2026:
Low-cost carriers — Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
- Standard fare: one small under-seat personal item only. No larger cabin bag, no checked luggage included.
- Larger cabin bag: a paid add-on. Ryanair calls this "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags"; on EasyJet a larger cabin bag is included with their FLEXI fare or Up Front seat selection, or available as a paid add-on; Wizz Air calls it "Wizz Priority". Without one of these, your wheelie cabin trolley will not be permitted on board.
- Checked luggage: always a paid add-on. Cheapest in advance online; significantly more expensive at the airport.
- Note on Ryanair specifically: Ryanair is the strictest of the low-cost carriers on cabin bag size enforcement, with bag-sizers in active use at most boarding gates. Bags found to be over size are checked into the hold at a premium fee.
Scheduled, network and hybrid carriers — British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and others
- "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" fares (e.g. British Airways’ Euro Traveller Basic, Turkish Airlines’ EcoFly, Pegasus’ Light): one cabin bag plus a personal item included, but no checked baggage. Easy to mistake for a standard ticket.
- Standard "Classic" or "Plus" fares: usually include one piece of checked baggage of 20–23 kg.
- Premium economy, business and elite tier travellers: more generous cabin and checked allowances.
- Note on Pegasus specifically: Pegasus is positioned as a hybrid / low-cost carrier rather than a traditional network airline, so its Light fares behave commercially much like a low-cost basic fare — expect to pay extra for cabin and checked baggage upgrades.
UK leisure / charter airlines
- Several UK-based leisure carriers that primarily operate package-tour routes typically include checked baggage as standard on most of their package-holiday-sold fares, though this is not universal. Check your booking confirmation for the specific allowance on your fare.
The bottom line: never assume your baggage allowance based on the airline brand alone. Always check the specific allowance shown on your GoToBeach booking confirmation, which reflects exactly what you’ve booked.
Hand luggage (cabin baggage)
Hand luggage is what you take onto the aircraft yourself. The rules cover both size and weight, and you should expect to have your bag checked at the gate on most flights.
| What you’ve booked | Small personal item | Larger cabin bag | Typical weight limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost basic fare (e.g. Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz basic) | Included — around 40 × 20 × 25 cm, must fit under the seat | Paid add-on (Ryanair Priority / EasyJet FLEXI or Up Front / Wizz Priority) — around 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 10 kg typical on the larger cabin bag |
| Scheduled airline Basic / Hand Baggage Only (e.g. BA Euro Traveller Basic, Turkish EcoFly) | Included — around 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Usually included — around 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 23 kg combined typical (BA); 8 kg typical (Turkish, Pegasus) |
| Scheduled airline Standard / Classic / Plus fare | Included | Included — around 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 8 kg typical (combined or per piece) |
What goes in cabin baggage by law: spare lithium batteries, power banks, e-cigarettes and vape devices must travel in your cabin baggage rather than the hold. Liquids, aerosols and gels in your cabin bag are limited to containers of 100 ml or smaller, all carried in a single transparent resealable bag of approximately 20 × 20 cm. Several UK airports have begun rolling out new scanners that lift these restrictions, but until your departure and arrival airports have both upgraded, plan for the 100 ml rule.
Checked baggage (hold luggage)
Checked baggage travels in the aircraft hold and is collected from the baggage carousel at the destination airport. It typically costs more to add at the airport than in advance, and considerably more again if it’s over the weight limit.
| What you’ve booked | Checked baggage included? | Typical weight per piece | Typical cost to add (advance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost basic fare | No — paid add-on | 20 kg or 23 kg per piece | From around £25–£60 per piece, each way |
| Scheduled "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" (BA Euro Traveller Basic, Turkish EcoFly, etc.) | No — the common UK booking trap | 23 kg per piece (when added) | From around £30–£80 per piece, each way (varies by carrier and route) |
| Scheduled Standard / Classic / Plus fare | Yes — usually one piece | 23 kg per piece (sometimes 20 kg) | N/A — first piece included; second piece extra |
| UK leisure / charter package fare | Yes on most fares | 20 kg or 22 kg per piece | N/A — included; upgrades available at extra cost |
Standard checked baggage size on most airlines is up to 158 cm combined (length + width + height). Bags over this size are usually classed as oversized and incur a higher fee.
Don’t be caught out by "Basic" and "Hand Baggage Only" fares
This is the single most common baggage problem we see. A customer books what looks like a normal British Airways or Turkish Airlines ticket, doesn’t read the fare class, turns up at the airport with a suitcase, and is charged a substantial fee at check-in. The fare class for these tickets typically includes wording like Basic, Light, EcoFly, Saver or explicitly Hand Baggage Only — and includes no checked luggage in the price.
