Flying with easyJet and not sure what hand luggage and baggage you can bring? The easyJet baggage allowance catches people out — especially when charges vary depending on your fare type, when you book, and which route you’re flying.
This guide covers everything: cabin bag dimensions, hold luggage prices, fare comparisons, sports equipment, family travel, and how to avoid unexpected baggage fees.
What Is Included in the easyJet Baggage Allowance?
Every easyJet passenger — regardless of fare type — is entitled to one small cabin bag at no extra cost. This is the only piece of luggage included as standard with your ticket.
Your free small cabin bag must meet these requirements:
- Maximum dimensions: 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels)
- Weight limit: 15 kg
- Storage: must fit under the seat in front of you
- Style: small backpack, handbag, laptop bag, or compact holdall
There is no additional personal item allowance on easyJet. Unlike some airlines that allow a handbag plus a carry-on, easyJet includes just the one underseat bag as standard. Everything else — from a large hand luggage bag to hold luggage — comes at an additional cost or as part of a higher fare.
Large Cabin Bag: How to Get One and What It Costs
If your small underseat bag is not enough, you can add a large cabin bag to your booking. This goes in the overhead locker and gives you considerably more packing space.
Large cabin bag dimensions: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels)
You can get a large cabin bag in the following ways:
- Purchase it separately when booking or afterwards via the easyJet app or website
- Book a FLEXI fare — the large cabin bag is included
- Hold an easyJet Plus membership — the large cabin bag is included on every flight
Note: Up Front and Extra Legroom seats no longer include the large cabin bag. easyJet removed this benefit in June 2023. If you book one of these seats and want a large cabin bag, you need to add it separately.
If you have added a large cabin bag to your booking, you can bring it alongside your small cabin bag — two bags in total in the cabin.
Large Cabin Bag Prices
| When purchased | Typical price |
|---|---|
| At booking (online) | £6–£12 |
| After booking (Manage Booking) | £8–£20 |
| At the airport | £40–£50 |
Always add the large cabin bag at the time of booking — airport prices are three to four times the online rate.
What Happens If You Bring an Unbooked Bag to the Gate?
Any bag brought to the boarding gate that falls outside your booked allowance will be placed in the hold and you will be charged a gate fee. This is one of the most common and most avoidable baggage fees on easyJet. Always check your booking confirmation before you travel.
What Happens When the Cabin Is Full?
If the overhead bins fill up before you board, easyJet will take your cabin bag at the gate and put it in the hold free of charge. You collect it at baggage reclaim. This sounds fine until you realise you cannot access it during the flight — so keep any valuables, medication, or electronics in a smaller bag you keep with you.
Passengers with FLEXI fares, Up Front and Extra Legroom seats, and easyJet Plus membership all get priority boarding, which means first access to the overhead lockers.
Recommended Cabin Bag
The Cabin Max Metz 30L is designed specifically for easyJet’s 45 x 36 x 20 cm underseat allowance. At 0.5 kg it maximises packing space while staying within size limits. Opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, with a padded laptop compartment. Made from showerproof 600D recycled polyester. See our full guide to cabin bag backpacks for more options.
easyJet Hold Luggage: Weights, Sizes, and Prices
Hold luggage (also called checked baggage) is not included with any standard easyJet fare — it must be purchased separately, or it comes bundled with a FLEXI fare. For a comparison of how easyJet’s checked baggage costs stack up against other UK airlines, see the UK airline baggage comparison.
Hold Bag Options
| Option | Weight | How to Book | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light hold bag | 15 kg | Online only | From £6.99 one way |
| Standard hold bag | 23 kg | Online, phone, or airport | £9.49–£50.00 online; £50 at the airport |
| Heavy hold bag | Up to 32 kg | Add extra weight in 3 kg increments online | £15 per 3 kg upgrade |
Key Hold Luggage Rules
- Maximum bags: you can check in up to 3 hold bags per person
- Maximum size per bag: 275 cm total (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight per bag: 32 kg (no single item can exceed this)
- Weight pooling: passengers on the same booking can share their combined hold weight allowance — one person can check a heavier bag while another checks a lighter one, as long as the total stays within the booked allowance
- 15 kg option: available online only — cheaper if you are packing light
Adding Extra Weight
If you have already booked a hold bag and realise you need more room, you can add extra weight online only, in 3 kg increments, at up to £15 per 3 kg per item per flight, up to the 32 kg maximum.
Excess Baggage Fees at the Airport
If your bag is heavier than your pre-booked allowance at check-in, you will pay £12 per kilogram, per item, per flight. This applies up to the 32 kg maximum — bags over 32 kg will not be accepted.
Pre-booking extra weight online is significantly cheaper. Always weigh your luggage at home with a luggage scale before you travel.
easyJet Fare Types and Their Baggage Allowances
Your baggage entitlement depends heavily on which fare and seat type you have booked.
Standard Fare
- 1 x small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
- No large cabin bag
- No hold luggage
- All extras purchased separately
Up Front or Extra Legroom Seat
- 1 x small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
- Priority boarding (included)
- No large cabin bag — must be purchased separately
- No hold luggage — must be purchased separately
easyJet removed the free large cabin bag from these seats in June 2023. You still get priority boarding, which means earlier access to the overhead lockers, but the large cabin bag is now a separate purchase on top of the seat cost.
