Planning a trip and trying to work out what you can actually bring on the plane without paying extra? You're not alone. Cabin bag rules are one of the most searched travel topics, and for good reason: get them wrong and you're either paying to gate-check your bag or repacking on the terminal floor. Not a great start to any holiday.
Here's everything you need to know about Ryanair and easyJet cabin bag allowances in 2026, so you can pack smart, travel light and keep your money for the holiday itself.
Allowances checked October 2026. Airlines change their rules and terms vary by fare, so confirm with your airline before you fly.
Ryanair cabin bag rules 2026
Ryanair uses a two-tier cabin bag system that depends on your fare.
Free small bag (all passengers)
Every Ryanair passenger, whatever their ticket, can bring one small personal bag that fits under the seat in front. The maximum size is 40 x 30 x 20 cm, up from 40 x 25 x 20 cm before Ryanair enlarged the free bag in July 2025. Think small backpack, handbag or compact underseat case.
Shop bags built to this size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm underseat luggage.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags
Buy Priority & 2 Cabin Bags (or a fare that includes it) and you can also bring a larger bag of up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg for the overhead locker. Without it, a bag that size goes in the hold, and that costs extra.
Shop cases built to this size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin suitcases.
Pro tip: travelling as a group? Not everyone needs Priority. One 10 kg bag for shared items, with everyone else using the free under-seat bag, can work out cheaper.
easyJet cabin bag rules 2026
easyJet's system is a little different, and more generous on the free bag.
Free under-seat bag (all passengers)
Every easyJet passenger can bring one under-seat bag of up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels, weighing up to 15 kg. That's noticeably bigger than Ryanair's free bag.
Shop bags built to this size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm cabin bags.
Large cabin bag
A large cabin bag of up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 15 kg goes in the overhead locker. It's included with Inclusive Plus fares and free for easyJet Plus members who add it to their booking. Anyone else can add one, and it's cheaper online before you travel than the £60 charge at the departure gate.
Pro tip: if you fly easyJet often, a case built to the full 56 x 45 x 25 cm also fits the British Airways and Jet2 cabin allowances. Shop 56 x 45 x 25 cm cabin luggage.
Ryanair vs easyJet at a glance
| Ryanair | easyJet | |
|---|---|---|
| Free under-seat bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 45 x 36 x 20 cm |
| Weight limit on free bag | Not stated | 15 kg |
| Overhead cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (Priority & 2 Cabin Bags) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (Inclusive Plus, easyJet Plus or paid add-on) |
| Overhead bag weight | 10 kg | 15 kg |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overpacking your under-seat bag. A bag that meets the dimensions but is stuffed so full it won't slide under the seat can still be refused. Pack it so it stays flexible.
- Forgetting that wheels and handles count. Airline limits include wheels, handles and external pockets. A case that measures 40 cm to the top of the shell might be 43 cm with the handle, so always check the full external size.
- Assuming the rules haven't changed. Ryanair enlarged its free bag in 2025, and fares and bundles change often. Check your airline's website before you fly.
- Buying a bag that's close enough. Gate staff have sizers and use them. A bag 1 cm over the limit is still over the limit, so buy one designed to the exact dimensions.
What about other airlines?
Ryanair and easyJet dominate UK short-haul, but other popular airlines set their own limits:
- Jet2: one cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 10 kg, included for every passenger, plus a small under-seat bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
- British Airways: one cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm plus a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
- Wizz Air: a free under-seat bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm; WIZZ Priority adds a 55 x 40 x 23 cm trolley bag up to 10 kg.
- TUI: one cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg, plus a small personal item up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
The good news? A 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin suitcase fits the overhead cabin bag allowance on all six of these airlines, so it's the safest single size to own if you fly with several of them.
Choosing the right cabin bag
- Exact dimensions: look for bags designed to specific airline limits, not just approximately the right size.
- Lightweight shell: every gram of bag is a gram you can't pack. Look for cabin cases under 3 kg.
- Four spinner wheels: far easier to steer through airports than two wheels, especially on smooth terminal floors.
- Built-in lock: a combination lock keeps your belongings secure without a key to lose.
- Organised interior: a divider and zipped pockets make packing, and security checks, faster.
Ready to travel smarter?
Whether you're a Ryanair regular or an easyJet enthusiast, the right cabin bag makes every trip smoother: no gate fees, no last-minute repacking, just a case that fits.
For airline-by-airline detail, see our Ryanair size guide and easyJet size guide, or browse cabin luggage for Ryanair and easyJet.
