ThomsonflyBY

TUI Airways is the UK's largest leisure airline, operating holiday flights for the TUI Group, the world's largest tourism company. Headquartered in Luton, the airline carries millions of British holidaymakers each year to beach destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The airline has a rich history spanning over 60 years under several names. Founded in 1962 as Britannia Airways, it became the UK's first jet charter airline and grew into the world's largest holiday carrier. Following Thomson Travel Group's acquisition, the airline rebranded to Thomsonfly in 2005, then became Thomson Airways in 2008 after merging with First Choice Airways. The current TUI Airways name was adopted in October 2017 as part of the TUI Group's global rebrand.

TUI Airways is not a member of any airline alliance but operates as part of the broader TUI Airlines network, which includes sister carriers TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Netherlands, TUI fly Nordic, and TUIfly (Germany). Most passengers fly TUI Airways as part of a TUI package holiday, though flight-only tickets are also available. The airline is the UK's fourth-largest carrier by passengers, after easyJet, British Airways, and Jet2.com.

TUI Airways' baggage policy varies significantly depending on your booking type. Package holiday customers typically have generous baggage included, while flight-only passengers may need to purchase baggage separately.

Important: Check Your Booking First

TUI Package Holidays:

• Hold baggage typically included (20kg or 25kg per person)
• Check your travel documents for specific allowance
• Families and groups can pool their baggage allowance

Flight-Only Bookings:

• May not include any hold baggage
• Baggage must be purchased separately
• Always verify allowance before traveling

Carry-On Allowance

Hand Luggage (all passengers):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead bin

Personal Item (all passengers):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 in)
• Must fit under seat in front
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack

Item	Dimensions	Weight	Included
Hand luggage	55 x 40 x 20 cm	10 kg	All passengers
Personal item	40 x 30 x 20 cm	No limit	All passengers

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions maximum (length + width + height)

Package Holiday Customers:

Package Type	Allowance	Weight per Bag
Standard TUI Holiday	1 bag included	20 kg (44 lbs)
Premium Long-Haul	1 bag included	25 kg (55 lbs)
Infants (under 2)	1 bag included	10 kg (22 lbs)

Baggage Pooling: Families and groups on the same booking can share their total allowance. Two passengers with 20 kg each have 40 kg total to split however they choose.

Flight-Only Customers:

Bag Size	Online Price	Notes
15 kg bag	From GBP 20 (~$25)	Lightest option
20 kg bag	From GBP 30 (~$38)	Most popular
25 kg bag	From GBP 45 (~$57)	Maximum standard

Note: Prices vary by route and time of purchase. Booking at the airport costs significantly more.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee
Per kg over allowance (short/mid-haul)	GBP 16 (~$20)
Per kg over allowance (long-haul)	GBP 20 (~$25)
Maximum weight per bag	32 kg (70 lbs)

Important: Bags over 32 kg will not be accepted. Repack or use two bags.

Special Items

Item	Online Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	GBP 40 (~$50)	One bag
Skis/Snowboard	GBP 40 (~$50)	One set with boots
Diving equipment	GBP 40 (~$50)	One set, tanks empty
Bicycle	GBP 50 (~$63)	Properly packed, max 32 kg
Surfboard	GBP 50 (~$63)	Surfboard or kiteboard
Pushchair/Stroller	Free	Can take to aircraft door
Car seat	Free	Can take to aircraft door
Wheelchair	Free

Book in Advance: Sports equipment fees are substantially lower when pre-booked online.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at tui.co.uk/luggage-allowance before traveling.

