Summary
- easyJet: Largest free hand luggage allowance among Europe's low-cost airlines: 45 x 36 x 20 cm, 15 kg.
- Ryanair: Smallest free allowance: 40 x 25 x 20 cm; volume significantly less compared to easyJet.
- Wizz Air: Cabin bag dimensions are slightly larger than Ryanair's: 40 x 30 x 20 cm, up to 10kg.
Passengers must be mindful of their hand luggage allowance when flying with low-cost carriers. After all, over the years, budget airlines have cut how much customers can bring aboard, with additional cabin baggage becoming a key source of ancillary revenue. With this in mind, let's see how the rules differ between Europe's three low-cost giants: easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
easyJet
Starting with easyJet, the orange-clad carrier offers the most considerable free hand luggage allowance of Europe's three major low-cost airline groups. All its passengers are entitled to bring a single cabin bag onboard for no charge, with dimensions measuring up to 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm (17.7 in x 14.2 in x 7.9 in). It was not long ago that easyJet used to offer a standard-sized cabin bag for free, but this is no longer the case.
easyJet Baggage Policy |
Dimensions |
Max Weight Limit |
---|---|---|
Personal Bag |
45 x 36 x 20 cm |
15 kg |
Large Overhead Cabin Bag |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
15 kg |
Checked Bag |
(L + W + H) < 275 cm |
32kg |
It is worth noting that these measurements include aspects like the bag's handles and, if applicable, its wheels. Bags can weigh as much as 15 kg (33.1 lbs) and must be able to be placed under the seat in front (leaving the overhead storage bins for larger cabin bags).
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For passengers wanting to bring more hand luggage onboard, easyJet also offers the option to add a second, larger cabin bag to your booking. This is, of course, subject to a supplementary fee. A large cabin bag can be stored in the plane's overhead locker and measure 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 in x 17.7 in x 9.8 in). Once again, the maximum permissible weight in this instance is 15 kg (33.1 lbs). Prices for this second bag vary by flight (this is standard practice with low-cost carriers these days), starting from £6.99 (around $9).
Ryanair
Moving onto Ryanair, the Irish low-cost giant has the smallest free allowance. The airline permits its passengers to bring one free cabin bag with dimensions of 40 cm x 25 cm x 20 cm (15.7 in x 9.8 in x 7.9 in).
These measurements, when combined, represent a significant reduction compared to easyJet's allowance when examining the volume, giving a volume of just 20 liters. Meanwhile, easyJet's aforementioned free bag dimensions yield a volume of 32.4 liters, representing over 60% more capacity.
Ryanair Baggage Policy |
Dimensions |
Max Weight Limit |
---|---|---|
Personal Bag |
40 x 20 x 25 cm |
Unspecified |
Large Overhead Cabin Bag |
55 x 40 x 20 cm |
10 kg |
Checked Bag |
Unspecified |
20 kg |
Ryanair's passengers wanting to bring more with them have the option to pay to add a second cabin bag to their booking. The dimensions of this second bag are 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (21.7 in x 15.7 in x 7.9 in), and the bag can weigh up to 10kg. According to mybaggage.com, the cost of adding a second bag ranges from €/£6 to €/£20 depending on the flight. While the upper end of this spectrum appears to be expensive, it is worth noting that it also includes priority boarding.
Wizz Air
As for Wizz Air, the Hungarian carrier's free cabin bag dimensions are slightly larger than those of Ryanair. Free baggage can measure up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in). This gives passengers 24 liters of capacity to play with. Interestingly, Wizz Air's measurements don't include the bag's wheels or handles. However, the airline does state that "wheels must add no more than 5 cm to the size of the bag."
Wizz Air Baggage Policy |
Dimensions |
Max Weight Limit |
---|---|---|
Personal Bag |
40 x 30 x 20 cm |
10 kg |
Large Overhead Cabin Bag |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
10 kg |
Checked Bag |
149 x 119 x 171 cm |
32 kg |
Purchasers of the purple-liveried airline's more expensive 'Wizz Priority' fares are also entitled to a second, larger cabin bag. Destined for the overhead lockers, these can be small suitcases, with their measurements stretching to 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) and weighing up to 10kg. The cost of this supplement ranges from €10 to €58.80 online, according to mybaggage.com.
Following the rules
Airline baggage rules, costs, and limits can change, and you should always check them when you buy a ticket. Sticking to the rules and planning ahead is essential. If you need more than the free allowance, you will always get the best prices when bags are added online, with much higher fees at the airport. It is often cheaper to add bags at the time of booking rather than after you have paid for the ticket; Ryanair is particularly bad for this.
There are also heavy fines for not following the rules. All airlines will charge a fee if your carry-on baggage exceeds the size or weight limit and will usually place the item in the hold. Policing of this varies, but you should always be prepared. easyJet, for example, charges £48 for any bag brought to the gate that does not meet limits.
Making the most of small allowances
For those of us who regularly travel on low-cost flights, the smaller hand luggage allowances are the compromise we make in order to get from place to place for as little money as possible. However, that isn't to say that you can't still do a lot with the dimensions on offer. By packing well or finding a bag that maximizes the allowance, these limits can go much further.
The 5 Best Ways To Make The Most Of Minimal Hand Luggage Allowances
Travelling light is easier when you prepare well in advance.What do you make of the airlines' differing hand luggage allowances? Which of the three European low-cost giants is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!