Hand Luggage Sizes Ryanair easyJet Jet2 and BA

Buying a cabin bag that fits one airline does not necessarily mean it will fit another. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways all use different combinations of under-seat bags, cabin cases, dimensions, weight limits and fare conditions. The difference can be significant: a bag that is acceptable as an overhead cabin case on one airline may need to be checked into the hold on another.

For travellers trying to avoid unexpected airport charges, the dimensions matter just as much as the weight. Wheels, handles and pockets can count towards the maximum size, and some airlines distinguish sharply between a free personal item and a larger cabin bag that requires an additional purchase or a qualifying fare.

The current rules also show why there is no single "standard UK hand luggage size". Ryanair's free small bag is considerably smaller than the 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin case permitted by Jet2, easyJet's paid large cabin bag option and British Airways' cabin-bag allowance.

Here is what you actually need to know before choosing or packing your cabin luggage.

What hand luggage sizes do Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways really allow?

The biggest mistake travellers make is treating hand luggage, cabin luggage and a personal item as interchangeable terms. They are not always the same thing.

An airline may allow one small bag under the seat for free but charge extra for a larger trolley case. Another carrier may include an overhead cabin bag as standard. Weight rules can also vary considerably.

Here is the practical comparison:

These dimensions include wheels and handles where the airline specifies them. Always check the allowance attached to your particular booking because fare type, membership, route and operating airline can affect what you can bring.

What is the safest cabin bag size if you fly different airlines?

There is no single larger suitcase that guarantees compliance with every airline.

If your priority is having a free under-seat bag, Ryanair's 40 × 20 × 25 cm allowance is the most restrictive among these four carriers. A bag designed specifically around that size has the best chance of avoiding problems when travelling across multiple airlines, although the other airlines have their own rules about permitted bags.

If you want a conventional overhead cabin case, the commonly seen 56 × 45 × 25 cm dimensions work for Jet2, easyJet's large cabin bag and British Airways. However, that size is not the standard free cabin allowance on Ryanair.

What does Ryanair allow as hand luggage?

Ryanair has one of the most important distinctions to understand: the free small cabin bag is not a standard overhead trolley case.

What is Ryanair's free bag size?

Every passenger can bring one small cabin bag measuring up to 40 × 20 × 25 cm. Ryanair's terms state that this is the small cabin bag allowance.

The bag needs to fit within the airline's baggage sizer and is intended for the space available under the seat.

That makes a small backpack, compact personal-item bag or similarly sized soft bag a sensible choice.

Can you take a larger Ryanair cabin bag?

Yes, but the conditions matter.

Passengers who purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags can take the small bag as well as a larger cabin bag measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, with the larger bag weighing up to 10 kg. Ryanair also states that operational circumstances can result in the larger bag being placed in the hold.

So if you arrive with a 55 × 40 × 20 cm trolley without the appropriate allowance, you should not assume that it will be accepted as your free cabin bag.

Ryanair packing tip

For a Ryanair-only trip where you have not purchased an additional cabin-bag allowance, measure your bag when fully packed. A soft backpack can expand beyond its nominal dimensions, particularly when stuffed with clothing.

What does easyJet allow in the cabin?

easyJet's system is more generous than Ryanair's for the free under-seat bag.

What is easyJet's free cabin bag size?

Every passenger can take one small under-seat cabin bag measuring a maximum of 45 × 36 × 20 cm, including handles and wheels. It must fit under the seat in front of you. easyJet states that the bag can weigh up to 15 kg, provided you are able to lift and carry it yourself.

This can include a small trolley, handbag, rucksack or laptop bag, provided it stays within the dimensions.

What about an easyJet large cabin bag?

A large cabin bag can measure up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm, including handles and wheels.

However, it is not automatically included for every passenger. You generally need to purchase the large cabin-bag option or have an applicable fare or easyJet Plus entitlement.

The large cabin bag is designed for the overhead locker.

Why easyJet's weight rule is different

One notable feature of easyJet's policy is the 15 kg maximum for cabin bags. That applies to both the small and large cabin-bag allowances, while passengers are expected to be able to lift and carry the bag themselves.

That means you could potentially use a relatively substantial cabin case without breaching the weight limit, provided you have the correct cabin-bag entitlement.

What does Jet2 allow as hand luggage?

Jet2 takes a different approach again.

What is Jet2's standard hand luggage allowance?

