Packing for a trip used to be a doddle. You threw a few things in a bag, zipped it up and off you went.
Now? There's maths involved. Rulers. Weighing scales. Emotional trauma.
Because every airline now has its own definition of what counts as a cabin bag.
And no matter where you're jetting off to, one misstep with your hand luggage can cost you dearly.
Literally - getting it wrong can be an expensive ordeal. Not what you need after saving for months for your holiday.
Adobe Free Stock / Dragana Gordic
Cabin Bag Sizes for Airlines - A Guide for Brits
So here it is - a Brits' ultimate guide to Cabin Bag Sizes for Airlines.
A no-nonsense breakdown of baggage rules, fees and upgrades with a few tips thrown in.
Here's Why (Cabin Bag) Size Matters
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty dimensions that will make or break your budget travel dreams, let's talk about why it even matters.
Imagine the scene - you've bagged a cheap flight, you've packed light and you're raring to go.
Adobe Free Stock / Михаил Решетников
Until you're stopped at the gate. A flight attendant wedges your bag in the sizer, then asks for £50+ as it doesn't fit the exact dimensions.
That's your airport pint and a chunk of holiday budget gone in one fell swoop.
All Bag Size Rules Are Not Made Equal - Apparently
Frustratingly, the size of cabin bags varies between the UK and Ireland's most popular short-to-mid-haul airlines.
A bag that glides through with British Airways might get you publicly shamed and charged at a Ryanair gate.
So, while I'd love to tell you there's a universal standard, this sadly isn't the case.
Bottom line: Always check your airline's bag size allowances before you fly, especially if you're not inclined to pack light.
In fact, check them before you even start packing. You may have to buy a new bag to fit the exact dimensions your airline demands.
Cabin Bag Sizes by Airline
Here is a quick at-a-glance guide to cabin bag sizes for airlines that you can save to your phone and refer to as you pack and prep for your trip.
Note: These details are accurate as of late July 2025, but it's always best to check all sizing and facts with your airline.
British Airways Cabin Bag Allowance
All Fares
- One small personal cabin bag (max 40 x 30 x 15cm).
- One large overhead cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25cm).
- The maximum combined weight of both bags is 23kg.
easyJet Cabin Bag Allowance
Standard Fare
- Your ticket allows you to bring one small personal cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels).
- It must fit under the seat in front of you.
Large Cabin Bag Upgrade
For an extra cost, you can add a large cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25cm) to your journey in addition to your small underseat bag.
- Large cabin bags can weigh no more than 15kg.
- They must go in the overhead locker.
- If you upgrade to a large cabin bag, you're also entitled to speedy boarding.
- Up-front or extra-legroom seats come with a large cabin bag.
easyJet Plus Cardholders and Flexi Allowance
- You can take one small personal cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20cm) to fit under the seat in front of you.
- You can also have one large cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25cm) to place in the overhead locker.
- The price of both bags is included with your membership/booking.
Jet2 Cabin Bag Allowance
All Fares
- All Jet2 fares include one small personal cabin bag (max 40 x 30 x 15cm).
- They also include one larger cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25cm), which can weigh up to 10kg.
- Good news for families - you can put a collapsible pushchair, car seat and/or travel cot in the hold free of charge. The total weight of these items can't exceed 10kg.
Ryanair Cabin Bag Allowance
Heads Up: Ryanair is set to slightly increase the size of its underseat bags by 5cm in summer 2025. The new dimensions will be 40 x 30 x 20cm, but the changes haven't kicked in yet. So until the official announcement, make sure you stick to the current dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25cm.
Ryanair Standard Fares
- You get one small personal cabin bag (max 40 x 20 x 25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Its weight limit isn't specified, but it must fit the size criteria above.
Ryanair Priority & 2 Cabin Bags
- This ticket allows you one small personal cabin bag (max 40 x 20 x 25cm), as above.
- It also includes one larger cabin bag at a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20cm.
- The larger cabin bag can weigh up to 10kg.
Ryanair Prime Members
For £79 annually, you can join Ryanair Prime, a membership scheme which allows passengers a number of perks, including the following.
- Two cabin bags - a personal underseat bag and larger cabin bag of the same dimensions and conditions as above.
- A reserved standard seat.
- Access to member-exclusive seat sales.
