If you have booked a budget flight from the UK recently, knowing the latest cabin bag rules is essential to avoid expensive airport baggage fees. Airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair have made their cabin bag policies stricter than ever. Consequently, getting caught with an oversized bag at the boarding gate can cost you up to £48 on the spot.
To help you travel stress-free, here is our complete guide to free cabin bag allowances, dimensions, and packing hacks for 2026.
Free Cabin Bag Allowances: EasyJet vs Ryanair (2026)
Every passenger is allowed one small personal bag for free, provided it fits entirely under the seat in front of you.
For instance, here is how the two main budget airlines compare:
| Airline | Free Bag Dimensions | Max Weight | Extra Overhead Bag Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| EasyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles/wheels) | Max 15 kg | From £5.99 – £35 (when booked early) |
| Ryanair | 40 x 20 x 25 cm (must fit under seat) | No official limit (must be liftable) | From £6.00 – £36 (Priority booking) |
In addition, EasyJet gives you slightly more volume (about 32 litres) compared to Ryanair’s smaller allowance (around 20 litres). However, both airlines are very strict about ensuring bags slide easily into their metal sizer frames.
What Happens If Your Bag Exceeds the Limit?
Airport gate staff regularly ask passengers with bulky backpacks or hard cases to place their luggage into the sizer box.
- EasyJet Penalty: If your bag exceeds 45 x 36 x 20 cm, you will be charged an airport gate fee of up to £48. Furthermore, your bag will be placed into the aircraft hold.
- Ryanair Penalty: If your personal item does not fit the 40 x 20 x 25 cm sizer, you will be charged between £46 and £70 at the departure gate.
5 Clever Packing Hacks to Beat the Sizer Box
If you want to travel for 3 to 5 days without paying for extra luggage, you can use these proven UK traveller tricks:
1. Ditch Hard Suitcases for Soft Backpacks
Hard-shell suitcases have rigid wheels and stiff corners that easily get stuck in the sizer. In contrast, a soft-sided travel backpack can easily be squished down to pass inspection.
2. Use Compression Packing Cubes
Compression cubes squeeze excess air out of your clothes. As a result, they can reduce clothing volume by nearly 40%. Therefore, rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves maximum space.
3. Wear Your Bulkiest Layers on the Flight
You should wear your heaviest coat, chunky knit jumper, and heaviest boots during boarding. After you take your seat, you can simply take them off.
4. Utilize the Duty-Free Shopping Bag Rule
Under UK airport guidelines, a standard shopping bag from airport duty-free shops is usually permitted on board in addition to your personal item. Therefore, purchasing a small bottle of water or magazine allows you to carry that shopping bag without penalties.
5. Check Dedicated Travel Essentials
For more detailed luggage recommendations, you can also explore our comprehensive UK cabin bag guide and size tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take a handbag AND a small backpack on EasyJet or Ryanair for free?
No. Your free ticket permits only one single personal item. Therefore, if you carry a separate handbag or laptop sleeve, it must fit completely inside your main backpack before you reach the boarding gate.
Are backpack straps and wheels included in the dimensions?
Yes. Both airlines measure the full exterior dimensions, including wheels, side pockets, and carry handles.
Does Ryanair weigh your under-seat cabin bag?
Ryanair staff rarely weigh personal under-seat bags at the gate. However, their primary focus is ensuring the bag fits inside the metal dimension sizer box without force.