Jet2 includes one piece of hand luggage of up to 10 kg, with maximum dimensions of 56 × 45 × 25 cm, including wheels and handles.

That is a sizeable overhead-style cabin case compared with Ryanair's free 40 × 20 × 25 cm bag.

Does Jet2 allow another small bag?

Yes. Jet2 also permits a small under-seat bag, such as a handbag or laptop bag, measuring no more than 40 × 30 × 20 cm. It must fit beneath the seat in front of you.

This distinction is useful when packing because travellers can have both their standard hand luggage and the smaller under-seat item.

What happens if your Jet2 bag is oversized?

Jet2 states that hand baggage exceeding the permitted dimensions, weight or number of pieces can incur applicable baggage fees. The airline also notes that hand luggage can sometimes be moved to the hold for operational or capacity reasons.

That is why staying within the published limits is still worthwhile even when you have a generous allowance.

What does British Airways allow as hand luggage?

British Airways is generally more generous than low-cost carriers when it comes to the amount of cabin baggage included, although the precise allowance depends on the booking and itinerary.

What size cabin bag can you take on BA?

British Airways lists a maximum cabin-bag size of 56 × 45 × 25 cm, including wheels and handles.

BA also permits a separate handbag or backpack. On the relevant allowance shown by BA, this can measure up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm and must fit under the seat.

The airline states that passengers must be able to lift their cabin bag into the overhead compartment without assistance.

Does BA have a cabin-bag weight limit?

BA's baggage rules vary according to the particular allowance and cabin. Its baggage information can show cabin bags up to 23 kg on applicable allowances, but passengers still need to be able to lift the cabin bag into the overhead compartment themselves.

This is different from Jet2's clearly stated 10 kg hand-luggage limit and easyJet's 15 kg cabin-bag limit.

Why you should check the BA itinerary

British Airways specifically warns that partner airlines can have different baggage allowances. This matters particularly on codeshare or connecting journeys.

If another carrier is actually operating part of your journey, do not automatically assume that the BA allowance applies to every flight.

Which airline has the strictest free hand luggage size?

For the four airlines in this comparison, Ryanair has the smallest free small-bag dimensions: 40 × 20 × 25 cm.

That does not necessarily mean Ryanair gives you the least total baggage. It means the free bag allowance is particularly compact unless you have purchased an additional cabin-bag entitlement.

The differences become clearer when you compare the free or standard options:

• Ryanair: 40 × 20 × 25 cm
• easyJet: 45 × 36 × 20 cm
• Jet2: 56 × 45 × 25 cm hand luggage plus 40 × 30 × 20 cm under-seat bag
• British Airways: 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag plus a separate smaller bag on applicable allowances.

So, if you're buying one bag for frequent UK and European travel, choosing based only on the largest allowance can be risky.

Is 56 × 45 × 25 cm a standard cabin bag size?

It is a very useful size for some major UK airlines, but it is not a universal standard.

Jet2 accepts this as its included hand-luggage maximum. easyJet uses it for its large cabin bag. British Airways uses the same dimensions for its cabin bag.

Ryanair, however, uses 55 × 40 × 20 cm for its larger cabin bag under Priority & 2 Cabin Bags.

That one-centimetre difference in height and five-centimetre difference in width and depth might look minor, but airport baggage sizers are designed around the airline's stated dimensions.

If you frequently alternate between airlines, check the smallest relevant allowance rather than assuming a case advertised as "airline cabin size" will work everywhere.

How should you measure a cabin bag?

Measure the bag as the airline would measure it, not just the fabric or hard shell.

Include wheels and handles

Both easyJet and British Airways explicitly state that their maximum cabin-bag dimensions include wheels and handles. Jet2 makes the same point for its 56 × 45 × 25 cm hand-luggage allowance.

A suitcase advertised as 56 cm may therefore become too large once its wheels and extended construction are included.

Check external pockets

Bulging front pockets can make a soft bag deeper than its nominal specification.

Measure when packed

This is especially important with backpacks. A bag that measures 20 cm deep when empty may become substantially deeper after you add shoes, toiletries, chargers and clothing.

Use a luggage sizer before travelling

If you are uncertain, use a rigid measuring tape and check all three dimensions. If you are close to the limit, allowing a little spare capacity is safer than packing right up to the maximum.

Do wheels and handles count towards hand luggage dimensions?

