Unite Union Calls for Uniform Hand Luggage Policies Across UK Airlines, What You Need To Know

Published on July 17, 2025

A report on a new campaign for common sense and transparency as Britain’s largest union, Unite, takes up the issue of inequality in hand baggage allowances between UK airports and airlines. Their plea for uniformity comes as rancor between fliers and airline employees continues to escalate, workers whose policies — and surprise fees — have been wreaking havoc once passengers arrive at the check-in counter.

UK fliers want clear rules on airlines taking on hand luggage, a study has found. Size, weight, and enforcement of hand luggage requirements vary per airline. The erratic enforcement of the rule is not just confounding for travelers; it’s one of the reasons airline workers are being threatened and abused at an unprecedented level. A passenger who is suddenly blindsided with a demand for more money because his bag is slightly oversized or who is left without a ride home because the rules vary from airport to airport today has every reason to be angry.

Unite, which has many UK airline members, says these issues are now affecting passengers and its members. But the union believes that a universal policy on hand luggage would represent clarity for all and be equitable, and would also make for fewer needless skirmishes and disputes at airports.

The differences in regulation for hand luggage — on size and weight, for example — means passengers can be caught out when packing, the union says. When passengers thus discover that they bear fees for misbehaved luggage, they’re generally taken by surprise. Some airports enforce the rule more strictly than others, and if passengers are being subjected to that punishment, they are being punished for having bags that one airline finds acceptable, but maybe another does not.

In addition to the confusion, the checkerboard of policies have left airline workers increasingly on the receiving end of regular abuse from irate passengers caught unaware of yet another additional fee. There’s no discretion for ground services people empowered to enforce these, so ugly confrontations ensue. The union has also said workers are often screamed at and harassed while they’re simply doing their job. They are completely avoidable if the industry followed universal hand baggage policy, says Unite.

Impact on Business and Tourist Travel:

This is particularly critical for business travelers and tourists. Change in hand luggage policy no problem – not! Business passengers are losing out The change to rulings over hand luggage on flights is causing chaos for many business travellers who risk missing flights, costing them money and time. That can’t be a good thing when trying to rush through a plane or airport and time is already short – because cutting out time for a definite lack of confusion around what is acceptable for luggage and what is not – can only lead to being delayed and affected emotionally to a negative degree.

Hand luggage chaos can destroy the beginning of a holiday for leisure travelers. Tourists, who can be thrown off guard by changing rules, may now find themselves costing more than they had budgeted for a stay that is already expensive. Unite’s demand for a single standardised carry-on policy that is free to carry is very much needed now, particularly given that the EU is in the process of introducing such a policy. Given that a large number of British travelers go to the EU, the union thinks UK airlines ought to swiftly do the same thing to have a consistent policy across the region.

The EU’s planned legislation would establish a common policy whereby passengers take one piece of hand baggage on board free of charge. If this rule were in place, passengers would have clarity about what is allowed and they would not have to worry about being surprised by hidden fees or that other airlines might have a different set of baggage rules.

What Travelers Can Do:

1. Check Airline Policies in Advance: Before booking a flight, passengers should thoroughly review the airline’s hand luggage regulations to avoid surprises at the airport. Each airline has different allowances, and it’s crucial to know these details to prevent unexpected fees.
2. Prepare for the Unexpected: If you’re unsure whether your luggage complies with your chosen airline’s policy, consider purchasing an affordable extra baggage allowance in advance. This can often save time and money in the long run.
3. Pack Light and Smart: Try to pack only essentials in your hand luggage to avoid exceeding weight limits. If you have a business trip or need to travel with important items, consider using a small, efficient carry-on that fits within most airlines’ guidelines.
4. Advocate for Change: Travelers who experience frustration due to inconsistent hand luggage rules should voice their concerns directly with airlines or through consumer advocacy groups. Public pressure can often drive change within the industry.

The Road Ahead for Hand Luggage Rules:

The call by Unite for standardization of hand luggage rules is among a wider private-sector industry effort to bring more transparency and fairness for passengers and ground staff alike. The EU will shortly introduce new rules but there is no decision on whether the UK will do the same imminently.

For now, passengers are advised to stay up to date on airline guidelines and be proactive in avoiding any unnecessary fees or confrontations. The recipe for smoother travel is clarity and fairness — and those are values passengers and airline employees can support.

Unite’s national officer for civil air transport, Oliver Richardson, said: “The introduction of standardisation would provide greater clarity for passengers, who currently can experience a different set of regulations on return flights owing to each airport choosing to enforce the rules differently.” He noted that as it the situation now stands, it is causing air rage with passengers including airport staff first targets of such violent tantrums. Richardson says it’s a problem which requires a quick solution.