The study lists the most generous and the most restrictive airlines in terms of hand baggage transport and aims to help passengers avoid surprises and extra costs during this festive season.

Developed from an analysis of the policies of the main airlines, the survey is divided into three categories and includes a list of the 10 most generous traditional airlines with baggage; The 5 most generous low-cost airlines regarding baggage allowance and the 5 worst for baggage handling. Among traditional airlines, British Airways leads the ranking and sets the gold standard by allowing two carry-on items, simple rules, and zero surprises.

Portugal appears at the top of the list for baggage allowance, with TAP Air Portugal in fourth place with a score of 13/15. The Portuguese carrier allows one 10 kg cabin bag (55×40×25 cm) and one personal item (40×30×15 cm), with clear communication. AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko states that, overall, the top 10 airlines listed as the most generous in terms of carry-on baggage still allow people to travel with a wheeled suitcase and a personal item.

In the low-cost segment, Jet2.com is number one (14/15), praised for offering a free 10kg carry-on bag, along with a personal item, in its standard fares. However, at the opposite extreme, Ryanair has the worst overall rating in the study (5.5/15), allowing only one tiny item under the seat (approximately 40x25x20 cm) free of charge, and requiring the purchase of Priority Pass for a 10kg bag, the prices of which rise sharply during peak season. Corendon Airlines also stands out among the worst, with 7.4/15, requiring a paid upgrade for any carry-on bag other than the small under-seat bag.

AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko believes that, in addition to fees, the new ranking also reveals that European airlines are now divided between two models of cabin space. Some airlines still consider a wheeled suitcase plus a personal item as part of the ticket, while others have transformed access to the overhead compartment into a paid product, linked to ticket packages or seat selection. According to him, this change is driven by aircraft availability, full flight occupancy in December, and targets for additional revenue. “The practical effect for Christmas travellers is clear. They must prepare for the baggage policy they have contracted or they will have to deal with the rules at the boarding gate, where surprises are more expensive.”

According to Anton Radchenko, the study shows that traditional airlines are generally more flexible regarding carry-on baggage, but some low-cost airlines are surprisingly traveller-friendly, especially if you're traveling home with gifts, souvenirs, or winter clothes. “Our low-cost ranking highlights airlines that include a free carry-on stroller in more fares, avoid hidden fees, and clearly explain what you can take,” points out Anton Radchenko.

However, he advises that even with the benefits offered by airlines, passengers should check the fare types. "On some airlines, carry-on baggage may not be included in the Basic fare. Clarity and inclusiveness are what set the best apart from the rest. At Christmas, passengers shouldn't have to choose between presents and a coat."

The Worst

AirAdvisor's ranking shows that low-cost airlines are breaking the stereotype with generous policies for holiday travel and continue to restrict passengers. Among the 5 worst for baggage handling, there is a similar pattern: the reduction of the free carry-on baggage allowance to a minimum.

On these airlines, most passengers are only entitled to a small bag under the seat, while access to the overhead compartment has become a paid option, usually more expensive during peak periods. “Even a standard 10kg wheeled suitcase is treated as a premium extra, which instantly increases the cost of last-minute or holiday travel,” comments AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko.

According to him, the rules of these airlines may be clear, but the practical freedom for travelers is very limited, especially for those carrying gifts, electronics, or baby items. “Our ranking of the 5 worst highlighted the growing The gap between customer expectations and what some airlines now consider included in a basic ticket is widening.”

What to do if your Christmas presents are delayed or lost?

If checked baggage and the gifts inside are delayed, damaged, or permanently lost, passengers are protected by the Montreal Convention, which applies to most international flights and many European routes.

The passenger is entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses, such as replacing essential items while awaiting their baggage, and compensation for lost or damaged belongings, up to approximately €1,700 per passenger, which is the current limit of Special Drawing Rights.

AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko advises that, to strengthen the claim, the traveler should keep receipts for replacement purchases, photographs of the contents, and their baggage tag. “If an airline refuses or delays compensation, platforms like AirAdvisor now offer a free tool for requesting baggage compensation.” “This technology helps travelers file claims quickly and legally, ensuring that airlines pay passengers what they are entitled to when Christmas presents don't arrive as planned.”

