How to Maximize the Ryanair and EasyJet Under-Seat Cabin Bag Allowances

Checked on 15 October 2026. Airlines change bag rules and fees often, and fees vary by route and date. Always check your booking and the airline's own bag policy before you fly. Sumcraft has no commercial relationship with either airline.

The free allowances side by side

The difference matters. An easyJet-sized bag is about 35% larger by volume than Ryanair's (32.4 litres against 24 litres, as a rough box measurement). A bag that sails through on easyJet can be too big for Ryanair's sizer.

What it costs to get it wrong

Both airlines check bags at the gate, and both charge far more there than online.

The lesson is simple: if there is any chance you need more than the free bag, add the upgrade when you book, or before check-in closes.

Choosing the right bag

Most bags marketed as 'Ryanair-approved' or 'under-seat' are built to one of the two sizes above. Check the label carefully.

• If you fly both airlines, buy to Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm. It fits easyJet's allowance too.
• Measure with everything attached. easyJet's limit includes handles and wheels. Ryanair's sizer does not care what is sticking out, either.
• Prefer soft-sided bags. A soft backpack can be squeezed into a sizer; a rigid case cannot.
• Avoid wheels for the free bag. Wheels and a handle can take up a sixth of the volume.
• Look for a flat back panel and a clamshell opening. These make packing cubes easier to use and the bag easier to repack at security.

Packing tactics that work

Wear your bulk

Your heaviest shoes, jacket and jumper should be on you, not in the bag. A coat with large pockets can hold a phone charger, a book and a wash bag without counting towards the allowance. Remember they still need to go through the security scanner.

Use compression, not just folding

Packing cubes help organise a small bag, and compression cubes squeeze out air. Rolling soft items, such as T-shirts and underwear, wastes less space than folding. Stuff socks inside shoes.

Plan a capsule wardrobe

For a three-day trip, two pairs of trousers or a pair of trousers and a skirt, three tops and one layer that go together will cover most plans. Pick one colour family so that everything matches.

Decant liquids and choose solids

Solid shampoo, conditioner and deodorant bars avoid the liquids limit altogether. For liquids you need, use travel bottles of 100 ml or less.

Use duty-free and destination shops

Sun cream, toiletries and snacks are often cheaper at your destination than in airport shops. Do not pack what you can easily buy.

The liquids rule: still 100 ml at many UK airports

Many UK airports have installed next-generation security scanners, but the rules have not changed everywhere. GOV.UK's hand luggage restrictions page (updated 1 October 2026) says most airports still apply the 100 ml limit, while some allow containers up to 2 litres. Which? reported in January 2026 that Manchester and Luton were among those still applying 100 ml.

Pack to 100 ml in a single clear bag unless you have checked your departure airport's own security page. The return airport may apply different rules.

When paying for a bigger bag is worth it

The free bag suits a weekend city break in mild weather. Paying for a larger cabin bag or a hold bag often makes sense if:

• you are travelling for more than four nights;
• you need bulky items, such as walking boots or winter coats;
• you are bringing back gifts or shopping;
• you want to board earlier and keep your bag near you (Ryanair Priority includes priority boarding).

Compare the price of the upgrade on your specific flight with the cost of buying things at your destination. For our pick of short city breaks from London, the free bag is usually enough.

easyJet seats and bundles: read the small print

A common mistake is assuming that paying for a better seat includes a bigger bag. On easyJet, Up Front and Extra Legroom seats bought on their own do not include a large cabin bag. You need to buy the large cabin bag, have easyJet Plus membership or book an Inclusive Plus fare, as easyJet's cabin bag guidance explains.

On Ryanair, the 10 kg cabin bag comes only with the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on or a fare bundle that includes it. A separate 10 kg check-in bag is a different product and goes in the hold.

The new EU personal item rule

The EU has adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, which, according to trade press reports, sets a free personal item of at least 40 x 30 x 15 cm on flights covered by the rules. Those reports say it enters into force on 22 October 2026 and applies from 23 October 2027.

We have not been able to confirm how, or whether, the regulation applies to flights departing from the UK, which is no longer in the EU. Until airlines publish updated policies, plan around their current rules. We will update this guide when the position is clear.

A quick checklist before you fly

• Measure the bag, including wheels, handles and anything in outside pockets.
• Check the airline's bag policy against your booking confirmation.
• Buy any upgrade online, not at the gate.
• Put liquids of 100 ml or less in one clear bag unless your airport says otherwise.
• Wear your bulkiest items.
• Leave space for anything you plan to bring home.