Flights FAQs - Luggage

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What is the latest update on hand baggage allowance from the UK? (8th January 2008)

As of January 7th 2008, the 'one bag rule' for hand baggage per person has been lifted by some airports within the UK. However some airlines continue to operate a 'one bag rule' for hand baggage, as not all airports are able to manage an increase of baggage through the security central search. Therefore customers are advised to check with their airline prior to travel to clarify what hand baggage they will be permitted to take.

Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways current policy is as follows:

In an effort to ensure we have a straightforward customer proposition we will continue to accept only 1 piece of hand baggage at check in and through Security central search.

Thomsonfly & First Choice Airways will continue to offer the passenger their respective hand baggage allowances in terms of weight of bag by airline. For more details on the full Thomsonfly baggage policy, please see the below FAQ 'What is the Thomsonfly luggage allowance, for a flight only booking?'. For First Choice airline queries, please visit www.firstchoice.co.uk.

Regulations on the carriage of liquids through security remain unchanged.

Last updated 8th January 2008.

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What is the Thomsonfly luggage allowance, for a flight only booking?

All flight-only customers will continue to enjoy a free generous hand luggage allowance of up to 10kg. Customers wishing to check in luggage may do so for a small charge by selecting the option whilst making a booking. A maximum of 5 items of luggage can be pre-booked by each passenger. Prices start from £6.50/€10.00 per item per journey, and vary by route. Customers choosing to pre-book their luggage allowance in advance on Thomsonfly.com, save 50% when compared to prices at the airport or when booked via the call centre.

Customers who booked before 19th October 2007 may have check in luggage included in their booking. Please read your booking confirmation for clarification.

Each passenger who has opted to pay for check in luggage or has an inclusive allowance as part of their inclusive Tour Operator package has a 20kg limit on checked-in luggage, irrespective of the number of bags checked in. Each passenger may take up to 10kg of hand luggage on board, although the combined total of hand and checked-in luggage may not exceed 25kg for each passenger without extra weight charges being levied. Extra weight can be pre-booked on Thomsonfly.com during the booking process at a 59% discount when compared to airport prices.

Customers choosing to book a Premium Seat (on selected flights) will enjoy an inclusive check in baggage allowance. Long haul customers choosing to book a Premium seat will receive a total of 35kg baggage allowance (a maximum of 30kg can be checked in to the hold and up to 10kg can be taken on board but the total should not be more than 35kg). Short haul customers choosing to book a Premium seat will receive a total of 25kg baggage allowance (a maximum of 20kg can be checked in to the hold and up to 10kg can be taken on board but the total should not be more than 25kg). Please also see our Standard Baggage Conditions below.

How the Hand and Hold Weight Allowance works... When you receive a 'total hand and hold weight allowance of 25kg', this amount can be split between your check-in baggage and your hand luggage. However no more than 10kg can be taken as hand baggage, and no more than 20kg can be checked-in to the aircraft hold. Excess weight charges will apply to check-in luggage weighing over 20kg.

Hand Baggage... You may take up to 10kg free hand baggage into the cabin with you. Each customer may take one item of hand baggage (maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm). Other bags such as handbags, laptop bags or laptop computers must be carried within the single item of cabin baggage.

Excess Luggage... Excess weight charges will apply to check-in luggage over your allowance. To book extra luggage, either select this option during the online booking process, or contact us on 0871 231 4869 (Thomsonfly) or 0871 231 4143 (if you have booked a Thomson package holiday).

Cargo... For general cargo enquiries, and to book animals or oversized, bulky or unusual items of baggage as cargo, please contact us on 01784 425300.

Please visit our Thomsonfly baggage information page for full, up to date information. Further information is also available in Our Conditions of Carriage page. Please note, any one piece of luggage must not exceed 32kg as this exceeds the recommended guidelines for airport baggage handlers to lift. Infants under the age of 2 have no hand/hold baggage allowance. Please see below for further information. Please refer here for all baggage security queries.

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What is the luggage allowance if I'm travelling as part of a package holiday booking?

Customers traveling with Thomsonfly as part of an inclusive holiday should refer to the baggage allowance stipulated by their Tour Operator, which is normally shown in the brochure, or on the ticket. Baggage allowances vary depending on the holiday product purchased and the Tour Operator from who the holiday product has been purchased.

Customers should consult their travel documentation closely before traveling. Please also see our Standard Baggage Conditions below.

