A guide to cabin bag sizes for low-budget airlines
Avoid Surprise Fees and Travel Stress with This Handy Cabin Bag Size Breakdown
One of the easiest ways to cut costs when planning to travel on a budget is to take hand luggage only. Allowing you to avoid those hefty checked-in luggage fees.
However, not all airlines have the same cabin bag size allowances, and figuring out what you can and can't bring on board can be confusing.
That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the cabin bag size restrictions of some of the most popular low-budget airlines.
Hopefully, this will help you not only choose the correct cabin bag but also allow you to see the space you will be working with when packing!
Check out our list of essential items you will need when packing hand luggage only before you buy anything!
Wondering how you are going to fit all your essential items into a little cabin bag? Well, check out our post on How to pack hand luggage correctly to fit in all your essential items easily.
Let's go...
What cabin bag size am I allowed?
Each Airline has different Hand luggage allowances. This can make it a little confusing when trying to pack for your trip so I have put together a list of the most popular low-budget airlines' maximum size and weight allowances for cabin bags.
Ryanair:
Ryanair passengers are allowed one free cabin bag on board, with a maximum size of 40x25x20.
However, there is the option to choose their ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ offer. This gives customers the benefit of boarding the plane first via the priority Queue.
As well as allowing them to take an extra bag on board with them with a maximum size of 55x40x20cm and it must not exceed 10kg.
EasyJet:
EasyJet allows passengers to bring one small cabin bag free of charge on their flights. With a maximum size of 45x36x20cm and a maximum weight of 15kg. All passengers must be able to lift their bags themselves.
A large cabin bag can also be purchased by selecting an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat.
EasyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare customers can also bring a large cabin bag in addition to their small cabin bag.
Wizz Air:
Whizz Air Allows all passengers to bring one cabin bag on board, with a maximum size of 40x30x20cm and a weight limit of 10kg.
However, there is also the possibility of purchasing priority boarding which allows you to bring a further bag which must not exceed 55x40x23 and has a weight limit of 10kg.
Norwegian Air:
Norwegian Airlines allows all passengers to take one bag with a maximum size of 30x20x38 weighing no more than 10kg.
If however, you choose their LowFare+ or Flex tickets, you can also bring one overhead cabin bag with a max size of 55x40x28.
Note that Lowfare+ allows a combined weight of 10kg and Flex allows a combined weight of 15kg.
Air Asia:
Air Asia's passengers are allowed one cabin bag on board, with a maximum size of 56x36x 23cm and a weight limit of 7kg.
This is the second-largest bag allowance for those featured.
In addition, passengers can also bring a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
Jet2
Jet2 allows all of their passengers one cabin bag on board, with a maximum size of 56x 45x25cm, including wheels and handles and a maximum weight of 10kg
Not only is this the largest of all the low-budget airlines' free allowances that we have looked but Jet2 also allows all passengers to bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of them.
Note: Most airlines also allow you to bring a small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or duty-free shopping bag in addition to your cabin bag. Be sure to check your airline's definition of a "personal item" and how it fits under the seat.
What liquids can I pack in my hand luggage?
When travelling with just hand luggage, there are still rules around what liquids you can take through airport security — but these rules are gradually changing in the UK.
Traditionally, all liquids had to be in containers of 100ml or less, packed into a clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag, and shown separately at security. That’s still the case in most airports around the world.
However, as of 2025, some UK airports have installed new 3D CT scanners, which change the process slightly.
At these airports, you no longer need to remove your liquids or large electronics (like laptops and tablets) from your bag at security.
Important things to bear in mind:
- Not all UK airports have these scanners yet.
- The 100ml liquid limit still applies, even at airports with the new scanners, however, they do not need to be in a clear bag anymore.
- They do need to fit in your hand luggage.
- It's also worth bearing in mind that your return airport likely still follows the old rules, so it is advisable to take a clear 1 litre bag with you for your return flight.
It’s best to check the exact rules for each airport you’re flying through, both in the UK and abroad, to avoid any surprises.
What classes as a liquid?
According to gov.co.uk, liquids include the following:
- all drinks, including water
- liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
- cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
- sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
- pastes, including toothpaste
- gels, including hair and shower gel
- contact lens solution
- any other solutions and items of similar consistency
For more information regarding this, please visit the gov.com website here.
Is there anything else I can do before I pack?
It is always advisable to double-check all information regarding cabin sizes and liquid allowances with your chosen airline before packing to avoid any surprises at the airport. Cabin bag size guidelines are subject to change, however, airlines normally give a lot of notice before making such changes.
Recommended Cabin Bags
Now that you are well informed about the allowances of various budget airlines, it's time to find the perfect cabin bag for your travels.
Luckily, Amazon has an extensive selection of bags to choose from, which can meet the requirements of most airlines.
To help you make the right choice, we've compiled a list of some of the best cabin bags available on Amazon.
I hope that this article has provided you with the necessary information to feel more confident and informed about the baggage allowances of popular budget airlines.
By understanding the limitations and requirements set by each airline, you can pack more efficiently and avoid any unnecessary fees or stress at the airport.
This knowledge can save you hundreds when travelling with a family!
For Tips on how to pack more efficiently, check out our article on how to pack hand luggage correctly: Fit in all your essential items easily!
Remember that being well-prepared before your trip can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience.
Happy Holidays!
For more information on travelling with ‘hand luggage’ only, check out :
Travelling Light: How it can save you money on Your Next Trip and other benefits!
How to pack hand luggage correctly: Fit in all your essential items easily!
What to pack when taking hand luggage only! : Buy All Your Travel Essentials today in one place!
Want to save money on your trip? Check out:
How to travel abroad on a budget: The ultimate guide to saving money on your next trip!
