European airlines are tightening hand luggage rules for 2026, with Ryanair reducing its free personal bag size to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. To avoid fines at the gate, travellers must choose the right bag for each carrier. EasyJet allows a slightly larger free bag at 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, while Wizz Air only permits a small underseat bag. British Airways, Air France, KLM, Norwegian, and Iberia include both a personal bag and a cabin case in standard tickets.
Why airlines enforce strict cabin bag policies
Antonio Shabbir from EasyJet’s customer service team explains: “Having a clear policy for cabin bags makes the boarding process faster and more efficient for customers by reducing potential delays and inconvenience for passengers caused by needing to offload extra bags and stowing them in the hold, if there isn’t room for them onboard.” He adds that space and weight limits align with safety and industry standards.
European airline hand luggage size comparison
- EasyJet: Free personal item 45 x 36 x 20 cm; standard cabin size 56 x 45 x 25 cm (upgraded ticket)
- Ryanair: Free personal item 40 x 30 x 20 cm; standard cabin size 55 x 40 x 20 cm (priority ticket)
- Wizz Air: Free personal item 40 x 30 x 20 cm; standard cabin size 55 x 40 x 23 cm (priority ticket)
- Jet2: Free personal item 40 x 30 x 20 cm; standard cabin size 56 x 45 x 25 cm (included)
- TUI: Free personal item 40 x 30 x 20 cm; standard cabin size 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- British Airways: Free personal item 40 x 30 x 15 cm; standard cabin size 56 x 45 x 25 cm (included)
- Air France: Free personal item 40 x 30 x 15 cm; standard cabin size 55 x 40 x 23 cm (included)
Best bags for each airline
Katie Loxton Milan Cabin Bag
Complies with: EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2, TUI, British Airways, Air France. Dimensions: 25 x 40 x 19 cm. Available in taupe, cherry, black, deep rose, and mink. Features elasticated pockets, fold-down sides, detachable shoulder strap, and suitcase sleeve. Price: £69.99.
Ecohub Cabin Bag (Amazon)
Complies with: EasyJet. Dimensions: 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Zipped design, shoulder straps and cross-body carry, waterproof. Price: £18.99.
Narwey Bag (Amazon)
Complies with: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI. Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Zip closure, shoulder handles, side zip for passport/headphones. Price: £9.99.
Bagzy Underseat Cabin Bag (Amazon)
Complies with: British Airways, Air France. Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm. 18L capacity, adjustable padded straps, zipped outer pocket. Price: £19.99.
Dunelm Cabin Suitcase
Complies with: EasyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2. Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Spinner wheels, retractable handle, compression straps. Price: £159.
M&S Mykonos Hard Shell Suitcase
Complies with: EasyJet (upgraded). Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 21 cm. Four colours. Price: £60.
Antler Cabin Suitcase
Complies with: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI. Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Durable, stylish, on sale. Price: £136.
Carl Friedrik The Carry-On
Complies with: British Airways, Air France. Dimensions: 56 x 37 x 23 cm. Lock closures, premium design. Price: £445.
Always check airline websites for the latest rules before travelling.
