Whether you are planning a city break to Berlin, a cultural escape to Dubrovnik, or a long weekend in Mallorca, you will likely be taking hand luggage. However, with European airline restrictions becoming more stringent than ever, pre-planning is essential. It is a fine balance between maximising your carry-on space and avoiding a fee at the gate. While the best packing cubes can help, it mostly comes down to having the right size bag. Confusingly, every European airline has different rules, which are often subject to change. For example, Ryanair, a famously strict carrier, recently reduced its small personal bag size to just 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. British Airways, on the other hand, generously offers both a personal bag and a carry-on case in its tickets, as do KLM, Norwegian, Iberia, and Air France. Wizz Air only allows a small underseat bag, while EasyJet offers a slightly larger personal bag. You can upgrade your ticket to include a larger carry-on bag, but it is always cheaper to do this ahead of time rather than at the airport.
Airline Hand Luggage Size Guide
EasyJet
Free personal item: 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Standard cabin size: 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (upgraded).
Ryanair
Free personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. Standard cabin size: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (priority ticket).
Wizz Air
Free personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. Standard cabin size: 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (priority ticket).
Jet2
Free personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. Standard cabin size: 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (included).
TUI
Free personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. Standard cabin size: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
British Airways
Free personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. Standard cabin size: 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (included).
Air France
Free personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. Standard cabin size: 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (included).
Best Bags for Hand Luggage
Katie Loxton Milan Cabin Bag
Complies with: EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2, TUI, British Airways, Air France. Dimensions: 25 cm x 40 cm x 19 cm. The Katie Loxton Milan cabin bag comes in a wide range of colours, including taupe, cherry, black, deep rose, and mink. Inside, elasticated pockets help keep essentials like your passport, boarding pass, and headphones organised, while fold-down sides ensure it meets cabin baggage personal bag restrictions. Designed with a detachable shoulder strap and an innovative suitcase sleeve that slides easily over your luggage handle, travelling through the airport will be effortless. Buy now for £69.99 from Kateloxton.com.
Ecohub Cabin Bag (Amazon)
Complies with: EasyJet. Dimensions: 45 x 36 x 20 cm. EasyJet allows a slightly larger personal underseat bag than its competitors. This affordable bag from Ecohub meets the requirements, with its zipped design ensuring you do not get caught out at the gate for overpacking. Complete with both shoulder straps and a cross-body for easy carrying, the brand claims it is waterproof too. Buy now for £16 from Amazon.co.uk.
Narwey Bag (Amazon)
Complies with: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI. Dimensions: 40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm. This bag goes viral every summer, and it is not hard to see why. Affordably priced at less than £15, the luggage bag features a zip for keeping belongings securely stowed away and shoulder handles for carrying with ease. There is a side zip for your passport or headphones, and users have testified that it packs in far more than it looks. Buy now for £11.99 from Amazon.co.uk.
Aerolite Underseat Backpack (Amazon)
Complies with: British Airways, Air France. Dimensions: 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. British Airways and Air France's hand luggage restrictions allow for both a personal bag and a larger cabin size. This means the personal bag size is smaller than other budget airlines. Aerolite's rucksack fits the brief, boasting an 18-litre capacity and adjustable padded straps. Alongside the main interior, there is a zipped outer pocket for small items. Buy now for £19 from Amazon.co.uk.
Katie Loxton Oxford Cabin Suitcase
Complies with: EasyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2. Dimensions: 53 cm x 39 cm x 21 cm. Crafted from smooth pebble vegan leather, Katie Loxton's Oxford cabin suitcase features 360-degree wheels, a combination lock, and a 40-litre capacity. Every bit as practical as it is stylish, the retractable handle and top handle help you lift the luggage onto the security belt. Inside, compression straps keep your clothes and accessories organised. Available in light taupe, black, mink, navy, and cognac, every colourway is designed to be timeless and neutral. You can even opt for personalisation with embroidered or monogrammed initials. Buy now for £159 from Katieloxton.com.
M&S Mykonos Hard Shell Suitcase
Complies with: EasyJet. Dimensions: 55 cm x 35 cm x 21 cm. This M&S hard shell case will see you roll through the airport gate with ease if you have upgraded your ticket on EasyJet. Available in four sleek colours, the retailer is rivalling the likes of Antler and Away when it comes to stylish suitcases. Buy now for £60 from Marksandspencer.com.
Antler Cabin Suitcase
Complies with: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI. Dimensions: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Antler is the suitcase brand you likely see all over your social media feeds. Combining pure practicality with stylish colourways and chic matte finishes, its cases are durable and sturdy enough to make the price a little more palatable. Now is the time to snap up this generously sized carry-on case, as it is currently on sale. Buy now for £136 from Antler.co.uk.
Carl Friedrik The Carry-On
Complies with: British Airways, Air France. Dimensions: 56 cm x 37 cm x 23 cm. Carl Friedrik has been spotted in both Succession and The White Lotus, thanks to its premium-looking luggage that drips in quiet luxury. This silver case with a tan strap is my preferred hand luggage for British Airways flights. Instead of fiddly zips, the case boasts lock closures which help me close the case with ease, despite it being packed to the brim. Buy now for £445 from Carlfriedrik.com.