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Standard Baggage Conditions

• Any baggage may only be accepted if it is packed and secured in suitcases or similar containers and capable of withstanding reasonable handling.
• Any passenger presenting baggage that is insecurely or insufficiently packed, or already damaged must sign a disclaimer waiving their right to any subsequent claim.
• Each customer may take one item of hand baggage (maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm), Other bags such as handbags, laptop bags or laptop computers must be carried within the single item of cabin baggage.
• The total weight of hand luggage items must not exceed 10kg and is part of any baggage allowance which you may have purchased, or be entitled to (please see your travel documentation). You must be able to lift this yourself into overhead storage compartments and any handbag or laptop computer bag (or equivalent) must fit under the seat in front of you.
• If your total baggage weight exceeds the limit detailed on your booking confirmation, excess hold baggage will be accepted for carriage subject to the conditions of acceptance of excess baggage, and will be charged at the current excess baggage charge (per kg) each way. This rate will vary by destination. Extra weight can be purchased in advance on Thomsonfly.com at a discount during the flight booking process, or via the call centre.
• Any single item of checked-in luggage must not exceed 32kg, as this exceeds the recommended guidelines for airport baggage handlers to lift.
• Infants under the age of 2 have no hand/hold baggage allowance.
• It is recommended that video cameras, mobile telephones and other valuable items should be carried as hand luggage; they must not exceed the dimensions outlined above. Customers will only be able to carry Hypodermic Syringes in their hand luggage if supporting an approved "Diabetic Doctors letter". Customers carrying such items must also advise check-in staff.

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What items can be carried in my hand baggage?

Please visit our Thomsonfly baggage information or baggage security page for full, up to date information, which includes the policy on taking liquids. Further information is also available in Our Conditions of Carriage page.

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My baggage has been lost, what should I do?

You will need to first report your lost luggage at the airport, where you will be required to complete a property irregularity report. Please then contact the number stated on this document to report your lost luggage. If your bag has been lost for more than 6 days, please contact our secondary tracing agent on 0161 489 6006.

If you wish to make a claim for lost, delayed or damaged baggage, please write within 7 days of your flight to:

Luggage Loss Adjusters, 2-4 College Road, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TT.

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Where should I pack my electrical items, gas items and aerosols during the flight?

All electrical items, aerosols and gas filled items should be securely packed in your main luggage and stored in the hold of the aircraft. If it is a new container of aerosol, we advise that you spray some of the can’s contents to release pressure within the container. Gas cylinders must be attached to the tongs, and you cannot carry spare gas cylinders on the flight.

You can use portable electronic devices such as laptops, CD players, DVD players, gameboys and walkmans during your flight, providing they are not used during take-off or landing. If you wish to use such devices on board, they can be included as hand baggage in the cabin of the aircraft. The use of mobile phones, radios or any electronic transmitting device may not be used at any time that the aircraft is in motion.

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Can I take a pushchair or wheelchair with me, and does this count towards my luggage allowance?

Collapsible pushchairs, infant car seats and wheelchairs may be carried free of charge on Thomsonfly in addition to your main baggage allowance, but a cot would count as part of your baggage allowance. Please pre-book carriage of your wheelchair through our Call Centre on 0871 231 4869. These items will be stored in the hold of the aircraft as checked luggage. If you wish to keep your pushchair with you until you reach the boarding gate, please contact a member of staff at the airport to check that this is possible. If you feel that your cot may take up too much of your luggage allowance, you can book excess baggage prior to travelling. To book excess baggage, please include this option during the online booking process, or contact us on: 0844 871 0872 (Thomson Holidays) or 0871 231 4869 (Thomsonfly).

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I wish to carry a musical instrument such as a guitar on the flight. Where should it be stored?

If the instrument is too large to fit in the overhead locker it must go into the hold. Smaller items can be carried as hand baggage, providing they are within the hand baggage dimensions of 55x40x20cm. Larger items can be carried in the hold at a charge per item, per flight. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. If you are concerned that your musical instrument(s) might be damaged, you can mark the item as fragile and advise check-in to handle it with care. Please refer to our Conditions of Carriage for full details.

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Does the baggage allowance include handbags, laptops and items purchased at the airport?

Yes - these should be included within your overall baggage allowance of 25kgs.

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Can I combine my baggage allowance with someone else?

No, unfortunately you can no longer combine your luggage allowance with another passenger. The maximum weight for any piece of luggage to be checked into the aircraft hold is 20kgs.

