Every major UK airline has strict size rules for hand luggage and passengers who exceed them can receive hefty fines
Airlines are ready and waiting to pounce on travellers carrying overweight and oversized luggage, at least that’s how it feels. Fines can range anywhere from £20 to £70 or more at the gate, even if you’re only marginally over the size restrictions.
To avoid having your hand luggage moved to the hold and paying hefty fines for the privilege, it’s important to keep up to date on the exact size requirements for each carrier. Here, we break down the hand luggage restrictions for the UK’s most popular airlines.
Ryanair
Every Ryanair passenger is entitled to carry one small personal bag free of charge. Any item exceeding the limits outlined below will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold.
READ MORE: Every surprising item banned from your hand luggage from yoghurt to razors
Ryanair small bag
- Maximum size: 40 x 20 x 25cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
- Free with any fare
- Examples: handbag, laptop bag or backpack
Ryanair cabin bag
- Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 20cm (must fit in overhead storage)
- Maximum weight: 10kg
- Available for purchase
- Examples: trolley case, sports and music equipment
- Benefit of Priority Boarding
Wizz Air
Wizz Air passengers are entitled to bring one carry-on bag free of charge and can purchase an additional cabin bag (this is free for WIZZ Priority holders)
Small carry-on bag
- Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (must fit under seat)
- Maximum weight: 10kg
- Examples: laptop, documents, a limited amount of clothes.
Cabin bag
- Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (must fit in overhead storage)
- Maximum weight: 10 kg.
Exceeding these dimensions will result in additional fees being charged.
easyJet
Every easyJet passenger is entitled to carry a maximum of two cabin bags: one small cabin bag (free of charge) and one large cabin bag (if included in membership and fare benefits or added during booking).
easyJet small cabin bags
- Maximum size: 45 x 36 x 20cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
- Maximum weight: 15kg
- Free with any fare
- Examples: small trolley, handbag, backpack, laptop bag
easyJet large cabin bags
- Maximum size: 56 x 45 x 25cm (including handles and wheels)
- Maximum weight: 15kg
- Free for easyJet Plus members or FLEXI ticket holder, or available for purchase
- Examples: trolley case, large rucksack
- Benefit of Speedy Boarding
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold. In addition to your cabin bags, you can bring a selection of handheld belongings, including: umbrellas, coasts, crutches, walking sticks and one standard bag of airport goods.
Jet2
Every Jet2 passenger is entitled to carry one small personal bag and one piece of hand luggage free of charge.
Jet2 personal bag
- Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 15cm (must fit under the seat in front of you)
- Maximum weight: 10kg
- Free with any fare
- Examples: handbag, laptop bag, airport purchase
Jet2 hand luggage
- Maximum size: 56 x 45 x 25cm (including handles and wheels)
- Maximum weight: 10kg
- Free with any fare
Any item exceeding these limits will result in additional fees to place your bag in the hold. Subject to availability, you can also pre-book Guaranteed Cabin Luggage for an extra charge to ensure your hand baggage will not be placed in the hold (unless it exceeds the weight and size limits).