Ryanair vs EasyJet Cabin Bag Allowance: The Complete Guide 2026
Choosing between Ryanair and EasyJet for your next trip? One of the biggest practical differences between the two airlines is their cabin bag policy — and getting it wrong can cost you up to £70 at the gate.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about both airlines' cabin bag allowances in 2026, so you can pack smart and fly for free.
The Key Difference in One Line
Ryanair's free bag is smaller. EasyJet's free bag is larger. If you only buy one cabin suitcase, the size you choose matters enormously.
Ryanair Cabin Bag Allowance 2026
Ryanair operates a strict two-tier system:
Free — included with every fare: One small underseat bag up to 40x30x20cm. No weight limit. Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Paid — Priority boarding only: One larger cabin bag up to 55x40x20cm at up to 10kg. Goes in the overhead locker. Requires purchasing Priority boarding.
Gate fee if your bag doesn't fit: Up to £70 per bag — one of the highest gate fees in Europe.
Ryanair staff use a metal sizer at the gate and enforce the dimensions strictly. The 40x30x20cm limit is measured including wheels and handles.
EasyJet Cabin Bag Allowance 2026
EasyJet is more generous with its free allowance:
Free — included with every fare: One small cabin bag up to 45x36x20cm at up to 15kg. Fits under the seat in front.
Paid — with certain fare types: One larger cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm for the overhead locker.
EasyJet's free underseat bag is significantly larger than Ryanair's — making it much easier to pack for a 2 to 4 day trip without paying extra.
Side by Side Comparison
| Ryanair | EasyJet | |
|---|---|---|
| Free bag size | 40x30x20cm | 45x36x20cm |
| Weight limit | None | 15kg |
| Where it goes | Under seat | Under seat |
| Larger bag | 55x40x20cm (paid) | 56x45x25cm (paid) |
| Gate fee | Up to £70 | Varies by route |
| Strictness | Very strict | Moderate |
Which Airline is Better for Cabin Baggage?
EasyJet wins on free allowance — the 45x36x20cm free bag is considerably larger than Ryanair's 40x30x20cm and will comfortably fit a 3 to 4 day trip's worth of clothes, shoes and toiletries.
Ryanair wins on price — flights are often cheaper, but the smaller free bag allowance means you need to pack more carefully or pay for Priority.
The smart traveller's approach: buy the right sized bag for the airline you fly most frequently, and pack efficiently enough to avoid ever paying for extras.
The Best Cabin Bag for Ryanair 2026
If you fly Ryanair regularly, you need a bag built precisely to the 40x30x20cm free underseat dimensions — not approximately, but exactly.
🧳 WOW Travel Ryanair Approved 40x30x20cm Underseat Cabin Suitcase
- ✅ Built to exact 40x30x20cm Ryanair dimensions
- ✅ Detachable wheels for maximum packing space
- ✅ Built-in phone holder and cup holder
- ✅ Silent 360 degree spinner wheels
- ✅ Lightweight hard shell — from £24.95 with free UK delivery
The Best Cabin Bag for EasyJet and Jet2 2026
If you fly EasyJet or Jet2, you can take advantage of the larger 45x36x20cm free underseat allowance.
🧳 WOW Travel EasyJet & Jet2 Approved 45x36x20cm Underseat Cabin Suitcase
- ✅ Built to exact 45x36x20cm EasyJet and Jet2 dimensions
- ✅ Lightweight hard shell construction
- ✅ Built-in phone holder and cup holder
- ✅ Free UK delivery — from £24.95
Can I Use My EasyJet Bag on Ryanair?
This is the most common question we get — and the honest answer is no, not reliably.
A 45x36x20cm EasyJet bag is too large for Ryanair's free 40x30x20cm underseat allowance. Ryanair staff will measure it and you'll face a gate fee of up to £70.
If you fly both airlines regularly, the safest option is to own both sizes — or use the Ryanair 40x30x20cm bag on both airlines, as it fits within EasyJet's allowance too.
5 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees on Both Airlines
1. Measure your bag before you travel — always including wheels and handles. Bags that look the right size can fail the sizer.
2. Pack using compression cubes — you'll be amazed how much fits into a 40x30x20cm case when packed efficiently.
3. Wear your heaviest items — shoes, jacket, and thick jumpers worn on the plane don't count as baggage.
4. Travel sized toiletries only — liquids must be under 100ml in a single 1 litre clear bag.
5. Check the policy before every flight — both airlines update their policies. Always verify on the airline's official website before you pack.
Summary
EasyJet gives you more free space. Ryanair is stricter and smaller. Both airlines will hit you with significant fees if you get it wrong.
The smartest investment you can make as a regular budget airline traveller is a cabin suitcase built to the exact dimensions — so you never think about baggage fees again.
✈️ Shop Ryanair Approved 40x30x20cm Cabin Bags — From £24.95
✈️ Shop EasyJet & Jet2 Approved 45x36x20cm Cabin Bags — From £24.95