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EasyJet hand luggage rules every traveller must know (2026)

A picture of a carry-on suitcase beside an EasyJet hand luggage sizer at an airport

Understanding EasyJet hand luggage rules before you reach the airport could save you a frustrating £48 charge at the gate. This guide covers exactly what you can bring, what it has to measure, and how to get more space without paying over the odds.

What EasyJet hand luggage is included for free?

Every EasyJet passenger gets one small underseat cabin bag included with every ticket, at no extra charge. That’s it – unlike some airlines, there is no free overhead locker bag thrown in as standard.

Your free bag must:

  • Measure no more than 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels)
  • Weigh no more than 15 kg
  • Fit entirely under the seat in front of you
  • Be something you can lift and carry yourself – crew are not required to help (and they almost certainly won’t)

Think compact backpack, soft holdall, or a slim cabin trolley. Most standard “underseat” bags sold specifically for budget airline travel will fit comfortably within these dimensions.


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EasyJet hand luggage size: The full breakdown

Here is a clear summary of EasyJet hand luggage dimensions for 2026:

Bag typeMax dimensions (cm)Weight limitWhere it goesWho gets it?
Small cabin bag (free)45 x 36 x 2015kgUnder the seatEveryone
Large cabin bag (paid extra)56 x 45 x 2515kgOverhead lockerPaid add-on / easyJet Plus / Inclusive Plus fare

One important note: both sets of EasyJet hand luggage dimensions include handles and wheels. Handles and wheels on a trolley bag can add 2–3 cm, so always measure your bag in its fully extended state before you leave home.

At 15kg, Easyjet’s underseat luggage weight allowance is surprisingly generous.

How do I get a large cabin bag onto EasyJet?

If you need overhead locker space, EasyJet’s large cabin bag allowance (56 x 45 x 25 cm) is available but it is not free unless you meet one of the following conditions:

  • You have an easyJet Plus membership and have added a large cabin bag to your booking
  • You have booked an Inclusive Plus fare
  • You have paid to add a large cabin bag to your booking at checkout or via Manage Bookings

When you book a large cabin bag, you also automatically receive Speedy Boarding – meaning you (and up to 50% of the passengers on the plane) can board early and have a better chance of securing overhead locker space. This can be worth the fee alone on a busy flight.

Top tip: Adding the large cabin bag online during booking is always cheaper than trying to do it at the airport or gate. Prices start from around £5.99 depending on your route and how far in advance you book.

What happens if my bag is too big?

If your bag is larger than the permitted size, or you turn up at the gate with a large cabin bag you haven’t paid for, EasyJet will check it into the hold – and charge you for it. Gate bag fees run upwards of £48, considerably more than adding the bag online in advance.

EasyJet checks cabin bag sizes before boarding using physical bag gauges at the gate. If your bag doesn’t fit the frame, it doesn’t go in the cabin.

To avoid any nasty surprises:

  • Measure your bag at home with a tape measure before you travel
  • Remember to include handles and wheels in your measurement
  • Use EasyJet’s bag sizing tool on their smartphone app as a secondary check
  • Add a large cabin bag to your booking online if you’re unsure – it’s far cheaper than paying at the gate

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Our EasyJet hand luggage recommendations

Best EasyJet underseat bag: Aerolite MiniMAX

If you’re travelling with a standard EasyJet ticket, you want a bag that makes the most of every centimetre of that 45 x 36 x 20 cm allowance. The Aerolite MiniMAX is a perennial favourite with budget travellers and is designed to maximise the underseat space without going over the limit.

Aerolite MiniMax underseat bag for Ryanair

Aerolite MiniMAX 40x20x25cm Trolley Bag

Lightweight and versatile trolley bag with wheels and carry handles
Perfect for under-seat storage with smooth rolling and retractable handle
Multiple compartments for organised packing
Eco-friendly materials and durable design
Black, blue or pink colour options

Best luggage scale: FREETOO digital luggage scale

Even if your bag fits the dimensions, it still has to come in under 15 kg. A reliable luggage scale pays for itself the first time it saves you an excess baggage charge.

Freetoo luggage scales

FREETOO Luggage Scale Portable Digital Weight Scale

Never exceed your luggage limit again with this pocket-sized suitcase scale. The investment will pay for itself many times over when you avoid an excess baggage charge!

Summary: EasyJet hand luggage rules 2026

  • Free allowance: one small bag, max 45 x 36 x 20 cm, max 15 kg, under seat only
  • Large cabin bag: max 56 x 45 x 25 cm, costs extra unless you have easyJet Plus or Inclusive Plus fare – includes Speedy Boarding
  • Gate fee for oversized bags: from £48
  • Handles and wheels count toward the dimensions – always measure with them extended
  • Book online – bags are always cheaper added before you get to the airport

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I'm a keen traveller, professional copywriter and novelist.

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