Flying with Jet2: what UK passengers need to know

Jet2 aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Jet2 is the UK’s third-largest airline and the country’s biggest package holiday operator. It flies from 13 UK airports to around 70 destinations across Europe, the Canary Islands, Turkey, and North Africa. The airline also operates Jet2holidays, an ATOL-protected package product that bundles flights, transfers, and accommodation.

Getting the most from a Jet2 booking means knowing what each product actually includes, what costs extra, and where the rules are stricter than passengers tend to expect.

Jet2 flights vs Jet2holidays: what is included

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Resort swimming pool included in a Jet2holidays package holiday

Jet2 sells two distinct products: Jet2.com scheduled flights (flights only) and Jet2holidays (package holidays). The difference matters more than most people realise before they book, particularly around luggage and ATOL protection.

Prices and policies verified June 2026. Check with Jet2 before booking.

For passengers flying with hold luggage, Jet2holidays is often better value: the 22kg bag is bundled in, plus you get ATOL protection and transfers included. If you’re flying hand luggage only, a Jet2.com flight is the leaner option.

FeatureJet2 flightsJet2holidays
Cabin bag (56x45x25cm, 10kg)
✓ Included
✓ Included
Under-seat bag (40x30x20cm)
✓ Included
✓ Included
Hold bag (22kg)
Not included (from ~£8)
✓ 1 per person included
Seat selection
Not included (from ~£8)
Not included (same rates)
Airport check-in fee
None
None
ATOL protection
Flights only, not covered
✓ Full package protected
Transfers
Not included
✓ Included
Change fee (per person, per one-way)
£40 + any fare difference
Sliding scale charges apply
Prices and allowances correct at time of writing. Check Jet2.com before booking.

Search Jet2 flights and holidays

Bags and luggage

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Jet2 aircraft at airport with passenger boarding equipment
Hold bags booked online are significantly cheaper than airport walk-up prices, which are a flat £45.

Every Jet2 passenger gets two free bags: a cabin bag (56x45x25cm, up to 10kg) and a smaller under-seat bag (40x30x20cm, no weight limit). Hold luggage isn’t included in the base fare and needs to be added separately.

Our guide to the Jet2 checked baggage allowance covers every fee and rule in full.

Checking in for your Jet2 flight

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Jet2 Boeing aircraft in flight over Geneva with clear blue sky
Online check-in opens 28 days before departure. Jet2 does not charge for airport desk check-in.

Online check-in opens 28 days before departure and closes 6 hours before the flight. You can complete it through the Jet2 website or app. Jet2 doesn’t charge for checking in at the airport desk, which distinguishes it from some other budget carriers.

Our guide to when Jet2 check-in opens covers every deadline, the twilight option, and a resort flight check-in service available in Cyprus during peak season.

Seat selection

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Interior of an empty airplane cabin with rows of seats and blue sky visible through the windows

Standard seat selection costs from around £8 per person per flight. Exit row seats with extra legroom run from £8 to £25, averaging around £16. If you don’t choose a seat, Jet2 allocates one free at online check-in, 28 days before departure, on a first-come basis.

Our Jet2 seat selection guide covers the best seats row by row, pricing by seat type, and whether it’s worth paying for your trip.

Cancellations and changes

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Jet2holidays aircraft climbing through clouds after take-off
Jet2.com flights are non-refundable if you cancel. Jet2holidays use a sliding scale that starts with deposit-only loss for cancellations more than 70 days out.

All Jet2.com scheduled flights are non-refundable if you cancel, regardless of how much notice you give. There’s no cooling-off period and no partial refund. The only exception is when Jet2 cancels and can’t offer a suitable alternative, in which case you’re entitled to a full refund to your original payment method.

If you want to change rather than cancel, both date changes and name changes cost £40 per person per one-way flight. Date changes also carry any fare difference if the new date is more expensive. Our full guide to the Jet2 cancellation policy covers every scenario, including what you’re entitled to when Jet2 initiates the cancellation.

Travel insurance

Airport departure board showing flights with travellers below

Jet2 offers its own travel insurance at the checkout stage, underwritten by a third-party insurer. You can add it during booking or later through Manage My Booking. Prices vary by destination, trip length, and party size.

Our guide covers whether Jet2 travel insurance is worth it and how its policy compares against the main standalone alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hold bag included with Jet2?

Not on Jet2.com flights. Hold luggage must be added separately and costs from around £8 online for popular short-haul routes. Jet2holidays packages include one 22kg bag per person as standard.

When does Jet2 check-in open?

Online check-in opens 28 days before departure and closes 6 hours before the flight. Airport desks open around two and a half hours before departure and close 40 minutes before.

How much does seat selection cost with Jet2?

Standard seats start from around £8 per person per flight. Exit row seats with extra legroom cost between £8 and £25, with most averaging around £16. If you don’t choose a seat, one is allocated free at check-in 28 days before departure.

Is Jet2 strict with hand luggage?

Yes. Jet2 uses gauge frames and scales at every gate. The cabin bag limit is 56x45x25cm and 10kg. Bags that don’t pass face a £60 gate fee. Enforcement has been consistent since 2024.

Can you get a refund if you cancel a Jet2 flight?

No. All Jet2.com scheduled flights are non-refundable if you cancel, regardless of notice given. The only exception is when Jet2 cancels and can’t offer a suitable alternative.

When does Jet2 release its summer flights?

Roughly 12 months ahead of departure. All 13 UK airports go live at the same time. Summer 2027 went on sale in October 2025.

Is Jet2 travel insurance worth buying?

It depends on your needs and what you can get elsewhere. Jet2’s policy is sold at checkout and underwritten by a third party. Comparing it against standalone policies, particularly for cancellation cover and pre-existing medical conditions, is worth doing before you commit. Book flights and manage your booking at jet2.com.

This guide is part of our airlines hub, where you’ll find every UK airline’s baggage rules, seat policies and sale dates in one place.

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