Avoid Surprise Fees: Know Your FREE Bag Allowance on Budget Airlines
Planning a quick getaway to Europe? If you're flying with budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, or Vueling, it's essential to know exactly what cabin luggage is included for free – or risk hefty last-minute charges at the airport.
For travellers these rules seem to be changing all the time – in fact, Ryanair updated its cabin bag policy just this week, bringing its restrictions in line with other budget carriers like Wizz Air and Vueling. See our full guide on cabin bag size allowances across major airlines here.
Airlines Are Cracking Down
Recently, it's been widely reported that budget airlines are getting stricter about free underseat bag sizes. Some sources even claim that airline staff may be incentivised with bonuses for catching passengers with oversized luggage!
Don’t get caught out and make sure your bag fits the exact requirements, or you could be forced to pay £20-£50 to put it in the hold at the gate.
What's included for FREE?
Here’s what you’re allowed to bring for free on the most popular budget airlines:
easyJet (Standard Fare)
- Free allowance: 1 small underseat bag
- Size limit: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
- Examples from Go Places:
To bring a second (larger) cabin bag, you can either upgrade to easyJet’s Standard Plus package or simply pay to add a second cabin case or check-in bag to your booking.
Ryanair (Basic Fare)
Ryanair recently increased its free on-board bag size but the good news is that any bag meeting the old size limit will still comply with the new allowance.
- Free allowance: 1 small personal bag
- Size limit: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Examples from Go Places:
To carry a second cabin bag (like a wheelie case), you have the option to upgrade to Ryanair’s Regular fare or similar to other airlines you can also pay to add a cabin case or check-in bag.
Wizz Air & Vueling (Basic Fare)
- Free allowance: 1 small personal bag
- Size limit: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Examples from Go Places:
Want a second larger cabin bag? You can upgrade to WIZZ Smart or Vueling FLY or pay to add a cabin or check in bag.
Final Tips
Measure your bag before you travel or ensure you’ve purchased the correct size – many specialist luggage brands now design bags that meet exact airline size limits for free underseat allowances.
Pack smart – but don’t overstuff your bag! Even if the bag meets size requirements when empty, it still needs to fit easily into the airline’s baggage sizer at check in or the gate.
Double-check your booking. If you want to bring a second bag, add it in advance to avoid paying more at the airport.
Don’t risk it at the gate – last-minute fees can be high, and you may have no choice but to pay.
👉 Browse cabin-approved luggage now
Don’t pay more than you need to. Pack smart and fly stress-free!