Baggage sizes are subject to change, and while this article is updated regularly, it may not always be accurate for your particular flight. If in doubt be sure to double check with your airline.
| Airline | Max hand luggage size | Additional allowance | Max weight | Gate fee (if oversize) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm* | 10kg | £69.99 |
| Easyjet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 56 x 45 x 25 cm* | 15kg | £50 |
| Flybe | 55 x 35 x 20 cm | Small handbag | 10kg | £50 |
| Jet2 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | Small handbag | 10kg | £45 |
| TUI | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Small handbag | 10kg | – |
| WizzAir | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 23 cm* | 10kg | – |
| British Airways | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 40 x 30 x 15cm | 23kg | – |
If the law allowed it, would only be a matter of time before budget airlines began to charge for breathing. Right now they can’t, but what they can do is charge you for checked in luggage, hit you with excess baggage penalties and offer minuscule cabin baggage allowances.
Since most of us flying with budget airlines are looking for the cheapest possible fare we should also look to shun costly checked in baggage in favour of a single cabin bag. Not only is this cheaper, it’s also quicker and far less hassle.
With that in mind we’ve compiled a cabin baggage allowance chart for the some of the most popular budget airlines, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Flybe. For comparison we’ve also listed British Airways current cabin baggage limits.
According to a survey on Skyscanner, 82% of UK air passengers want all airlines to have the same cabin bag allowance. Be careful what you wish for, there are some super stingy allowances out there. Yes, we’re looking at you Wizz Air.
Easyjet baggage size
Everyone can take one small cabin bag per person on board (maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm). This size includes handles and wheels, and the bag must fit under the chair in front of you. There is no weight limit.
From the 10th Febraury 2021 those who booked Up front or Extra legroom seat are allowed to bring a second larger cabin bag aboard. This must be a maximum of 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including any handles or wheels), and must fit into the overhead lockers.
Further details are available on the EasyJet website
Ryanair baggage size
All passengers can carry one small personal bag with them in the cabin. The maximum size of this is 40 x 25 x 20 cm. Additional bag options must be purchased either through a Priority boarding ticket, or buying the ‘2 cabin bags’ addon. The second cabin bag or suitcase can be 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a maximum weight of 10kg.
Although the 40 x 20 x 25cm is the maximum size for a free cabin bag with Ryanair, typically you can take a slightly larger bag as long as it can compress to fit in under the seat in front of you.
I often fly with a backpack that measures 45cm x 38cm x 22cm, but it’s never full and can be compressed or squeezed to fit under the seat, or in the box Ryanair staff use to test luggage sizes form time to time. In around 10 flights I’ve not run into a problem.
> Ryanair baggage policy explained
Want to know how to get the best seat on Ryanair flights without paying extra? See our guide. You can also check out Defylife’s Travel blog for more Ryanair flight hacks
Wizz Air baggage price
Wizz Air has some of the most complicated baggage pricing around, as its prices change according to the season.
Hand luggage less than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm and weighing less than 10kg can be taken onboard for free. Think a large handbag or small backpack.
Cabin luggage less than 55cm x 40cm x 23cm and weighing less than 10kg, can cost between £5 and £35 depending on the flight and time of year. Priority customers however get this for free, as do Wizz Go customers and those with Wizz Air’s superior tickets.
Checked baggage again depends on season, flight and weight. In the low season it can cost as little as £10 for 10kg bag and up to £75 for a 32kg bag. In peak season this can range from £15-£100.
What else can I take on-board?
We’ve had a lot of questions about taking additional items on board. Here’s what you’re allowed to carry onto the aircraft in addition to your cabin baggage allowance.
- Overcoat
- Shawl
- Umbrella
- One bag of duty free good purchased after airport security
Get the right bag
Our favourite is the Cabin Max range of bags. The Cabin Max Metz Travel Backpack at 55 x 40 x 20 cm it’s suitable for many of the airlines above. What’s more, it only weighs 700 grams so won’t eat into your weight allowance. In our opinion it’s the best easyJet cabin bag (for priority customers), and one of the lightest cabin luggage ranges around. If you prefer a trolley style bag, then the Anode Cabin Suitcase gets our vote, at less than £55, with 35l capacity, lockable zips, and four trolley wheels rather than two.
