For anyone planning to fly with easyJet in 2025 or 2026, understanding the small cabin bag policy is essential. The airline’s free under-seat allowance has specific dimensions that must be followed to avoid last-minute fees. This guide covers the exact measurements, weight rules, enforcement practices, and how the policy compares with other low-cost carriers.
easyJet’s free cabin allowance is one small bag per passenger. According to the official cabin bag page, the maximum permitted size is 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including any handles and wheels. The bag must fit under the seat in front of you, and you must be able to lift and carry it yourself. The same dimensions apply across all easyJet flights, with no variation by route or fare type.
The policy has remained stable for several years. Travel guidance from sources such as Which? and independent baggage summaries confirm that the 45 x 36 x 20 cm specification is consistently enforced. No major changes have been announced for the 2025–2026 period, though passengers should always check the official website before departure.
What are the exact dimensions of the easyJet small cabin bag?
45 x 36 x 20 cm including handles and wheels – must fit under seat
56 x 45 x 25 cm – overhead locker – fee varies
No official weight limit – but must be able to lift into locker
Only one small bag per passenger; no separate personal item allowed
- One small cabin bag per passenger is included free of charge (45x36x20 cm).
- Dimensions include all handles and wheels – commonly overlooked.
- There is no official weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin if it is a large cabin bag.
- Large cabin bags (56x45x25 cm) incur a fee that varies by route, demand, and booking time.
- easyJet staff may enforce size checks at the gate using sizers; if your bag does not fit, you may be charged.
- The small bag is designed to fit under the seat in front of you.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Small Cabin Bag Dimensions | 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm (17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches) |
| Allowed Items | One small bag (no separate personal item) |
| Weight | None officially stated, but must be manageable |
| Cost | Free |
| Large Cabin Bag Dimensions | 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches) |
| Large Cabin Bag Cost | Varies by route/demand/booking |
| Checked Bag | Checked baggage: 15 kg hold bag size up to 275 cm total linear |
The official measurements include handles and wheels, a detail that trips up many travellers. If your bag has protruding handles or wheels that extend beyond those limits at the gate sizer, it will be considered oversized. In practical terms, the total dimensions of a standard small rolling suitcase cannot exceed 45 x 36 x 20 cm when measured with wheels and handle extended.
Is there a weight limit for easyJet cabin bags?
How heavy can my easyJet cabin bag be?
easyJet’s official policy says the bag can weigh up to 15 kg, but it must be something you can lift and carry yourself. This is stated on the official easyJet cabin bag page and in the cabin bag FAQs. The weight limit for the small cabin bag is not strictly enforced as a hard cap, but passengers must still be able to manage their bag without assistance.
Weight checks may happen if a bag appears excessive, but the more visible issue is usually whether it fits the sizing frame or under the seat. Travel guides from Vagari Bags and The Travel Hack note that underseat bags are not always weighed, but they can be subject to checks if they look overly heavy or bulky.
Is there a weight limit for large cabin bags?
The size limit is the main enforcement point for easyJet. Weight checks occur less consistently, according to independent summaries. However, if a bag appears to be excessively heavy, staff may ask the passenger to lift it into the overhead locker as a test. This is not a formal weight check but a practical assessment.
If you plan to use the small cabin bag only, packing heavy items such as a backpack or small roller, keep the total load moderate enough to lift easily. The 15 kg figure is a guideline, not a strict limit. Enforcement varies across airports; packing heavy items like books or electronics in a small bag can attract attention at the gate.
How much does it cost to bring a cabin bag on easyJet?
Is the small cabin bag free?
Yes, the small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) is included free of charge for every passenger, regardless of fare type. There is no additional fee for this allowance. This is confirmed on the official easyJet cabin bags page and the FAQ section. Every passenger is entitled to one small under-seat bag at no extra cost.
How do large cabin bag fees vary?
