In the TV and film industry, a delayed flight or a forced checked bag can throw off a whole production schedule, especially if that bag contains vital kit, laptops, or production paperwork.
To save your crew from gate stress and unexpected fees, we’ve pulled together the cabin allowances for Britain’s major airlines into one simple, scannable guide to save you a whole lot of luggage stress and potential additional charges when boarding by checking dimensions and weight restrictions before you travel.
UK Airline Cabin Allowances At-A-Glance
Some of Our Tips for Stress-Free Boarding
- Production Tip: Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet only include a small under seat bag for free. If you are travelling with overhead rolling bags, ensure “Priority” or “Large Cabin Bag” is added to the booking before arriving at the airport to avoid heavy gate fees, we can ensure this is done for you.
- Arrive Early at the Gate: Even on premium airlines like British Airways, overhead locker space can fill up fast on busy flights. To prevent your bag from being moved to the hold, make sure you’re at the gate as soon as boarding is announced.
- Keep Tech Under the Seat: Always pack your must-have electronics, chargers, and essential production paperwork into your smaller personal/under seat bag. If your larger bag does get gate-checked into the hold, you reduce the risk of losing your critical gear.
- Soft Bags Win: Soft-sided backpacks or holdalls are easier to squeeze into tight overhead lockers or under seats than rigid hard-shell cases with physically and practically more flexibility.
⚠️ Disclaimer: The baggage details reflected in this article may be subject to change depending on the flight path, destination and ticket tier. We always recommend checking with your Airline provider beforehand. All baggage details are accurate as of 16/06/2026.
Need a winning solution for your media travel?
At Access Bookings, we have over 30 years of dedicated experience managing travel and accommodation logistics for the TV, film, and media industry. Let us handle the details so your crew can focus on the shoot.
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