If you and another passenger wish to share a bag you can do so - however please ensure that no one piece of luggage exceeds the maximum 20kgs weight allowance. Similarly if you are taking hand baggage, please remember that no one piece of hand baggage must exceed the maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm and maximum weight of 10kg.

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Can I take oversized or bulky sports equipment, such as a surf board, bicycle, golf clubs or skis, on the flight?

You can take oversized or sports equipment on the flight, providing you contact us on on 0871 231 4143 (Thomson holidays) or 0871 231 4869 for Thomsonfly, and pre-book the carriage of these items. Space in our aircraft is limited, so if you do not pre-book carriage, we may refuse carriage of these items. Prices for sports equipment start from £15 per flight, but may vary depending on route. Please note that ski carriage will only include 1 pair of boots, 1 set of skis and 1 set of poles. Scuba diving equipment must be pre-booked. If you are in possession of a scuba diving qualification, please produce your certificate at check-in to receive 5kg free of charge.

Important information... Please note that if you are travelling on a package holiday booked through Thomson (flying with the Thomsonfly airline), then you must book carriage of your sports equipment 2 - 3 months before departure. Please also check your confirmation email or ticket reference - if your flight reference number is all digits (no letters), you will also be required to pre-book your sports equipment 2 - 3 months prior to departure.

We recommend that you insure your sports equipment for its replacement value. Please make sure your sports equipment is securely packed - we recommend that zipper type compartments are padlocked. If you are taking a bicycle, we recommend the use of a bicycle bag with padding for added protection. Handlebars must be turned inwards, pedals removed, tyres deflated and the bicycle must be wrapped in plastic or cardboard.

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Can I carry food abroad with me for a self-catering holiday?

Please first check with the embassy of the country you are visiting to ensure that what you intend to carry into their country is permissible, as some countries do not allow certain types of food. Thomson do allow you to carry food on holiday, however it will form part of your baggage allowance. If you feel you need to pre-book extra baggage, please either add this option as you progress through the booking process, or contact us on: 0871 231 4869 (Thomsonfly). 0844 871 0872 (Thomson - already booked).

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How much alcohol and cigarettes am I allowed to bring back from my holiday?

The amount of alcohol, cigarettes and any other products you are allowed to bring back from your holiday varies according to where you travel on holiday. Please visit the official UK Customs and Excise website for the latest information.

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What happens to my luggage when I check-in?

The check-in agent will label baggage that you wish to check-in to the aircraft hold and you will be given a receipt for each piece that you check in. Should you exceed the baggage allowance printed on your flight tickets, you will be liable to pay excess baggage charges. You will be asked questions relating to the contents of your baggage and how/when it was packed. Please answer these carefully. If you are taking large or bulky sports equipment, you must pre-book the carriage of these items, as space and weight restrictions mean that there is a limit to the number of these items that can be carried.

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Can we take our pushchair to the boarding gate?

You will usually be able to use your pushchair until you get to the gate, before it is put into the hold of the aircraft, but please check with our ground staff when you check-in to find out whether or not you are permitted to take your pushchair to the gate. The carriage of pushchairs and car seats (carried in the hold of the aircraft) is free of charge.

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How do I prebook excess baggage?

This service is subject to availability so please book as soon as possible, and no later than 3 days prior to departure. It can be booked during the online process, which will save you money compared to paying for excess baggae at the check-in desk. You can also pre-book excess baggage by phoning 0844 871 0872 (Thomson holidays), or 0871 231 4869 (Thomsonfly). This service is only applicable to passengers travelling with Thomson, and does not apply if you have booked to travel with another airline. Please note, there is a maximum of excess baggage you can take and prices may vary depending on the length of your flight. Please call us for the latest prices. If you do not pre-book your excess baggage, you may face additional charges at the check-in desk.

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I will be carrying excess baggage on behalf of a charity - is there a charge for this?

We do carry baggage for charities. However we will require a letter to be faxed with your requirements, on the charity's letter-headed paper, which must include their registered charity number. This service is subject to availability. Please call us to discuss your requirements: Thomsonfly (flight-only) 0871 231 4869, or Thomson holidays 0844 871 0872.

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Can I take ashes on the flight with me?

Yes, you can take ashes with you. However you will be required to carry them throughout the duration of the flight on your lap, and you will need to present the death certificate at check-in and at customs. Please also be prepared for customs to inspect the ashes. If you wish to carry ashes or a coffin, please contact us on 01784 425300.

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