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What Is the Size of a Cabin Bag?

What Is the Size of a Cabin Bag?

Jetting off on a weekend getaway or packing for a spontaneous adventure?
A cabin bag is ideal for short trips and light travel. However, every airline has its own restrictions on the size and weight of the bag you can bring in the plane's cabin.

So, what size is a cabin bag allowed to be? In this article, we explain the restrictions on cabin baggage and what you can pack in it. You'll be ready for a hassle-free flight with a bag that satisfies the rules, so you can breeze through boarding and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

What Is a Cabin Bag?

First things first, what is cabin luggage? When you think about cabin luggage (also known as carry-on luggage), a small wheeled suitcase might spring to mind.

A cabin bag is a bag you bring on the flight with you. It could be a wheeled suitcase, a backpack or another style. This bag must stay with you at all times, from the moment you enter your departure airport until you exit arrivals at your destination.

The most important part is that it must fit within the size and weight guidelines of the airline you're travelling with.

What Is a Cabin Bag?

First things first, what is cabin luggage? When you think about cabin luggage (also known as carry-on luggage), a small wheeled suitcase might spring to mind.

A cabin bag is a bag you bring on the flight with you. It could be a wheeled suitcase, a backpack or another style. This bag must stay with you at all times, from the moment you enter your departure airport until you exit arrivals at your destination.

The most important part is that it must fit within the size and weight guidelines of the airline you're travelling with.

What Is the Standard Size of Cabin Luggage?

Many airlines allow cabin bags that measure up to 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. However, every airline has its own rules and regulations on the size and weight of cabin luggage. Budget airlines tend to be stricter with their rules, so pay closer attention if you're flying with an airline like Easyjet or Ryanair.

If you don't adhere to these rules, you could face a penalty fee or get denied boarding. So, what size carry-on luggage is allowed for travelling on major airlines? Let's get into it.

What size bag is allowed in the cabin?

Cabin bag rules can feel a little overwhelming, with so many different airlines and flight carriers to travel with. At Eastpak, we've supplied travellers with cabin bags for decades, so always stay up to date with the latest rules and developments.

There's no uniform answer to the question, "How big is cabin luggage?" To make your life and travel plans easier, we've outlined the rules for the major airlines operating from UK airports.

British Airways

British Airways allows you to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 56 cm x 45cm x 25 cm, including handles and wheels. It can weigh up to 23kg.

You can also bring a handbag or small bag up to 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm to place under the seat.

Jet2

Jet2 allows every passenger to bring a cabin bag on board for free. It can measure up to 56 cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels and handles. It cannot weigh more than 10kg.

Travellers can also bring a small handbag, backpack or airport purchase. It must fit under the seat and not exceed 40 cm x 30 cm x 15cm.

Ryanair

Ryanair allows every passenger to carry a small handbag or backpack measuring up to 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. This bag must fit under the seat.

For an additional fee, passengers can bring a cabin bag measuring up to 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. It must fit in the overhead locker and cannot weigh more than 10kg.

Easyjet

Easyjet allows every passenger to carry a small handbag or backpack measuring up to 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm. It must fit under the seat and weigh a maximum of 15kg.

Easyjet Plus members and those who pay an extra fee can also bring a large cabin bag on board. This bag can measure up to 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, including handles and wheels. It must fit in the overhead locker and weigh no more than 15kg.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air allows a free small backpack or handbag measuring up to 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm, with a maximum weight of 10kg. It must fit under the seat.

If you pay extra for WIZZ Priority, you can also bring a trolley bag, measuring up to 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. This bag cannot exceed 10kg in weight.

What Can You Take in Cabin Luggage?

Although cabin bags may look like smaller versions of your checked luggage, there are a few key differences. The rules on what you can pack in your cabin baggage vary from those on your checked case.

There are some restrictions on what you can take in your cabin bag compared to checked luggage. These are general rules for flights departing from UK airports. Make sure you check the rules if you're starting or ending your journey in another country, as they may differ from UK airport guidelines.

Liquids, gels and creams

Most airports require them to be in containers sized 100 ml or less (pack them in a clear, sealable zip-lock bag).

Laptops, tablets and other electronics

You can bring most electronic devices, but you may have to remove them from your bag at the security scanners.

Refillable drinks bottle

Pro tip: Empty it before you go through airport security, and refill it at a water station before boarding your flight.

Power banks and devices with rechargeable batteries

Many of these are not allowed in
your checked luggage.

Food and snacks

Some destinations, like the EU, have restrictions on what you can bring, so check these rules before flying.

Stress-Free Travel With Eastpak

Ready to travel light and save on checked baggage costs? Now that we've answered "what size carry-on is allowed ?" for most major airlines, you can gear up for your next weekend break or multi-day getaway.

Pick out the perfect cabin bag and underseat bag from our extensive selection in your choice of styles and colours. Not sure where to start? If you like the classic Eastpak luggage look, check out our trusty and timeless Tranverz S suitcase. If you like the sound of an innovative, high performance case, take a look at the features of our new Resist'r Zip S case.

Find Your Perfect Luggage With Eastpak