Norwegian Airlines have just changed their policy and like Ryanair, now charging if you wish to take a 10kg bag or wheelie case into the cabin with you. Although only flying to Alicante from London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin, with the demise of both Monarch and now Thomas Cook, the choice of airlines is shrinking.

With many now opting to travel just with hand luggage, especially if only coming for a few days, these extra charges can make a difference to the overall cost. The headline grabbing 9.99 fare suddenly ends up double or triple once the extras are added on.

Overhead locker space is limited – a Boeing plane, used by Ryanair, Jet2 and Norwegian can take 90 cabin bags. Airbus, used by easyJet and Vueling are smaller and therefore take less, namely 70. Norwegians new rules are that a 10kg case, measuring a max 30x20x38 will incur a £7 charge per flight – a small handbag, laptop case or rucksack, that can fit under the seat in front is included in the fare.

Not many want to be waiting around the luggage carousel on arrival for their cases to come off hence the popularity of taking it onboard! Ryanair allow a small personal bag with the fare. If you wish to take your 10kg bag onboard you have to book Priority, but they are limited to 90 per flight. The cost varies between £6-£14 depending on the time of year.

EasyJet allow you to take ONE bag per person measuring up to a maximum of 56x45x25 with no weight restriction. However, as they can only take 70, it is first come first serve therefore explains why passengers are super-quick to queue up at the gate as soon as it is announced. The remainder will be put into the hold. Jet2 also include a 10kg bag in their fare but allow an additional small personal handbag, man-bag or laptop case plus any airport purchases.