Budget Airline Hand Luggage Rules Explained

That is why it is always worth checking what is actually included before you book. In 2026, some airlines still include a proper cabin bag in the price, while others only give you a much smaller under-seat bag unless you pay extra. The difference can have a big impact on the real cost of your trip, especially if you are only trying to get away for a few days.

For travellers trying to keep costs down, the key is not just comparing fares. It is comparing fares, bag allowances and add-on costs together. In our experience, that is usually where the best savings are found.

Hand luggage policies are one of the easiest ways for a budget flight to become more expensive than expected. easyJet and Ryanair both only include a free under-seat bag as standard on their basic options, while Jet2 and TUI include a larger 10kg cabin bag in the fare. That means the airline with the lowest starting price will not always be the one that works out cheapest overall.

If you are travelling light for a short city break, a smaller bag may be all you need. But if you already know you will want a wheelie case in the overhead locker, it is worth checking whether a slightly higher fare includes that from the start.

easyJet gives every passenger one free small cabin bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum size is 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels, and it can weigh up to 15kg as long as you can lift and carry it yourself.

If you want to bring a larger cabin bag, easyJet says it must be no bigger than 56 x 45 x 25cm, and you will only get that included if you have booked the right fare, selected an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or you are an easyJet Plus member. easyJet also says that if you arrive at the gate with a larger bag that is not included, or with a bag that is oversized, it will be placed in the hold and charges will apply.

Ryanair says all fares include one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum size is 40 x 30 x 20cm.

If you want a second cabin bag, Ryanair says you need to buy Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, which includes a second 10kg cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20cm for the overhead locker. Ryanair’s fees page says this add-on starts from £12 to £36, and can cost more depending on the route and when you add it.

Jet2 is much more generous than many travellers expect. Its official baggage page says every passenger can bring one piece of hand luggage up to 10kg and 56 x 45 x 25cm free of charge. On top of that, you can also bring one small under-seat bag up to 40 x 30 x 20cm.

Jet2 does say that on busy flights, it may need to place some 10kg of hand luggage in the hold, and it sells a Guaranteed Cabin Luggage option if keeping your case in the cabin matters to you. But even with that in mind, Jet2 gives you a lot more included in the standard fare than airlines that only offer an under-seat bag.

For travellers who know they will need more than a backpack or handbag, Jet2 can be one of the better-value options from the start, even if the initial fare looks a little higher.

TUI also includes a proper cabin bag in its standard allowance. TUI says each passenger can take one piece of hand luggage up to 10kg and 55 x 40 x 20cm, plus one small personal item such as a handbag, backpack or laptop bag up to 40 x 30 x 20cm. Infants do not get their own hand luggage allowance.

That makes TUI another good option for travellers who want to keep things simple and avoid adding extra baggage costs later. TUI also notes that if you need checked luggage, it is cheaper to book it online before you travel than to pay at the airport.

If you are booking a family holiday or a longer beach break, this allowance can make a real difference to the final cost.

If your priority is getting the most hand luggage included in the price, Jet2 and TUI are the strongest options out of the four. Both include a 10kg cabin bag for the overhead locker as well as a smaller personal item. easyJet and Ryanair both start with under-seat-only allowances unless you pay for more or book a fare that includes it.

That does not automatically mean Jet2 or TUI will always be the cheapest. If you can genuinely fit everything into a smaller under-seat bag, easyJet or Ryanair may still come out as a better value.

But, if you already know you will need a bigger cabin bag, it is worth comparing the total cost carefully rather than assuming the lowest fare is the best deal.

The easiest way to save money is to choose the airline that matches the kind of trip you are taking.

If you are heading off for one or two nights and can pack very lightly, an airline with a free under-seat allowance may be all you need. If you are going away for longer, or know you will want a cabin suitcase, it can make more sense to book with an airline that includes that from the start.

It is also worth measuring your bag before you leave home. easyJet and Ryanair are both clear that if your bag does not fit the allowance you have booked, extra charges can apply at the airport or gate.

And if you know you will need extra baggage, add it as early as you can. Ryanair’s own fees show prices vary depending on when you add extras, and TUI says booking luggage online is cheaper than paying at the airport.

It is also important to remember that airline bag rules and airport security rules are not the same thing.

GOV.UK says that at most UK airports, liquids in hand luggage must still be in containers of 100ml or less, even if the container is only partly full. Some airports may allow containers up to 2 litres, so it is worth checking before you travel. GOV. The UK also says there are exemptions for essential medicines, baby milk, and food for special dietary requirements.

Jet2 also reminds passengers that liquids, aerosols and gels should be packed in containers under 100ml and carried in a clear resealable plastic bag, while items such as laptops, tablets and e-cigarettes must be carried in hand luggage rather than the hold.

This matters because even if your bag meets the airline’s size rules, poor packing can still slow you down at security or lead to items being taken away.

If you are booking a flight this year, the biggest thing to remember is that not all ‘cheap’ fares include the same amount of hand luggage. easyJet and Ryanair can still be good value if you are travelling light, but Jet2 and TUI include more in the base fare.

Before you book, it is worth checking our Travel deals and discount codes page to see if there is a live offer that could help bring the total cost down even further.

All airline and airport security information referenced in this guide was checked on 29 April 2026 and was accurate at the time of writing.

1. Pack light from the start

Plan your outfits before you travel and stick to pieces you can wear more than once, rather than filling your bag with lots of extra options you probably will not need.

1. Wear your bulkiest items to the airport

Trainers, hoodies, jackets and heavier layers are much better on you than taking up valuable room in your bag.

1. Cut back on toiletries

Toiletries can use more space than you think, so for shorter trips, it can be worth taking only the basics.

1. Buy a few essentials when you arrive

If you are staying somewhere with shops nearby, it can sometimes be easier to pick up things like sun cream, shampoo or other basics abroad instead of packing them.

1. Avoid packing duplicates

For a short break, you usually do not need multiple versions of the same item. Cutting back on spares is one of the easiest ways to keep your bag small.

1. Stick to the essentials

For city breaks and shorter stays, keeping your packing simple is often the best money-saving tip of all. The less you take, the less chance there is of being caught out by baggage rules or extra fees.