Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways and TUI each have their own cabin bag policies for the October half term. While the EU is introducing changes to hand luggage rules, these will not come into force until late 2027, so current policies remain in place for the upcoming break.
Every airline allows at least one personal item free of charge into the cabin, usually a handbag or laptop bag, as long as it fits under the seat in front. For a second cabin bag, allowances and size limits vary by carrier.
Ryanair and Jet2 allowances
Every Ryanair fare includes a small personal bag that must fit under the seat, measuring 40x20x25cm. Additional bags, such as priority bookings or a 10kg check-in bag option, cost extra.
Jet2 passengers can bring one piece of hand luggage free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and does not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels and handles. A smaller personal item is also allowed if it fits comfortably under the seat.
EasyJet and British Airways rules
EasyJet allows one small cabin bag per person free of charge, with a maximum size of 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, including handles or wheels, fitting under the seat. A second bag can be brought for an extra fee with Speedy Boarding, subject to a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
For hand luggage only fares with British Airways, passengers can bring one personal bag measuring up to 40x30x15cm, plus an additional cabin bag weighing no more than 23kg and measuring no more than 56x45x25cm. Extra bags must be checked in and count towards the checked luggage allowance.
TUI and Wizz Air policies
TUI's allowance depends on the type of booking. For package holidays on TUI Airways, each person can take one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm, plus one small personal item stored under the seat. For flights only bookings, the rules are similar: one piece of hand luggage up to 10kg free, with a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, and one small personal item.
Wizz Air allows one bag no larger than 40x30x20cm, weighing no more than 10kg, that must fit under the seat. A second cabin bag for the overhead locker requires WIZZ Priority.
EU changes for 2027
From October 23, 2027, passengers in the EU will be able to bring two free bags as part of their hand luggage. The European Parliament is updating air passenger rights, stating that passengers can bring one personal item and one item of hand luggage free of charge. Airlines wishing to charge extra for further bags or larger allowances will need to advertise this as part of the booking price, rather than as an 'extra' later in the process.
The personal item is in addition to one small bag that must fit under the seat or be no bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. Because the rule is set by the European Commission, it only applies to EU airlines and airlines flying from EU airports. UK airlines and airports will not be subject to the new policy, so the departure airport will be important for British travellers when checking baggage charges.
