A hand luggage rule change from TUI is set to impact holidaymakers in Europe as the airline tightens restrictions on what passengers can take on board for free
Amy Jones Senior Travel Journalist
12:58, 23 Apr 2026
TUI is set to introduce tighter restrictions on hand luggage for some flights (Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
TUI is set to introduce stricter hand luggage rules from May 1, 2026, just ahead of the peak travel period.
Holidaymakers heading abroad with TUI Fly, which operates from Belgium, will be subject to different hand luggage restrictions. In a shake-up, the airline is changing what is included in its standard fare and what passengers can take on board for free.
From May 1, 2026, and for flights booked after March 20, 2026, only one small personal item (40x30x20cm) that fits under the seat in front, such as a handbag, laptop bag or backpack, is included in a standard fare. Under the new policy, cabin bags (up to 55x40x20cm, 10kg) will not be included in the standard fare, and must be purchased as an additional extra.
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Cabin bags (up to 55x40x20cm, 10kg) are not included in a TUI standard fare for Belgium and Spain flights (Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
In order to take a 10kg wheelie suitcase on board and place it in the overhead lockers, travellers will need to book ‘Large Hand Luggage’ or book a ‘Fly Deluxe’ ticket. A number of budget airlines already charge extra for a cabin bag stored in the overhead lockers, but this is a significant change for TUI Fly.
This luggage rule will only apply to TUI Fly flights to and from Belgium, which also flies to Spain, but there are some exceptions. Travellers who have booked a package holiday or a Fly Deluxe ticket will still have a small personal item and a larger cabin bag included in their fare.
Passengers who booked their TUI Fly flight before March 30, 2026, or are flying before May 1, 2026, will still be entitled to the previous allowance of a small under-the-seat bag and a cabin bag that fits in the overhead lockers. The airline also noted that any unused cabin bag allowance cannot be transferred to checked luggage, and infants under two years old are not entitled to a separate hand baggage allowance.
The hand luggage change from TUI only impacts holidaymakers heading to Belgium and Spain(Image: Getty Images)
As the change only affects TUI Fly for now, TUI passengers heading on holiday from the UK can still reap the benefits of a small personal item (40x30x20cm) and one piece of hand luggage (55x40x20cm) included in their standard fare. A checked-in bag of 20kg or 25kg is also available to book for an extra fee.
A duty-free bag is also allowed on board, and TUI outlines its requirements for liquids purchased at the airport. They state: “Any liquids you buy from duty-free must be carried in a sealed security bag – you’ll be given this bag when you buy the item at the airport. You’ll need to keep the item and the receipt sealed in the security bag throughout the journey.” For more information, visit the TUI website.
In other news, TUI issued an update to customers following the full rollout of the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which has caused substantial queues at border control in both European and UK airports.
Brits have faced travel chaos at airports amid the new border control system(Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
In a travel notice regarding the EES, TUI informed passengers: “At some airports, you might still find longer queues, particularly at busy travel periods. We know this isn’t the travel experience you want before, or after your holiday – and it’s certainly not the one we want for you – so please know we’re doing all we can to support.
“To help your journey run as smoothly as possible, please allow a little extra time when passing through border control. Keep any essential medication in your hand luggage in case of delays, and when departing the EU, head straight to passport control after dropping your bags to avoid hold‐ups. Bringing some extra water for comfort is also a good idea.”
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