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Guide

Hand Luggage Rules UK Budget Airlines (2026): Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz & Jet2

By Marco Bellini 8 min read
Quick Answer

Ryanair cheapest fare: one under-seat bag max 40×20×25 cm only — no large wheelie without Priority/10 kg add-on. easyJet standard: 45×36×20 cm under-seat; larger cabin bag requires paid upgrade. Wizz Air: 40×30×20 cm personal item on basic fare. Jet2: 56×45×25 cm included on most package fares but check booking. All UK/EU departures: liquids 100 ml in one resealable bag. Measure at home; gate fees exceed £50. See /guides/ryanair-easyjet-fee-avoidance-uk-2026.

Hand luggage sizer at airport — UK budget airlines enforce strict cabin bag dimensions.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ryanair — Value vs Priority

Value / Basic: 1 small bag 40×20×25 cm under seat — backpack or small soft bag only. No wheels in overhead on base fare.

Value / Basic: 1 small bag 40×20×25 cm under seat — backpack or small soft bag only. No wheels in overhead on base fare.

Priority + 10 kg or Flexi Plus: 55×40×20 cm wheelie plus small under-seat bag. Priority alone without 10 kg option does not add large bag on all fare types — verify at booking.

Checked bags: 10 kg, 20 kg, etc. — always cheaper online than airport. Overweight charged per kilo at premium rates.

easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2

easyJet: included under-seat 45×36×20 cm on standard fares; large cabin bag (56×45×25 cm) requires Extra Legroom/upfront bundle or separate large cabin bag purchase.

easyJet: included under-seat 45×36×20 cm on standard fares; large cabin bag (56×45×25 cm) requires Extra Legroom/upfront bundle or separate large cabin bag purchase.

Wizz Air: Wizz Basic allows 40×30×20 cm personal item; Wizz Light and above add trolley options via bundles. Strictest sizer in industry on many routes.

Jet2: package and flight-only often include 56×45×25 cm hand luggage plus personal item — confirm on booking confirmation; flight-only light fares may differ.

Liquids, security, and connection tips

UK security: liquids, gels, aerosols max 100 ml each in single transparent 20×20 cm bag — one bag per passenger. Laptops and large electronics out of bag.

UK security: liquids, gels, aerosols max 100 ml each in single transparent 20×20 cm bag — one bag per passenger. Laptops and large electronics out of bag.

STEB duty-free bags: sealed bags from prior airport valid on some connections — UK–UK domestic connections differ from international transfers; empty liquids if re-screening.

Personal item packing: wear bulkier clothes, use coat pockets for chargers — soft bags squeeze into sizers better than hard shells.

When full-service rules differ

BA short-haul: 56×45×25 cm plus personal item on standard economy — generous vs Ryanair. BA hand-baggage-only fares exist on some routes — check fare code.

BA short-haul: 56×45×25 cm plus personal item on standard economy — generous vs Ryanair. BA hand-baggage-only fares exist on some routes — check fare code.

Virgin Atlantic: similar 56×36×23 cm cabin bag plus personal item in economy. Budget vs legacy comparison: /guides/best-budget-airlines-europe-2026.

Global dimensions reference: /guides/airline-carry-on-baggage-rules for US and long-haul carriers.

Before you pack — pre-trip essentials

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size bag fits Ryanair without paying extra?

40×20×25 cm maximum under-seat bag on Value fare — measure wheels and handles; sizers include all protrusions.

Can I take a wheely cabin bag on easyJet standard fare?

Only if it fits 45×36×20 cm under seat — most wheelies need large cabin bag purchase or bundle with upfront seat.

What happens if my bag fails the sizer?

Gate check with fee often £40–£60+ on Ryanair/easyJet — non-refundable. Measure before leaving home.

Are baby milk and medicine exempt from liquid limits?

Yes — baby food/milk and essential medicines allowed in reasonable quantities, declared at security. Prescription labels help.

Written by Marco Bellini

Editor, Europe & Lounges

Marco is FlightLogic's lounge specialist, having reviewed first class terminals and independent Priority Pass lounges across four continents. He previously worked ground operations at Malpensa Airport.

156+Reviews
890K+Miles Flown
39Countries
7 yrsCovering Travel