At this size it’s not absolutely guaranteed to be accepted into the cabin on busy EasyJet flights (can be checked into the hold), but unless it’s filled to the brim there shouldn’t be any problems.
The best hand luggage that’s suitable as a carry-on without any additional fees is the Cabin Max Manhattan Rucksack at less than £40. This comes in two sizes, 40 cm x 20cm x 25 cm for RyanAir, and 40 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm for easyJet. If you regularly fly with both airlines, then be sure to get the smaller bag.
These days the bag I use most is an Adidas Excel backpack. This is slightly larger than Ryanair’s allowance but can be compressed to fit under the seat in front of you. In 10 flights, I haven’t had an issue. The reason I use this bag is that It means I can use one bag for everything. From flying, to hiking, to walking around town. The Adidas Excel is currently available on Amazon in a range of colours.
Making the Most of Your Cabin Allowance: Advanced Packing Hacks
Beyond choosing the right bag, savvy packing techniques can make a significant difference. Consider these advanced hacks
Layer Up to Lighten Your Load
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Instead of packing them, wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane. It might get a bit warm, but jackets can double as a makeshift pillow during the flight.
Multi-purpose Clothing: Opt for garments that can serve multiple purposes. Convertible clothing (e.g., pants that zip off into shorts, scarves that can be fashioned into a beach wrap) can save space and offer versatility.
Packing Techniques for the Pro Traveler
The Bundle Method: This technique involves wrapping clothes around a central core object, reducing wrinkles and saving space. Start with larger items and wrap them around smaller, softer items placed in the center.
Compression Sacks: Ideal for bulkier items like winter clothing, compression sacks can drastically reduce the volume of your packed items by removing air.
Organize Like a Genius
Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organize your items by category (clothes, electronics, toiletries). This not only saves space but also makes unpacking and repacking simpler.
Digital Devices: Optimise your digital devices by loading them with eBooks, travel documents, and entertainment, reducing the need for physical books and paperwork.
Clever Item Choices and Substitutions
Microfiber Towels: These are lightweight, compact, and dry quickly, making them perfect for saving space over traditional towels.
Solid Toiletries: Swap out liquids for solids (soap, shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets) to save space and avoid liquid restrictions at security.
Maximising Your Personal Items
Strategic Personal Item Selection: Choose a personal item that complements your cabin bag, like a laptop backpack or a large purse, ensuring all spaces are utilised. Some bags are designed to attach to your main luggage for easier handling.
Essential Packing Within Reach: Pack essentials (documents, medication, valuables) in your personal item for easy access during the flight.
Last-Minute Space Savers
Wear Extra Layers: If you’re close to the weight limit, consider wearing extra layers of clothing through airport security, then removing them once you’ve boarded. Though it’s often cold on flights anyway.
Gate-check Willingness: Be open to gate-checking your bag if needed. Sometimes, airlines offer this for free on full flights, which can save you the hassle of fitting your bag into overhead bins.
Embrace Minimalist Travel
Evaluate Every Item: Before packing, ask yourself if each item is essential. Adopting a minimalist mindset can help you reduce unnecessary bulk and weight.
Travel-Sized Electronics: Consider investing in travel-sized versions of your electronic devices. Mini tablets, compact cameras, and foldable keyboards can perform many of the functions of their larger counterparts without taking up as much space.
Don’t forget your travel money
If you’re going abroad either to eurozone countries or anywhere else in the world, make sure you have the best plastic for the job. Using specialist travel debit and credit cards can save you a fortune over the one issued by your high street bank.
See our guide to the best credit and debit cards for spending abroad.
If however you prefer to use the money in your regular highstreet bank account for travel or don’t want to open another bank account, then consider Currensea.
Currensea is a card that acts as a layer between your foreign spending and your regular bank account. You spend in euros, dollar (or any other currency for that matter), and Currensea charges your bank account in pounds, saving you from conversion fees, and loading. See our Currensea review for more.
Please note: Facts correct at time of publication
One comment on “Budget airline cabin baggage allowances”
I have booked a return flight through Skyscanner and then Kiwi.com which involves 1 stop and therefore two different airlines. Kiwi. com have quoted a 7kg cabin baggage allowance on the ticket even though for both airlines it is 10kg. Who has precedence – the airlines’ policy or Kiwi.com ?