Yes, for these airlines where their published rules specify this, wheels and handles are included in the measurement.

easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways explicitly include wheels and handles in their stated larger cabin-bag dimensions.

This is one reason two cases with the same advertised body dimensions can perform differently at the airport.

For frequent flyers, the external dimensions printed by the manufacturer are more useful than labels such as "cabin approved" or "airline compatible."

What happens if your hand luggage is too big?

The exact outcome depends on the airline, allowance and airport, but an oversized or unauthorised bag may need to be placed in the hold and may attract a charge.

easyJet explicitly says that bags exceeding the small cabin allowance or additional bags can be placed in the hold and incur the relevant airport bag fee.

Ryanair's terms similarly distinguish between the small cabin bag and larger baggage purchased through its applicable Priority/2 Cabin Bags option.

The practical lesson is simple: don't rely on being allowed through because your bag looks small enough. If the bag is outside the published dimensions, you are taking a financial risk.

Which cabin bag is best for a weekend trip?

For a two- or three-night trip, an under-seat bag can be enough if you pack efficiently.

A typical weekend packing list might include:

• Two or three tops
• One pair of trousers or jeans
• Underwear and socks
• Lightweight sleepwear
• Small toiletries
• Phone and charging equipment
• Travel documents
• Compact medication or personal essentials
• A lightweight extra layer

The key is to pack around the actual bag dimensions, not around how much you would ideally like to take.

For Ryanair, a compact backpack designed around 40 × 20 × 25 cm is the safer choice when travelling without an additional cabin-bag allowance. On easyJet, the 45 × 36 × 20 cm allowance gives you more room. Jet2 and BA provide substantially more capacity through their larger cabin-bag allowances.

What should you avoid putting in hand luggage?

Size is only one part of cabin baggage compliance.

Airport security rules also apply to what you pack. Liquids, aerosols and gels are subject to security restrictions, and individual airports can have their own screening arrangements.

Jet2's published guidance, for example, states that liquids, aerosols and gels should be presented in containers of no more than 100 ml within a clear resealable plastic bag of no more than 1 litre.

You should also keep essential travel documents and other important items accessible rather than burying them at the bottom of your case.

For airline-specific prohibited-item rules, check the carrier and departure airport before travelling.

What is the best strategy if you fly multiple airlines?

The best approach is to plan around the most restrictive airline on your itinerary.

Suppose you have a London-to-Europe trip involving Ryanair on the outbound flight and easyJet on the return.

A 45 × 36 × 20 cm easyJet small cabin bag may be perfectly acceptable on easyJet, but it exceeds Ryanair's 40 × 20 × 25 cm free small-bag dimensions.

You therefore have three sensible choices:

1. Use a smaller bag that meets both allowances.
2. Purchase the larger Ryanair cabin-bag entitlement.
3. Pack a separate hold bag if you need considerably more luggage.

The cheapest option is often to buy the correct allowance before reaching the airport, rather than discovering the problem at boarding.

Are airline cabin-bag rules likely to become simpler?

There is no guarantee that the four airlines will converge on one standard.

Airlines continue to use baggage allowances as part of their fare structures, particularly on low-cost services. The distinction between an included personal item and a paid overhead cabin bag allows airlines to offer lower headline fares while charging travellers who want additional space.

For passengers, that means the most reliable habit is not memorising one universal measurement.

It is checking the allowance attached to each booking shortly before departure.

Rules, fare products and operational arrangements can change. Even where the dimensions remain unchanged, the conditions attached to a fare may differ.

Key Insights

• Ryanair's free small bag is 40 × 20 × 25 cm, making it the most restrictive free allowance among these four airlines.
• easyJet's free under-seat bag is 45 × 36 × 20 cm; its larger 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag requires the relevant purchase, fare or membership benefit.
• Jet2 includes a 56 × 45 × 25 cm, 10 kg hand-luggage allowance, plus a 40 × 30 × 20 cm under-seat bag.
• British Airways allows a 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag on applicable allowances, alongside a smaller under-seat handbag or backpack.
• Wheels and handles can count towards your bag's maximum dimensions.
• A bag labelled "cabin size" is not automatically acceptable on every airline.
• Measure your bag fully packed, particularly if it is soft-sided.
• On connecting or codeshare flights, check which airline is actually operating the flight.
• If you fly several airlines, buy luggage based on the strictest allowance, not the most generous one.
• Check the airline's current baggage rules before departure because allowances and conditions can change.

