Holidaymakers who are flying with the likes of Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 this summer have been reminded that their carry-on bags must fit the specific guidelines - or risk being hit with a fine. Manchester Evening News writer Rachel Pugh managed to secure £50 return flights from Liverpool to Barcelona a few years ago and couldn't believe her luck. Travelling with just a carry-on, she had checked the dimensions and thought she'd be able to board without any issues.
But as it turned out, she'd made a rookie mistake - and is warning others not to get caught out. READ MORE: Jet2 announces big change on 'every flight' for passengers travelling with children She wrote: "While my actual cabin case was within the correct dimensions, what I hadn't realised, was that my wheels and handle were part of these. As such, I was fined to fly both there and back - and it's fair to say it ate into the small holiday budget I'd allocated.
"I was upset, but knowing there was nothing I could do about it at the boarding gate, I was forced to cough up. Since then, I've never made the same mistake, and now I'm overly cautious about the bags I take on board budget airlines." Now, Rachel's bag of choice is the Antler Icon Stripe Cabin in Taupe , which isn't cheap at £175, but has saved her a considerable amount in hand luggage fines.
She said: "I've taken it on TUI, Ryanair and Jet2 flights, and have never had an issue. It also fits in plenty of outfits, shoes and accessories - and helps to satisfy my.