Holiday packing is a stressful business - as airlines all have different rules and regulations when it comes to hand luggage allowances and cabin bag sizes.
But, with a bit of research, you can pack to avoid costly fees at the airport.
Allowances change fairly frequently, but here's the current 2026 cabin bag and under-seat bag allowances across major airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2 and Ryanair.
Ryanair’s cabin baggage and hand luggage allowance
Ryanair's website says all fares include one small personal bag, such as a handbag or laptop bag, measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm and stored under the seat.
Passengers can add:
- Priority & 2 cabin bags: a second 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm), stored in the overhead locker, plus Priority Boarding.
- 10kg checked bag: checked into the aircraft hold.
- 20kg checked bag: up to three can be added per booking.
- 23kg checked bag: one can be added per booking.
- Infant baggage: babies aged eight days to 23 months have no cabin baggage allowance, but can bring a 5kg baby bag (45 x 35 x 20cm) when travelling on an adult's lap. Each infant can also have two items of baby equipment free of charge.
EasyJet cabin baggage and hand luggage allowance
According to its website , EasyJet says everyone can bring one small cabin bag on board for free. It must measure no more than 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels, and fit under the seat in front. It can weigh up to 15kg, but you must be able to lift it yourself.
You can also add a large cabin bag, measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, which comes with Speedy Boarding.
easyJet Plus members and customers with an Inclusive Plus fare can bring a large cabin bag as part of their benefits.
Each passenger can bring a maximum of two cabin bags: one small bag and one large bag where included or purchased.
Booking bags online is cheaper than paying at the airport and reduces the risk of cabin bags being placed in the hold.
Jet2 cabin baggage and hand luggage allowance
The rules for Jet2 say passengers can bring one piece of hand luggage free of charge, weighing up to 10kg and measuring no more than 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles.
You can also take a small under-seat bag, such as a handbag or laptop bag, up to 40 x 30 x 20cm.
Jet2 may place hand luggage in the hold for operational or capacity reasons. Passengers should remove valuables, medication, travel documents and lithium-battery items before handing over a bag.
Guaranteed Cabin Luggage can be pre-booked for an additional fee, subject to availability.
For airport security, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less and carried in a clear, resealable 1-litre bag.
For infants, hand baggage forms part of the accompanying adult’s allowance.
Recommended reading:
- M&S brings back iconic St Michael label in major fashion collaboration
- Urgent food warning as Tesco, Waitrose and Home Bargains recall products
- Burnham issues warning to Government as farmers face food crop crisis
British Airways
With a British Airways Economy Basic fare, passengers can bring one small handbag and one cabin bag, but there is no checked baggage allowance.
- Hand bag: One bag up to 40 x 30 x 15cm, which must fit under the seat. It can contain essentials such as medication, passports and electronic devices and is guaranteed to travel in the cabin.
- Cabin bag: One bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles. You must be able to lift it into the overhead locker yourself. It may be placed in the hold, so valuables, electronics and essential medication should not be packed inside.
Passengers with accessibility needs who cannot lift their own baggage can bring a cabin bag that an able-bodied adult could reasonably lift.
Wheelchairs, mobility aids and related equipment for personal use can also be carried free of charge, subject to size limits.
Wizz Air cabin baggage and hand luggage allowance
Wizz Air allows two types of bags to be brought onboard, according to its website rules:
- Free carry-on bag
- Trolley bag (for WIZZ Priority holders)
Additionally, the following items can be taken onboard at no extra cost:
- A coat or blanket
- Mobile phone
- Reading material for the flight
- Duty-free items purchased in the airside departure lounge after passing through the security check
- For infants (0-2 years): food for the flight's duration and a foldable baby stroller or a small crib (can be taken until the aircraft door or steps)
- A pair of crutches for physically disabled passengers
It allows everyone one small carry-on bagAll passengers can bring one free carry-on bag on board. It cannot be checked into the hold free of charge.
The bag can be a laptop bag, purse, briefcase or small backpack, provided it:
- Measures no more than 40 x 30 x 20cm
- Weighs up to 10kg
- Fits under the seat in front of you
- Has wheels that add no more than 5cm to the stated dimensions
Handles and wheels are otherwise excluded from the size allowance.
Passengers who have WIZZ Priority can also bring a trolley bag on board, in addition to the free carry-on.
Other free items include a coat or blanket, mobile phone, reading material and duty-free purchases made after security. Infants can also have food for the flight and a foldable pushchair or small crib, while disabled passengers can bring a pair of crutches.
A neck pillow must fit inside your cabin bag and is not treated as a separate free item. Bags exceeding the allowance may incur additional fees.
Exceeding these dimensions will result in additional fees being charged.
Share