Whether you’re planning a city break to Berlin, a cultural escape to Dubrovnik or a long weekend in Mallorca, chances are you’re taking hand luggage. But with European airline restrictions more stringent than ever, pre-planning is essential.
It’s a fine balance between maximising your carry-on space and avoiding a fee at the gate. While the best packing cubes can help, it mostly comes down to having the right size bag. Confusingly, every European airline has different rules which are often subject to change. For example, Ryanair – a famously strict carrier – recently reduced its ‘small personal bag’ down to just 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
British Airways, on the other hand, generously offers both a personal bag and a carry-on case in its tickets (KLM, Norwegian, Iberia and Air France all provide this, too). Wizz Air only allows a small underseat bag, while EasyJet offers a slightly larger personal bag. You can upgrade your ticket to include a larger carry-on bag, but it’s always cheaper to do this ahead of time rather than at the airport.
“Having a clear policy for cabin bags makes the boarding process faster and more efficient for customers by reducing potential delays and inconvenience for passengers caused by needing to offload extra bags and stowing them in the hold, if there isn’t room for them onboard,” Antonio Shabbir from EasyJet’s customer service team, explains. “There are a number of factors that inform this, including space on board and weight limits to align with safety and industry standards.”
Ahead of summer 2026 trips, here’s your full guide to European airlines’ hand luggage restrictions, including the best bags to buy.
Read more: Travelling with hand luggage only? All the packing hacks to know, according to frequent flyers
EasyJet
- Free personal item: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
- Standard cabin size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (upgraded)
Ryanair
- Free personal item: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm
- Standard cabin size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (priority ticket)
Wizz Air
- Free personal item: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm
- Standard cabin size: 55cm x 40cm x 23cm (priority ticket)
Jet2
- Free personal item: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm
- Standard cabin size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (included)
TUI
- Free personal item: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm
- Standard cabin size: 55cm 40cm x 20cm
British Airways
- Free personal item: 40cm x 30cm x15cm
- Standard cabin size: 56cm x 45cm x25cm (included)
Air France
- Free personal item: 40cm x 30cm x 15cm
- Standard cabin size: 55cm 40cm x 23cm (included)
Ecohub cabin bag
Complies with: EasyJet
Dimensions: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
EasyJet allows a slightly larger personal ‘underseat’ bag as its competitors. This affordable bag from Ecohub meets the requirements, with its zipped design ensuring you don’t get caught out at the gate for overpacking. Complete with both shoulder straps and a cross-body for easy carrying, the brand claim its waterproof, too.
Buy now £16.00, Amazon.co.uk
Narwey bag
Complies with: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI
Dimensions: 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
This bag goes viral every summer – and it’s not hard to see why. Affordably priced at less than £15, the luggage bag features a zip for keeping belongings securely stowed away and shoulder handles for carrying with ease. There’s a side zip for your passport or headphones, and users have testified that it packs in far more than it looks.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
Aerolite underseat backpack
Complies with: British Airways, Air France
Dimensions: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm
British Airways and Air France’s hand luggage restrictions allow for both a personal bag and a larger cabin size. This means the personal bag size is smaller than other budget airlines. Aerolite’s rucksack fits the brief, boasting an 18l capacity and adjustable padded straps. Alongside the main interior, there’s a zipped outer pocket for small items.
Buy now £19.00, Amazon.co.uk
M&S Mykonos hard shell suitcase
Complies with: EasyJet
Dimensions: 55cm x 35cm x 21cm
This M&S hard shell case will see you roll through the airport gate with ease if you’ve upgraded your ticket on EasyJet. Available in four sleek colours, the retailer is rivalling the likes of Antler and Away when it comes to stylish suitcases.
Buy now £60.00, Marksandspencer.com
Antler cabin suitcase
Complies with: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI
Dimensions: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
Antler is the suitcase brand you likely see all over your social media feeds. Combining pure practicality with stylish colourways and chic matte finishes, its cases are durable and sturdy enough to make the price a little more palatable – I’ve got three Antler cases and they’ve not failed me yet. Now’s the time to snap up this generously sized carry-on case, as it’s currently on sale.
Buy now £136.00, Antler.co.uk
Carl Friedrik the carry-on
Complies with: British Airways, Air France
Dimensions: 56cm x 37cm x 23cm
Carl Friedrik has been spotted in both Succession and The White Lotus, thanks to its premium looking luggage that drips in quiet luxury. This silver case with a tan strap is my preferred hand luggage for British Airways flights. Instead of fiddly zips, the case boasts lock closures which help me close the case with ease, despite it being packed to the brim.
Buy now £445.00, Carlfriedrik.com
