Airlines including Jet2, easyJet, TUI, and Ryanair enforce a strict 32kg maximum weight limit per checked bag, a rule many passengers overlook when pooling luggage. While bag-pooling allows groups to distribute total weight allowance across suitcases, no single bag can exceed 32kg due to health and safety restrictions for baggage handlers.
Bag-Pooling Rules Vary by Airline
Each carrier has its own policy on bag-pooling. easyJet permits pooling for passengers on the same booking, stating on its website: "If you're travelling with family or friends on the same flight and booking, you can pool your total weight allowance. This means that the total weight allowance can be split among the total number of bags booked, as long as no single item weighs more than 32kg. Maximum total size (length + width + height) = under 275cm."
Jet2 also allows pooling. In a recent social media exchange, a customer with a reservation for 10 people asked: "If one person is over does all the weight pool together or does everyone individual need to be 22kg?" Jet2 responded: "Yes you are able to pool your luggage providing you do not go over your overall weight limit and no one bag weighs more than 32kg." The airline further clarified that if one bag is slightly over but others are under, passengers will not be charged as long as the total allowance is not exceeded.
TUI's 25kg Limit for Own Flights
TUI has a different limit for its own flights. The TUI website states: "If you're travelling with TUI Airways, you're allowed to pool your luggage allowance with anyone else travelling on your booking. However, each bag can only weigh up to 25kg." Passengers flying with TUI should check whether their flight is operated by TUI Airways or a third-party carrier, as policies may differ.
Ryanair's Explicit Bag-Pooling Policy
Ryanair explicitly allows bag-pooling on its FAQ page: "Yes. Bag pooling is allowed between passengers with check-in bags on the same flight reservation. This means that if you have two 20kg Check-in Bags (40kg total) on your booking, one of those bags could weigh 15kg while the other weighs 25kg." However, the airline is clear about the maximum: "However, no bag can weigh more than 32kg."
Health and Safety Behind the 32kg Limit
The 32kg limit is not arbitrary. According to the Mirror, this restriction exists due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers, who must manually lift and move luggage. Bags exceeding 32kg pose a risk of injury and may be refused at check-in.
