Packing for a flight can be 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 2025 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 our fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you."
If you need additional baggage allowance, they also offer a deal for priority boarding and two cabin bags.
The rules say: "This allows you to carry a small personal bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you and a 10kg bag (55x40x20cm) onboard, to be stored in the overhead locker. It also allows you to board the plane first using the Priority Boarding queue at the gate."
EasyJet cabin baggage and hand luggage allowance
According to its website, EasyJet says all customers can bring on board:
One small cabin bag
- Maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm (including any handles and wheels)
- Includes items like a small trolley case, handbag, rucksack and laptop bag, but please check dimensions
- Needs to fit under the seat in front of you
- Maximum weight 15kg. You need to be able to lift and carry the bag yourself
You can also pay extra to add a large cabin bag (or it's included if you have easyJet Plus membership):
- Maximum size 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including any handles and wheels)
- Includes items like a trolley case and larger rucksack, but please check dimensions
- Needs to fit in an overhead locker
- Maximum weight 15kg. You need to be able to lift and carry the bag yourself
- Includes Speedy Boarding (be one of the first to board)
It's worth noting - the maximum number of cabin bags available per person is two; one small cabin bag for all customers and one large cabin bag for customers if it’s included with their fare or membership benefits or a paid one - you can't have both.
Jet2 cabin baggage and hand luggage allowance
The rules for Jet2 state: "You can bring one piece of hand luggage onboard free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any wheels and handles."
If your hand luggage weighs more or is larger than this, it will need to be checked into the aircraft hold, and you may have to pay an additional charge.
"You can also bring one small under-seat bag onboard (such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase), as long as it doesn't exceed 40cm x 30cm x 15cm in size. This must be placed underneath the seat in front of you."
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British Airways
Here’s what you’re allowed to bring on board when flying with BA:
- 1 cabin bag, max. 23kg (51lbs), up to 56×45×25cm (22 x 18 x 10in)
- 1 handbag or laptop bag, max. 23kg (51lbs), up to 40×30×15cm (16 x 12 x 6in)
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 bag, which should be placed under the seat., maximum size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm, 10kg.
The rules state the free carry-on can be one of the following:
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Briefcase
- Small backpack
But it must be a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20 cm, 10kg
There is an option to add a larger carry-on bag (such as a trolley bag or any other bag within size limitations), along with priority check-in and boarding.
- Maximum dimensions of the trolley bag: 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
- Maximum weight of the trolley bag: 10 kg.
- The trolley bag must fit in the overhead compartment above you.
- Size allowance does not include bag handles/wheels; however, wheels must add no more than 5 cm to the size of the bag.
Exceeding these dimensions will result in additional fees being charged.
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