- 12 months of travel insurance.
Wizz Air Cabin Bag Allowance
Standard Fares
- Wizz Air's standard fare includes one small personal cabin bag (max 40 x 30 x 20cm).
- It must weigh no more than 10kg.
WIZZ Priority
- Passengers get the standard one small personal cabin bag (max 40 x 30 x 20cm).
- Buying Wizz Priority also entitles you to one larger overhead cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 23cm).
- Both bags can weigh a maximum of 10kg apiece.
Cabin Bag Add-On
If you don't want to buy Wizz Priority but you need more than a small personal cabin bag, you can add a larger overhead cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 23cm) for a fee.
Check, Check and Check Again
Adobe Free Stock / ID_Anuphon
If in doubt, always refer back to your airline's official cabin bag size policies, some of which are here:
Tips to Avoid Cabin Bag Nightmares
- Invest in the Right Bag
One cabin bag to rule them all? Almost impossible. But choosing a bag that works with most airlines is a solid strategy. - Measure Properly
Airlines include wheels and handles in their measurements. That deceptively compact-looking wheelie bag? Probably bigger than you think when measured correctly. - Master the Art of Packing Light
Channel your inner Marie Kondo: Wear your bulkiest items on the plane, roll clothes, use packing cubes, decant toiletries, be ruthless. - Know the Liquids Rules
Nothing derails your seamless security experience like forgetting about the liquids rules. All containers must be 100ml or less and fit in the resealable bags provided at airport security. - Check, Double-Check and Triple-Check
Airline baggage policies often change, so always verify your airline's current rules before you travel.
The End Of The 100ml Rule in the UK?
Birmingham and Edinburgh airports have officially scrapped the 100ml liquid limit. You can now carry up to two litres of liquids, aerosols and gels in your hand luggage without using 100ml bottles or clear plastic bags as long as you're flying from one of these upgraded terminals.
The government planned to roll out this change to all UK airports. But delays have pushed that timeline into late 2025.
So, unless you're flying from an airport with the new CT scanners already installed and certified, it's best to assume the 100ml rule still applies.
Packing Tips and Tricks
Here are a few trusty tips to get the most out of, and put into, your small cabin bag allowance ahead of your holiday.
If you're interested in turning smart packing into an art form, you might also want to consider joining the onebag movement.
Not so much a challenge as an addictive lifestyle and possibly even an obsession, onebaggers proudly optimise their bags and packing game to beat size and weight restrictions and travel as light as possible.
Stay Connected on Your Travels
Now that you've nailed the smart packing side of things, let's talk saving on your mobile data.
Staying online when on the move is something few of us can do without.
And there was a time when the done thing was to either use shockingly expensive data roaming or find a local SIM card when you landed.
Not any more. In 2025, the way to save time, effort and holiday budget is to use an eSIM.
This technology, which is already embedded into most newer phones, can get you online abroad as quickly, easily and affordably as possible.
Visit the Airalo store, choose your destination and amount of data you need, download, install and go for a hassle-free and smooth trip.
Adobe Free Stock / Chalabala
Cabin Bag Sizes For Airlines FAQs
1. What Is The Standard Cabin Bag Size For Airlines?
Each airline sets its own size limits and weights, so there is no standard cabin bag size across the board. But a rough common allowance is around 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Always check your airline's official guidelines before you pack.
2. Can I Bring A Small Underseat Bag And A Larger Cabin Bag?
Some airlines like Ryanair and easyJet allow both if you've paid for priority boarding or booked a specific seat type. Otherwise, you might only be allowed one underseat bag.
3. What Happens If My Cabin Bag Is Too Big?
If your bag is too large or heavy, you may be asked to check it in and pay an additional fee. This can be as high as £50 or more at the gate. To avoid this, always measure your bag carefully before heading to the airport.
4. Do Airlines Include Handles And Wheels In Cabin Bag Measurements?
Yes, most airlines include handles, wheels and external pockets in their size limits. Be sure to measure the bag at its widest points to avoid unpleasant surprises.
5. Is An eSIM Better Than Airport Wi-Fi For Travel?
Yes, using an eSIM for travel is typically more reliable and much faster than using public Wi-Fi. An eSIM from Airalo can connect you instantly on arrival.
