Hand luggage or checked luggage: airline rules from Schiphol

Hand luggage goes with you into the cabin and stays with you throughout the journey. Checked luggage is handed in at the bag drop, and you only see it again on the carousel at your destination.

The difference is mainly in the rules. Hand luggage is subject to size and weight limits and the security liquids rules. Checked luggage can be heavier and bigger, but with many airlines it costs extra and means arriving earlier to drop it off.

The most expensive mistake happens at the gate. A bag that turns out to be slightly too big, or isn't included in your fare, is taken from you there and charged for, and that's almost always considerably more expensive than arranging the same thing online in advance.

These are the broad outlines for the airlines you're most likely to fly with from Schiphol. Airlines adjust their baggage rules regularly, so treat this as a starting point and double-check your airline's website when you check in.

• KLM: a cabin bag (max 55x35x25 cm) plus a small accessory such as a laptop bag is allowed on almost every fare, up to around 12 kg together. Checked luggage isn't included as standard on the cheapest European fares.
• Transavia: only a small bag that fits under the seat (about 40x30x20 cm) is free. Larger hand luggage for the overhead locker and checked luggage are booked as extras, and cabin bags can sell out on full flights.
• easyJet: as standard, one small bag under the seat is allowed (about 45x36x20 cm). A large cabin bag is only allowed with a higher fare or a separate add-on.
• TUI fly and Corendon: a hand-luggage allowance is often already included in the ticket, and with package holidays, checked luggage often is too. Exactly what's included varies by trip and fare, so check your booking confirmation.
• For all airlines: the liquids rule at security (containers up to 100 ml in your hand luggage) is separate from your airline. Keep it in mind when you pack.

Hand-luggage dimensions are always measured including wheels and handles. A case the seller lists as 55 cm can easily measure 58 cm with the handle up, and that's exactly the difference between boarding as normal and paying extra at the gate.

Almost every airline has a sizer at the gate: a metal frame showing the maximum size. If your bag doesn't fit without pushing and squeezing, it goes in the hold, usually at the more expensive gate rate. If in doubt, measuring it at home with a tape measure takes five minutes.

Weight counts as well as size. Some airlines weigh the cabin bag, others only look at the dimensions, and that also varies by fare within the same airline. So go by the stricter of the two on your ticket.

• Measure including wheels, handle and side pockets: that's how the sizer measures too.
• Large cabin bag (overhead locker): around 55x35-40x20-25 cm with most European airlines.
• Small bag under the seat: around 40x30x20 cm. With budget airlines, this is often the only thing that's free.
• An overstuffed soft bag expands; allow a few centimetres of leeway rather than relying on the exact maximum size.

For a short city break, hand luggage only is wonderful. You can walk out of the airport as soon as you land, and at Schiphol you can go straight to security if you've checked in online.

There are limits, though. Liquids over 100 ml aren't allowed in the cabin, and on full flights large cabin bags are sometimes taken at the gate because the overhead lockers are full. So never count on it blindly with fragile items.

Torn between paying for an add-on and squeezing everything into your hand luggage? Compare your airline's online add-on price with the hassle it saves you. Arranging it online in advance is almost always cheaper than sorting it out at the airport.

Weigh your suitcase at home, not at Schiphol. The permitted weights vary by airline and fare, and repacking at the desk is exactly the kind of stress you don't want on a travel day.

Allow for the queue at the bag drop, especially in holiday periods. Many airlines have self-service drop-off points that are quicker, but in summer there are queues there too.

Plan your whole morning with a little time to spare rather than cutting it fine. How to work that out backwards from your departure time is explained in our travel planning guide.

Good news: in the taxi you don't have to puzzle over baggage rules. Your suitcases simply come along, with no charge per item. When you book, do say honestly how many passengers and suitcases you're travelling with, so a vehicle with enough room arrives at your door.

Travelling with a lot of luggage or unusual items, such as golf bags, a pram or skis? Luggage and extras explains what can come along and how to let us know. And if you're unsure whether you need a sedan or a roomier minivan, have a look at sedan or minivan.