Before you fly, check your booking confirmation for the words "checked baggage" and a specific weight figure. If you don’t see one, your fare doesn’t include hold luggage — even if you booked with a "traditional" airline. Call us before you travel and we’ll add the bag for you at the in-advance rate.
Excess baggage at the airport — please plan ahead
If you arrive at the airport with a bag that’s heavier or larger than your booked allowance, the airline will apply an excess fee at the check-in desk. These airport fees are usually significantly higher than the cost of adding baggage online before you travel — in some cases two to three times the equivalent online price, charged per kilogram over the limit.
If you’re anywhere close to the limit, weigh your bag before you leave home. If it’s over, add an extra piece or upgrade your allowance in advance — almost always cheaper than paying the excess at check-in.
How to add baggage to your GoToBeach booking
During the booking process
The easiest moment to add baggage is during your initial booking, when our system shows the exact options and prices for your specific flight. You’ll see the airline’s baggage tiers and can choose the right combination of cabin and checked luggage for your party.
After you’ve booked but before you fly
If you didn’t add baggage at booking and now realise you need it, give our reservations team a call on +44 208 211 00 01 or email info@gotobeach.co.uk. We can usually add baggage to your booking up to a certain number of days before departure, depending on the airline’s rules. The closer to departure, the more limited the options — and in some cases more expensive.
If we can no longer add it for you
Some airlines close baggage modifications a fixed number of hours or days before departure. If that’s the case for your flight, you can usually still add baggage directly through the airline’s own "Manage My Booking" page on their website, using your airline booking reference (which is on your e-ticket).
Special items — pushchairs, car seats, mobility aids, sports equipment
Most airlines treat the following categories generously, and in many cases they’re free of charge in addition to your standard baggage allowance. The detail varies by airline, but the general picture:
- Pushchairs and prams — almost always free when travelling with an infant or small child. Usually checked in at the gate (gate-tagged) and returned to you on arrival. Some airlines allow you to use the pushchair right up to boarding; others ask you to drop it at check-in.
- Car seats and travel cots — usually free in addition to standard checked baggage when travelling with an infant or child. Check-in counter at the airport.
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids — normally carried free of charge under UK and EU accessibility regulations. Airlines may require advance notice, especially for powered mobility equipment, lithium-ion batteries above certain ratings, or specialised assistance at the airport. We strongly recommend telling us about any mobility equipment when you book so we can pre-notify the airline. This also covers crutches, walking frames and similar.
- Medical equipment — CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators and similar are usually carried free in addition to your cabin allowance, but advance notice to the airline is often required. Please tell us at booking.
- Sports equipment — golf bags, ski equipment, surfboards, bicycles, diving gear and similar are usually carried as paid checked items, with specific weight and size limits. Some airlines limit how many sports items can travel on a single flight, so book this as early as possible. Golf-led trips in particular: please let us know at booking and we’ll handle the sports baggage add-on for your party.
- Musical instruments — small instruments (violins, guitars) usually fit as cabin baggage. Larger instruments may need a paid extra seat or careful hold packing. Worth discussing with us in advance.
At the airport — what to expect
- Check-in — arrive early enough to weigh and tag your hold bags. Self-service check-in is increasingly common at UK airports; the bag-drop counter is where your bags are weighed and tagged.
- Gate — expect cabin bags to be measured at the gate on many low-cost flights. If your bag is over size, you’ll be asked to check it into the hold — and this is invariably charged at a higher rate than adding hold luggage in advance.
- If your bag goes missing — report it to the airline’s baggage desk in the arrivals hall before you leave the airport. You’ll be given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reference number. The airline is responsible for tracing and returning the bag and for any compensation under applicable air passenger rights regulations. Travel insurance is separate from the airline’s liability and can cover gaps such as essential clothing while your bag is delayed.
Frequently asked questions
Is hand luggage included with my GoToBeach holiday?
Yes, but the exact size and weight allowance depends on the fare class you’ve booked, not just the airline. On most fares you’ll get at least one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Larger overhead-locker cabin bags are usually included on scheduled airline standard fares, but are a paid add-on on low-cost basic fares (Ryanair "Priority", EasyJet FLEXI fare or Up Front seat, Wizz "Wizz Priority"). Your exact allowance is shown during booking and on your booking confirmation.
Is checked baggage included with my GoToBeach holiday?