The large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) is not automatically included. It must be purchased as an add-on, or it may be included in certain fare bundles such as Inclusive Plus. Fees vary by route, demand, and when you add it, and availability. According to third-party baggage summaries, the large cabin bag can be added from about £5.99 online in some fare structures, but prices can be higher. Airport availability may be limited. Oversize or excess fees for bags that do not fit the sizer can be significantly higher.
easyJet’s fees page provides a breakdown of charges for optional items like the large cabin bag, but exact pricing is dynamic. MyBaggage’s 2026 summary notes that fees depend on demand and booking time. For the most accurate cost, passengers should check during the booking process or manage their booking online after purchase.
Are easyJet staff strict on cabin bag size?
Enforcement at the gate
easyJet is generally fairly strict on size, and less strict on weight. The airline and FAQs confirm that staff may use gate checks and sizers if a bag looks borderline. Independent summaries suggest the airline is likely to use gate sizers for any bag that appears even slightly bulky. The risk is not how heavy the bag is, but whether it fits the dimensions including wheels and handles.
If your bag is even a centimetre over, staff may ask you to place it in the sizer. If it fails at the gate, you may be charged at the gate reroute desk or the excess bag fee applied at the boarding gate. Travel advice from Which? and other sources indicates that easyJet’s enforcement is fairly consistent, especially on European routes where bin space is limited.
What happens if my bag is too big?
If your bag does not fit the sizer at the gate, you will typically be asked to check it into the hold. A fee may apply. Some airports offer a separate bag-sizing station before security, but the final judgment is made at the boarding gate. If you purchase a large cabin bag allowance but your small bag is still oversized, you may still be asked to check it if the large bag is your only item.
Even if your bag measures slightly less than the sizer, soft-sided bags that bulge outward may not pass the under-seat fit test. Packing cubes and strict organisation can help maintain the shape within the allowed volume. Avoid overpacking to the point where the bag cannot compress under the seat.
What is the difference between small and large cabin bags?
How do large cabin bag dimensions compare?
The large cabin bag measures 56 x 45 x 25 cm, roughly 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches. It must fit in the overhead locker and also has a 15 kg limit in many policy explanations. You must be able to lift and carry it yourself. The large cabin bag is available to easyJet Plus members, those who purchase Inclusive Plus bundles, or as an optional add-on for all passengers.
Which bag should you choose?
If you only need a small bag for a weekend trip, the free small cabin bag is sufficient. For most travellers who need extra space for a longer trip, you can add the large cabin bag for a fee. The large bag provides about 40% more volume but requires booking in advance. Gate purchase may not be available. The small bag is more forgiving for quick trips where you want to avoid checking luggage, while the large bag guarantees overhead bin space.
Both the small and large cabin bags have the same weight guidance of up to 15 kg. However, the small bag is designed for under-seat use, meaning passengers must lift it out quickly at their row. The large bag requires overhead lifting, which can be more challenging for some travellers. If you struggle to lift and carry your bag, you may be asked to check it even if it meets size requirements.
Policy timeline: has the small cabin bag size changed?
- Pre-2018: easyJet introduced a strict 45x36x20 cm under-seat policy for under-seat bags, replacing earlier more flexible allowances.
- 2017–2019: No major changes; major airlines moved to stricter enforcement of under-seat sizes.
- 2020–2022: During the pandemic, some airlines loosened cabin bag rules, but easyJet maintained its standard policy.
- 2023: easyJet updated its website FAQs to clarify that dimensions include handles and wheels, reducing ambiguity.
- 2024–2025: No reported changes. Which? and other sources confirm the 45x36x20 cm rule remains in effect.
- 2026: MyBaggage’s 2026 summary indicates no substantive change expected. The policy is considered stable.
Travelers should monitor the official easyJet cabin bag page for any updates. The airline currently states no plans to alter the small cabin bag allowance, which has been consistent for over a decade.
What is certain and what remains unclear about easyJet’s cabin bag policy?
Established information
- The 45 x 36 x 20 cm size is the official maximum and is consistently enforced.
- Dimensions include handles and wheels.
- One small bag per passenger is free.
- Large cabin bags (56x45x25 cm) come at an increased cost.
- There is no separate personal item allowance beyond the small bag.
Information that remains unclear
- Whether weight is officially checked – no consistent weight limit, but individual airports may enforce a lifting test.