THE 10 MOST GENEROUS TRADITIONAL AIRLINES IN 2025

1. British Airways (15/15)

Two carry-on bags included in all economy class fares (56×45×25 cm + 40×30×15 cm), up to 23 kg per item and no specified combined limit. Clear rules applied consistently.

2. Iberia (13.5/15)

Free 10 kg carry-on bag (56×40×25 cm) plus one personal item (40×30×15 cm). Simple and well-explained policy; The personal item does not count towards the 10 kg.

3. Swiss (13.2/15)

One 8 kg carry-on bag (55×40×23 cm) plus a thin laptop/personal item. Exceptionally clear pages and consistent guidance across all routes.

4. TAP Air Portugal (13/15)

One 10 kg cabin bag (55×40×25 cm) plus one personal item (40×30×15 cm). Communication is clear, although the combined total is not explicitly stated.

5. Lufthansa (12.7/15)

One 8 kg carry-on bag (55×40×23 cm) plus one personal item (40×30×15 cm). Good overall clarity, although the combined allowance is not stated.

6. Australian Airlines (12.2/15)

Following the Lufthansa Group structure, one 8kg carry-on bag plus a personal item. The rules are stable and easy to follow.

7. Turkish Airlines (12/15)

8kg carry-on bag (55×40×23 cm) plus one personal item. The policy is generous for a traditional airline; the documentation is detailed, but the combined total is not specified.

8. KLM (11.1/15)

Economy class includes a combined allowance of 12kg (carry-on bag plus personal item), but in Basic fares, wheeled luggage may be excluded and offered as a paid add-on.

9. Air France (10.6/15)

Economy/Premium Economy classes allow 12kg combined (wheeled luggage + personal item). Basic fares may exclude wheeled luggage, which is available as a paid option.

10. Finnair (10.4/15)

Clear "combined weight" model: 8 kg total when carry-on baggage is included. Superlight fares include only the personal item; Light/Classic fares reinstate carry-on baggage.

THE 5 MOST GENEROUS AIRLINES IN 2025 - LOW COST EDITION

1. Jet2.com (14/15)

One of the few low-cost airlines that still offers a free 10 kg carry-on bag, as well as a personal item, with standard fares. The rules are extremely clear, a highlight for leisure travelers.

2. TUI Fly Belgium (13.2/15)

Free 10 kg carry-on bag (55×40×20 cm) plus one personal item. Hand luggage may be checked if the overhead compartments are full, but communication remains transparent and traveler-friendly.

3. Norwegian (9.8/15)

Free under-seat carry-on bag on LowFare fares; carry-on bag included on LowFare+ and Flex fares. Clear combined allowance (up to 15 kg) when permitted, one of the easiest low-cost policies to understand.

4. Eurowings (9.1/15)

Free under-seat carry-on bag (40×30×25 cm). The carry-on baggage trolley is an additional cost on BASIC fares, but the website is clear and transparent.

5. Transavia (8.7/15)

Free under-seat carry-on bag; The carry-on baggage cart can be purchased in advance at reasonable prices. The rules are consistent and clearly defined.

THE 5 LEAST GENEROUS AIRLINES (OVERALL)

1. Corendon Airlines (7.4/15)

A small carry-on bag under the seat is free, but any carry-on bag requires a paid upgrade. The rules are clear enough, but still significantly below industry standards.

2. PLAY (6.8/15)

Only one personal item in the lowest category. Standard fares, extremely limited for holiday travel. Carry-on baggage always requires an extra payment.

3. Pegasus Airlines (6.5/15)

One very small personal item is free; strict baggage size control at the boarding gate. The risk of unexpected charges makes baggage preparation stressful for travelers.

4. Wizz Air (5.8/15)

Only one small bag under the seat; Wizz Priority required for access to the overhead compartment. The rules are consistent… but consistently restrictive.

5. Ryanair (5.5/15)

A tiny item under the seat (approximately 40×25×20 cm) is free. A 10 kg carry-on bag requires Priority, with prices skyrocketing during peak season dates.