FAQ

1. What is the standard hand luggage size in the UK?

There is no single UK-wide hand luggage size. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways use different allowances. A 56 × 45 × 25 cm case is accepted by several airlines for larger cabin-bag allowances, but it is not a universal free allowance.

2. What size bag can I take free on Ryanair?

Ryanair permits one small cabin bag measuring up to 40 × 20 × 25 cm. A larger 55 × 40 × 20 cm cabin bag is available with the appropriate Priority & 2 Cabin Bags allowance.

3. What is easyJet's free hand luggage size?

easyJet allows every passenger one small under-seat cabin bag measuring up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm, including handles and wheels.

4. Can I take a 10 kg suitcase on easyJet?

Potentially, yes. easyJet permits cabin bags up to 15 kg, provided the bag meets the relevant size allowance and you can lift and carry it yourself. A larger 56 × 45 × 25 cm case requires the applicable cabin-bag entitlement.

5. What is Jet2's hand luggage allowance?

Jet2 allows one hand-luggage item up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm and 10 kg. It also permits a smaller under-seat bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm.

6. What size cabin bag does British Airways allow?

British Airways lists a maximum cabin-bag size of 56 × 45 × 25 cm, including wheels and handles. A separate smaller handbag or backpack is also included on applicable allowances.

7. Does BA weigh cabin luggage?

BA's baggage rules can depend on the specific allowance, but its published guidance says passengers must be able to lift their cabin bag into the overhead compartment without assistance. Some applicable BA allowances state a cabin-bag weight of up to 23 kg.

8. Do cabin bag dimensions include wheels?

Yes, where specified by these airlines. easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways explicitly include wheels and handles in their larger cabin-bag measurements.

9. Is 56 × 45 × 25 cm accepted by Ryanair?

Not as Ryanair's standard larger cabin-bag size. Ryanair specifies 55 × 40 × 20 cm for the large cabin bag available with Priority & 2 Cabin Bags.

10. Can I take a handbag as well as hand luggage?

The answer depends on the airline and your allowance. Jet2 permits an additional small under-seat bag, while British Airways allows a handbag or backpack alongside the cabin bag on applicable allowances. easyJet's standard allowance starts with one small under-seat bag.

11. What happens if my cabin bag is too big?

The airline may require the bag to be placed in the hold, and an additional fee may apply. easyJet explicitly warns that bags outside the permitted allowance can be placed in the hold and charged at the applicable airport rate.

12. Is a backpack better than a suitcase for hand luggage?

For a small under-seat allowance, a soft backpack can be practical because it is lightweight and easier to organise around a limited space. However, it must still remain within the airline's maximum dimensions when packed.

13. Which airline has the most generous hand luggage allowance?

For the four compared here, Jet2 provides a 56 × 45 × 25 cm, 10 kg hand-luggage allowance as standard, while British Airways also permits a 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag on applicable allowances. easyJet offers the same larger dimensions when the relevant cabin-bag entitlement applies.

14. Should I buy a cabin bag based on the advertised dimensions?

Check the complete external dimensions, including wheels, handles and protruding features. Also consider the smallest airline allowance you expect to use. Manufacturer descriptions such as "airline cabin approved" do not guarantee acceptance by every carrier.

15. Could airline hand luggage rules change in the future?

Yes. Airlines can change baggage policies, fare benefits, fees and operational procedures. Treat the dimensions in this article as a current comparison rather than a permanent guarantee, and check your airline's official baggage information before every trip.

Final Thoughts

Hand luggage rules look simple until you compare the airlines side by side. The real difference is not just the size of the suitcase; it is what the airline includes in your fare and where that bag must fit.

Ryanair's 40 × 20 × 25 cm free bag is very different from Jet2's included 56 × 45 × 25 cm hand luggage. easyJet sits between the two with a generous 45 × 36 × 20 cm free under-seat bag and a larger 56 × 45 × 25 cm option. British Airways also allows a 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag on applicable allowances, together with a smaller personal item.

The safest habit is straightforward: check the allowance for your exact flight, measure the complete bag

including wheels and handles, and pack according to the strictest airline on your itinerary.

That few minutes of preparation can save you a much less welcome surprise at the airport.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and research purposes only. Company details, features, services, and market positions may change over time. Readers are advised to visit official company websites and conduct independent research before making any business decisions or purchasing services.