It depends on the fare class, not just the airline. Hold luggage is not included with low-cost airline basic fares (Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air). It is also not included with scheduled airline "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" fares such as British Airways Euro Traveller Basic, Turkish Airlines EcoFly or Pegasus Light. It is typically included with scheduled airline standard fares (Classic / Plus) and most UK leisure / charter package fares. We show you exactly what’s included for your specific flight at the time of booking.
What is a "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" fare, and how do I avoid being caught out?
A "Basic" or "Hand Baggage Only" fare is a stripped-back ticket sold by traditional scheduled airlines — British Airways calls it Euro Traveller Basic, Turkish Airlines calls it EcoFly, Pegasus calls it Light. The ticket looks like a normal fare from a traditional carrier but includes no checked baggage in the price. The trap: customers assume any ticket from BA or Turkish Airlines includes hold luggage. It no longer does on these fare classes. To avoid the trap, check your GoToBeach booking confirmation for the specific words "checked baggage" and a weight figure. If you don’t see one, contact us before you fly and we’ll add hold luggage at the advance rate.
How much does it cost to add an extra bag?
Extra checked baggage on a low-cost airline typically costs from around £25 to £60 per piece each way when added in advance, depending on the airline, route, weight allowance and travel dates. Adding the bag at the airport check-in desk is usually significantly more expensive — sometimes more than double the online price. The exact cost is shown to you during booking.
Can I take a pushchair on holiday for free?
Yes, in almost all cases. Pushchairs, prams and buggies travel free when you’re travelling with an infant or small child, in addition to your standard baggage allowance. They’re usually checked in at the gate just before boarding (so you can use them around the airport) and returned to you on arrival. Travel cots and car seats are also usually free in addition to your standard allowance.
What size hand luggage can I take?
Sizes vary by airline, but as a general guide: a small under-seat personal item is around 40 × 20 × 25 cm, and a larger overhead-locker cabin bag is around 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Weight limits are typically 8–10 kg for the larger cabin bag on flights that include one. Your specific allowance is on your booking confirmation. If you’re close to the upper limit, we recommend weighing and measuring your bag at home before you travel.
Can I add baggage after I’ve booked?
Yes — just call us on +44 208 211 00 01 or email info@gotobeach.co.uk. We can usually add baggage right up to a few days before departure, depending on the airline. The closer to departure, the more limited the options become — so the sooner you tell us, the cheaper and easier it usually is. If we can no longer modify your booking, you can also add baggage directly via the airline’s own "Manage My Booking" page using your airline booking reference.
What happens if my baggage is overweight at the airport?
The airline applies an excess fee at the check-in desk, charged per kilogram over your allowance. Airport excess fees are usually significantly higher than the cost of upgrading your allowance in advance. If your bag is close to the limit, weigh it before you leave home. If it’s over, contact us before you travel and we’ll add an extra piece or upgrade your allowance — almost always cheaper than paying the excess at check-in.
Can I bring lithium batteries and power banks on a plane?
Yes, but they must travel in your cabin baggage, not in the hold. This includes spare camera batteries, laptop and phone power banks, e-cigarettes and vape devices. Power banks above certain watt-hour ratings (typically 100 Wh) may need airline approval in advance, and very large ones may not be permitted at all. Check your power bank’s rating before you fly.
Are golf clubs and other sports items free?
No — sports equipment is usually charged as a paid checked item with specific size and weight limits. Golf clubs typically travel in a dedicated golf bag, charged separately from your standard checked baggage allowance. Some airlines also limit how many sports items can travel on a single flight, so we recommend booking sports baggage as early as possible. For golf-led trips, tell us at the time of booking and we’ll handle the sports baggage add-on for your party.
Need help with your baggage?
Our reservations team can add baggage to your booking, upgrade existing allowances, or help with special items like sports equipment, mobility aids or musical instruments. Just get in touch.
Important — please read
The baggage allowances, sizes, weights and fees in this guide are typical figures based on the airlines that most commonly operate GoToBeach customer routes. Individual airlines set their own rules and these change without notice. The definitive baggage allowance for your holiday is the one shown on your booking confirmation and on your e-ticket.
It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure their booked fare includes the baggage allowance they require, and to comply with all baggage rules at check-in and at the gate. Any additional baggage charges applied by the airline at check-in or during the booking process are the passenger’s responsibility, and GoToBeach cannot reimburse fees applied by the airline.
We strongly recommend reviewing your airline’s specific baggage policy before you fly, and contacting our team well in advance if you need to upgrade or add baggage.
Information accurate to typical industry standards at the date below; airlines update baggage policies regularly without notice. Last updated: May 2026. This page is reviewed on an annual basis or whenever a meaningful industry change makes a refresh necessary. Prepared by the GoToBeach Product Team.