Passengers flying on popular budget airlines this summer have been warned about a little-known 32kg bag rule that can see suitcases turned away at check-in. The rule applies to Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, and easyJet, among others.
Why the 32kg Limit Exists
The weight restriction is not about airlines charging extra. Bags must stay under a certain weight due to baggage handlers having limits on how much they can lift. For most carriers, this is a strict 32kg maximum per checked bag. Any bag exceeding this weight may be refused at the check-in desk.
Bag Pooling: A Common Hack with a Catch
Bag pooling allows groups to share their total luggage allowance across multiple bags. For example, a couple with two 20kg allowances could have one 30kg bag and one 10kg bag. However, the 32kg per-bag limit applies regardless of the total allowance.
Airline Policies on Upper Weight Limits and Bag Pooling
EasyJet
EasyJet states: "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
A passenger with a booking for 10 people asked Jet2 on social media: "If one person is over does all the weight pool together or does everyone individual need to be 22kg?" Jet2 replied: "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 customer then asked: "So one person won't be charged if their case is overweight slightly and the rest are under?" Jet2's customer service representative replied: "That's correct. If one bag is slightly over, but others are under, you will still have room within your overall allowance and will not be charged."
TUI
TUI's 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 should check their booking to see if the flight is operated by TUI Airways or another carrier. For third-party airlines, contact them directly.
Ryanair
Ryanair's FAQs state: "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, it added: "However, no bag can weigh more than 32kg."
Impact on Travellers
Passengers who pool bags should ensure no single bag exceeds 32kg, even if the total weight is within allowance. Exceeding 32kg can result in the bag being refused. Always check individual airline policies before travelling.