TUI Airways operates a two-class configuration on long-haul Dreamliners (Premium and Economy) and all-economy on short-haul 737s. The focus is on comfortable, efficient transport to holiday destinations.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Long-Haul)

Premium Class:

• Seats: 47-63 seats depending on variant
• Seat pitch: 38 inches (97 cm)
• Seat width: 18.5 inches (47 cm)
• Recline: 7 inches (18 cm)
• Features: Adjustable headrest, footrest, USB power
• Service: Priority boarding, four-course meal, Prosecco on outbound, amenity kit, blanket and pillow

Economy Class:

• Seats: 253-282 seats depending on variant
• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Seat width: 17.2 inches (44 cm)
• Recline: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
• Features: Seatback entertainment screens, USB charging

Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Short/Medium-Haul)

• Configuration: 189 seats, single economy class
• Seat pitch: 29-31 inches (74-79 cm)
• Seat width: 17.3 inches (44 cm)
• Features: USB charging at every seat, larger windows, quieter cabin
• No seatback screens (bring your own device)

Boeing 737-800 (Short/Medium-Haul)

• Configuration: 189 seats, single economy class
• Seat pitch: 28-29 inches (71-74 cm)
• Seat width: 17.3 inches (44 cm)
• Standard narrow-body configuration

Extra Legroom Seating

Available on all aircraft types:

• Exit row seats: Up to 36 inches pitch
• Front row seats: Extra space (no underseat storage)
• Reservable for a fee during booking

In-Flight Catering

Long-Haul (787 Dreamliner):

• Premium: Four-course meal, drinks including wine/beer, snacks
• Economy: Hot meal service included, drinks available

Short/Medium-Haul (737):

• Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on most flights
• Hot meals, sandwiches, and alcoholic drinks for purchase
• Children's meals available with advance notice
• Special dietary meals (vegetarian, halal) with pre-order

Payment: Credit/debit cards and cash (GBP) accepted on board.

Entertainment

Boeing 787 Dreamliner:

• Seatback entertainment screens with movies, TV, games
• USB charging at every seat
• Noise-canceling headphones in Premium

Boeing 737:

• No seatback screens
• USB charging (737 MAX only)
• In-flight magazine
• Bring your own entertainment

Tip: Download movies and content before your flight for 737 services.

WiFi

WiFi is not currently available on TUI Airways flights. Plan accordingly for offline entertainment.

Booking

1. Package vs flight-only: TUI packages often include baggage, transfers, and reps that would cost extra separately
2. Compare total cost: Always factor in baggage fees when comparing flight-only prices
3. Book early: Peak school holiday periods (Easter, summer, half-term) fill quickly
4. Check regional airports: TUI flies from 22 UK airports; your nearest may have your route
5. Consider Premium on long-haul: The upgrade to 787 Premium offers significantly more space and service

Baggage

6. Verify your allowance: Package holidays and flight-only have different inclusions
7. Weigh bags at home: Excess fees are GBP 16+ per kg
8. Pool family baggage: One 25 kg bag is often cheaper than multiple smaller bags
9. Book sports equipment online: Airport prices are much higher
10. Use the 10 kg hand luggage: Pack efficiently to maximize your included allowance

Check-In

11. Check in early: Premium/seat selection customers can check in 14 days ahead
12. Download the TUI app: Manages booking, check-in, and provides mobile boarding pass
13. Use day-before bag drop: Available at Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham for early flights
14. Save boarding pass to wallet: Faster than fumbling with the app at security

At the Airport

15. Know your terminal: TUI operates from specific terminals at each airport
16. Allow extra time: School holiday periods mean longer queues
17. Bag drop closes 45 minutes early: Don't cut it close

In-Flight

18. Bring entertainment: No seatback screens or WiFi on 737 flights
19. Pack USB cable: 737 MAX aircraft have USB charging
20. Bring snacks: On-board purchases available but pricier than airport shops
21. Dress in layers: Cabin temperatures vary, especially overnight

For Package Customers

22. Use TUI reps: Available at resort airports for any issues
23. Book transfers through TUI: Often more reliable than third parties
24. TUI app is essential: Flight info, hotel details, excursions all in one place
25. Check for flexibility add-ons: If plans might change, consider TUI's protection options

Common Issues

• Flight-only baggage confusion: Always verify if baggage is included; don't assume
• 10 kg cabin bag limit: Strictly enforced; pack light
• Seat selection fees: Free assignment is random; pay to sit together
• No WiFi: Download everything before traveling
• Seasonal schedules: Routes change significantly between summer and winter
• Early/late departures: Charter schedules often have antisocial departure times