Planning a holiday? Before you start packing, it's worth checking your airline's hand luggage allowance. Cabin bag sizes vary between airlines, and choosing the wrong suitcase could mean unexpected charges at the airport.
Whether you're flying with easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Wizz Air or TUI, we've put together a simple guide to help you pack confidently and choose the right luggage for your journey.
Hand Luggage Size Comparison 2026
Here's a quick look at the cabin baggage allowances for five popular airlines.
| Airline | Free Underseat Bag | Larger Cabin Suitcase |
|---|---|---|
| easyJet | 45 × 36 × 20 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm — paid or eligible fare |
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm — Priority booking |
| British Airways | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm — included |
| Wizz Air | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm — WIZZ Priority |
| TUI Airways | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm — included |
All measurements are maximum dimensions. The larger cabin bag is included with standard British Airways and TUI Airways allowances, while easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air generally require an additional purchase or eligible booking.
easyJet Hand Luggage Allowance
Every easyJet passenger can bring one small cabin bag measuring up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm free of charge. It must fit underneath the seat in front of you and can weigh up to 15 kg, provided you can lift and carry it yourself.
Need more space? You can add a larger cabin bag measuring up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm, or have one included through eligible fare or membership benefits.
Our recommendation: The Skyflite Dolomite 45cm Underseat Suitcase is a practical choice for making the most of easyJet's free cabin allowance.
Ryanair Hand Luggage Allowance
Ryanair's standard fare includes one free personal bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, which must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
If you're taking a cabin suitcase, you'll need the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option. This allows an additional suitcase measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, weighing no more than 10 kg, in the overhead locker.
Our recommendation: The Skyflite Koncept 55cm Cabin Suitcase is a great option for Ryanair Priority travellers, with a compact design and smooth-rolling wheels.
British Airways Hand Luggage Allowance
British Airways offers a generous hand luggage allowance, even on its economy fares.
You can generally bring one cabin suitcase measuring up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm, plus a smaller handbag or laptop bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
Both bags have a maximum weight allowance of 23 kg each, although you must be able to lift your cabin suitcase into the overhead locker yourself. Your larger bag may occasionally need to travel in the hold if cabin space is limited.
Our recommendation: The Skyflite Virage 56cm Max-Size Cabin Suitcase is ideal for travellers wanting to make the most of British Airways' generous cabin dimensions.
Wizz Air Hand Luggage Allowance
All Wizz Air passengers can bring one free carry-on bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, weighing no more than 10 kg. This must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
If you'd prefer a wheeled cabin suitcase, adding WIZZ Priority allows you to bring an additional trolley bag measuring up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm, also weighing up to 10 kg.
Our recommendation: The Skyflite Zest 55cm Cabin Suitcase is a stylish choice for Wizz Air travellers who have purchased the larger cabin bag allowance.
TUI Hand Luggage Allowance
Flying with TUI Airways? You can bring one cabin suitcase measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, weighing no more than 10 kg.
You're also allowed a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm. This must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Unlike some low-cost airlines, TUI Airways includes a larger cabin bag as part of its standard hand luggage allowance.
Our recommendation: The Skyflite Koncept 55cm Cabin Suitcase is a convenient choice for TUI holidays, offering practical packing space without exceeding the airline's published dimensions.
If your TUI holiday uses a different airline, check the baggage allowance shown on your booking.
How to Avoid Extra Hand Luggage Charges
Nobody wants an unexpected baggage fee before their holiday. Here are a few things worth checking before you leave:
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Measure your suitcase: Include the wheels, handles and any external pockets.
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Check your booking: Some airlines include a larger cabin bag, while others charge extra.
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Keep an eye on weight: Even if your suitcase is the right size, it still needs to meet the airline's weight limit.
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Watch expandable suitcases: Expanding your case could take it beyond the permitted dimensions.
If you regularly fly with different airlines, choosing a compact suitcase that fits several cabin baggage allowances can make travelling much easier.
Find Your Perfect Cabin Suitcase with Skyflite
At Skyflite, we believe choosing luggage should be the easy part of planning your holiday.
With over 60 years of luggage experience, our collections offer everything from compact underseat cases to spacious cabin suitcases, designed for practical and comfortable travel.
Whether you're heading away for a weekend, a family holiday or a business trip, there's a Skyflite suitcase for your journey.
Ready to pack? Explore Skyflite's Cabin Luggage Collection and find your next travel companion.
Baggage information reviewed October 2026. Airline rules, fares and allowances can change, so always check directly with your airline before travelling.
