A Guide to Cabin Bag Sizes for Low-Budget Airlines

Discover all budget-Friendly cabin bag sizes in one convenient place.

cabin bag size guide text, glasses and a hat on top of a suitcase

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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 it can be confusing to figure out what you can and can't bring on board.

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 55x40x38.

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 airline's 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.

What liquids can I pack in my hand luggage?

When it comes to travelling with hand luggage, there are rules and restrictions for carrying liquids through airport security.

All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be screened and presented in containers of 100ml or less.

Additionally, these items must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.

If any items exceed these requirements, they will need to be placed in your checked baggage instead of your hand luggage.

It's important to adhere to these rules to ensure a smooth and hassle-free security screening process at the airport.

bottles with clear labels on a shelf in a bathroom

What classes as a liquid

According to gov.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.

Also, you may have heard that the liquids rule is changing in the UK and has already begun in some areas. However, this will not be the case for the whole of the country until sometime in 2024 apparently!

It is also worth noting that when the rules eventually change; there will not be a limit on liquid amounts anymore. It is unlikely to be the case in lots of other countries.

At least not in the very near future as these things take time to test and put into practice!

Therefore, you would still need to consider the liquid allowance on your return flight.

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!