- Strictness consistency – varies by airport, gate agent, and plane type.
- Exact cost for large cabin bag – dynamic pricing; no single number can be given.
The uncertainty around weight checks is widely reported. Some passengers’ experiences have been noted by travel guides. Larger airports with high passenger density may conduct fewer checks, while smaller stations may enforce more strictly. The best advice is to ensure your bag fits the sizer and is manageable in weight.
How does the easyJet small cabin bag compare to Ryanair’s policy?
One of the most common questions is how easyJet compares to Ryanair for cabin bags. Both airlines operate similar ultra-low-cost models, but their free bag allowances differ. From the comparison table in Which?, easyJet’s free small bag measures 45 x 36 x 20 cm, while Ryanair’s free bag is smaller at 40 x 25 x 20 cm. In inches, easyJet’s bag is roughly 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 compared to 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 for Ryanair.
However, there is an important nuance: easyJet’s free bag is significantly larger than Ryanair’s in height and width, making it easier to use a small backpack or compact roller bag. On Ryanair, the free bag is considerably more constrained, and gate enforcement of the smaller sizer is very strict. easyJet is still strict, but its allowance is more generous, according to independent travel advice from Which?.
That said, some travellers confuse the free bag with a personal item. On Ryanair, you can purchase a larger cabin bag for a fee (55x40x20 cm). On easyJet, the large cabin bag is also paid, but the free bag is better than Ryanair’s free bag. The key takeaway is that easyJet’s 45x36x20 cm is more forgiving for standard small backpacks and laptop bags.
Sources and quotes
“Everyone can bring one under seat cabin bag per person on board for free. It can be a maximum of 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels).”
— easyJet Cabin Bags page
The official easyJet cabin bag FAQs state: “The small cabin bag must fit the sizer and you must be able to lift and carry it yourself.” A large number of third-party sources echo these details, though they often provide real-world experiences and context.
Independent sources such as Which? and MyBaggage provide useful context but should be cross-checked against the official easyJet website before travel. The direct citation above reflects the primary source of truth.
Summary: what flyers should remember in 2025/2026
Your easyJet small cabin bag must measure 45 x 36 x 20 cm including handles and wheels, must fit under the seat, and can weigh up to 15 kg. There is no separate personal item allowed. The large cabin bag is a separately paid extra. easyJet is fairly strict on size but less on weight. Compared to Ryanair, the free bag is larger and more forgiving. Always check the official easyJet website before departure, as policies may shift.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a backpack on easyJet?
Yes, as long as it fits within the 45 x 36 x 20 cm dimensions.
What is the easyJet 15 kg hold bag size?
Maximum dimensions: 275 cm total linear (length + width + height), weight 15 kg.
How does the easyJet cabin bag size compare to Ryanair’s small cabin bag?
Ryanair’s free small bag is 40 x 25 x 20 cm, smaller than easyJet’s 45 x 36 x 20 cm.
Can I take a handbag and a cabin bag?
No, only one bag per passenger. A handbag must fit within the 45 x 36 x 20 cm allowance.
Is there a weight limit for the small cabin bag?
easyJet states it can weigh up to 15 kg, but you must be able to lift and carry it yourself. Weight checks are inconsistently enforced.
Are easyJet staff strict on cabin bag size?
Yes, generally fairly strict. Gate sizers are used for borderline bags. Dimensions include handles and wheels.
Is the large cabin bag included in my ticket?
The large cabin bag is not always included. It is available if you purchase certain fare bundles, are an easyJet Plus member, or add it as an extra.
What happens if my bag is oversized at the gate?
You may be asked to check it into the hold, likely with a fee. Ensure your bag fits the sizer before boarding.
How much does it cost to add a large cabin bag online?
Fees vary by route and time of booking, starting from about £5.99 in some fare structures according to third-party sources.
Does easyJet allow a small bag?
Yes, every passenger gets one free small underseat bag. Only one bag allowed.
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Henry Morgan is Senior Reporter at Headlines UK, covering breaking stories and community-sourced tips across the UK.