8 Top tips for packing for your fly-cruise!
Updated September 2019
Packing can feel like a struggle whether there are weight-limits involved or not. It’s estimated that 40% of holiday-makers will not take a fly-cruise due to the airline weight limits, but we’re here to help you make the most of your baggage allowance and make packing stress-free. Read on to find out more!
Fly-cruises are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a cruise that ventures further afield. Even better still, fly-cruises can also be combined with a hotel stay giving you more time at the start or end of your cruise to explore new destinations. A Cruise & Stay package can be tailored to your requirements, with flights, transfers and hotels all taken care of.
1. Do your research
While international flights often have a higher weight limit than flights within Europe, all airlines have a strict limit on baggage allowance. This is for safety reasons so it’s incredibly important that you adhere to these limits, or purchase extra baggage when necessary. But, fortunately, we've already done the research for you! Check out the table below for a list of weight limits for the most popular airlines when flying in Europe. This information was updated in September 2019.
| Airline | Checked baggage per person(economy) | Hand luggage per person (economy) | Children's allowance (economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 1 checked bag per person up to 23kg | 1 handbag/laptop bag (maximum weight of 23kg and up to 40 x 30 x 15cm)
PLUS 1 additional cabin bag (max. 23kg and up to 56 x 45 x 25cm) |
Same as adult plus up to two of the following:
|
| Virgin Atlantic | 1 checked bag per person up to 23kg | 1 item of hand luggage (maximum weight of 10 kg, and up to 23 x 36 x 56 cm)
PLUS 1 additional small handbag or small rucksack |
Same as adult plus a collapsible pushchair |
| EasyJet | A charge of £13.99 - £33.99 per bag is required for any checked luggage weighing up to 23kg and total size up to 275cm (adding length + width + height) | 1 cabin bag (up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm) | Same as adult plus up to two of the following:
|
| RyanAir | Passengers can purchase up to 3 bags weighing 20kg each | 1 small personal bag (maximum weight of 10kg and up to 40cm x 20cm x 25cm), such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack | No cabin bag allowance for infants (8 days – 23 months), however a baby bag of up to 5kg may be carried by the accompanying adult free of charge |
| Thomas Cook | 1 bag weighing up to 15kg (an extra 10kg can be purchased) | 1 bag (maximum weight of 8kg and up to 55cm x 40cm x 20cm in size) | 1 checked bag weiging up to 10kg plus a pushchair, travel cot or car seat |
| TUI Airlines | 1 bag weighing up to 15kg | 1 piece of hand luggage (maximum weight of 10kg and up to 55 x 40 x 20cm) | Same as adults, plus for children under 2 you can bring a pushchair for free |
2. Wear your heavy belongings
If you’re planning on bringing a heavy pair of boots or a large coat, wear this at the airport. This will save precious kilograms in your suitcase to pack more lightweight items.
3. Leave your towels at home
Towels take up lots of weight and space in a suitcase. As well as bath towels, a fresh beach/pool towel is provided every day on a cruise.
4. Purchase travel size toiletries
Toiletries are the main culprit for heavy luggage, so taking travel-sized bottles are perfect for a week-long cruise. Most cruise lines also provide shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotions so these are not required unless you have specific needs.
5. Make the most of your children's allowance
Naturally, packing for children will not require as much space as adults, so be sure to use all their allowance too!
6. Invest in a foldable beach bag
You can purchase a lightweight, foldable bag for just a few pounds. It's a good idea to take a beach-style carrier bag as you're likely to use it every day on a cruise. Whether you’re carrying a towel and sun lotion to the pool, or using it to hold belongings when out exploring, beach bags are a cheap and vital investment.
7. Do not over-pack formal attire
Most cruises will only have one or two formal nights during a cruise, so you don't need to pack a selection of dresses or suits.
8. Use the onboard laundry service
Most cruise lines provide a laundry service. Some have a self-service laundry room, whereas others offer a valet laundry and dry-cleaning service. This means you can pack less clothing knowing that you can wear the same basics again.
While a fly-cruise might seem more daunting than sailing straight to your home port, they’re by far some of the best cruise holidays you can embark upon. With these top tips in mind, don’t let the fear of weight limits put you off- smart packing is all it takes to smoothly sail your way through the airport and onto your cruise!