FLEXI Fare
- 1 x small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
- 1 x large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) — included
- 1 x 23 kg hold bag — included
- Speedy boarding
- Fast-track security at selected airports
- Dedicated bag drop
- Seat selection
- Unlimited free flight changes within a 14-day window
- Complimentary in-flight refreshments
Inclusive Plus Fare
- 1 x small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
- 1 x large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) — included
- Hold luggage — included
- Additional premium benefits
easyJet Plus Membership
easyJet Plus costs £249 per year and includes:
- 1 x small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
- 1 x large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) — included on every flight
- Speedy boarding on every flight
- Dedicated bag drop
- Fast-track security at selected airports
easyJet Plus is a paid annual membership rather than a fare type, so these benefits apply to all flights booked during your membership period. It pays for itself if you fly easyJet 10 or more times per year.
Flying With Sports Equipment on easyJet
Sports equipment is classified separately from standard hold luggage and requires a specific handling fee on top of your standard baggage allowance. Prices vary by item type and route — the figures below are indicative.
Standard Sports Equipment (Max 20 kg)
Includes golf clubs, skis, and snowboards.
- Online price: from £42 per item, per flight
- Airport price: from £52 per item, per flight
Large Sports Equipment (Max 32 kg)
Includes bicycles (must be boxed or bagged) and surfboards.
- Online price: from £50 per item, per flight
- Airport price: from £60 per item, per flight
You are limited to one piece of sports equipment per passenger, and a maximum of 6 items per booking can be purchased online. If you need more, contact easyJet’s customer service team directly.
As with all easyJet extras, booking online is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Flying With Musical Instruments on easyJet
How you transport a musical instrument depends on its size:
- Small instruments (e.g., violin, ukulele) can be carried as your free small cabin bag or as your purchased large cabin bag, provided they fit within the relevant size limits
- Larger instruments up to 30 x 117 x 38 cm can travel in the cabin, but you will need to purchase a separate seat for the instrument. The instrument including its case must not exceed 75 kg. Additional safety requirements must be met
- Hold check-in is available at standard checked luggage rates if you prefer to check an instrument into the hold
Baggage Allowance for Babies and Children
Infants on Your Lap (2 Weeks to 24 Months)
If your infant is seated on your lap rather than in their own seat, you are entitled to bring:
- 1 x additional baby changing bag (up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you
Infants With Their Own Seat
Infants with a booked seat receive the same hand luggage allowance as an adult passenger, plus a baby changing bag. However, passengers on higher fares who already have a second cabin bag are not entitled to an additional bag for the infant.
Children Over 2 Years Old
Children over 2 with their own seat have the same hand luggage allowance as adult passengers.
Free Items for Infants and Children
For every infant or child travelling with you, easyJet allows up to 2 of the following items to be checked into the hold for free, in addition to your standard cabin bag allowance:
- Travel cot
- Pushchair or buggy
- Car seat
- Booster seat
- Baby backpack carrier
These items are checked into the hold at no charge — they do not use your hold luggage allowance.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Must go in carry-on (not hold):
- Spare lithium batteries
- Power banks and portable chargers
- E-cigarettes and vapes
Must go in hold luggage (not carry-on):
- Sharp objects (scissors over 6 cm, knives, etc.)
- Tools
- Sporting bats and clubs
Liquids rule:
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less
- All containers must fit in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (approximately 20 x 20 cm)
- Some airports now have new security scanners that may allow larger liquid containers — check your departure airport’s current rules before travelling
Additional permitted items (not counted towards your bag allowance):
- Overcoat or jacket
- Umbrella
- Mobility aids (walking stick, crutches, wheelchair)
- One standard-sized duty-free bag
How to Save Money on easyJet Baggage Fees
Always pre-book your baggage online. Every type of luggage — from large cabin bags to hold bags to sports equipment — costs significantly more at the airport than when purchased in advance.
Beyond that:
Choose the right hold bag weight. The 15 kg hold bag (online only) is cheaper than the standard 23 kg. Do not pay for weight you will not use.
Pool your weight allowance. Passengers on the same booking can share their combined hold weight. One person can pack heavier while another packs lighter, as long as the total stays within the booked allowance.
Consider a FLEXI fare. If you need a large cabin bag, hold luggage, and seat selection, a FLEXI fare may work out cheaper than buying each extra individually on top of a standard fare.
Weigh and measure before you leave home. Airport scales are where surprises become expensive. A luggage scale costs a few pounds and can save you £12 per kilo in excess baggage fees.
Wear your heaviest items. Bulky coats, boots, and heavy layers do not count towards your baggage allowance when you are wearing them.
Use packing cubes. They will not reduce your weight, but they help you use every centimetre of a small cabin bag efficiently.
easyJet vs Ryanair: Baggage Allowance Comparison
easyJet and Ryanair are the two main low-cost carriers from the UK. Here is how their baggage allowances compare:
| easyJet | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|
| Free bag included | Yes — 45 x 36 x 20 cm | Yes — 40 x 20 x 25 cm |
| Free bag placement | Under seat | Under seat |
| Large cabin bag | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (paid add-on, FLEXI, or easyJet Plus) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (Priority or paid add-on) |
| Hold bag from | £6.99 online | £8.99 online |
| Weight pooling | Yes (same booking) | No |
| Excess weight fee | £12/kg | £11/kg |
easyJet’s free bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) is noticeably larger than Ryanair’s (40 x 20 x 25 cm), which makes packing for a short trip significantly easier. See the full UK airline baggage comparison for Jet2, British Airways, TUI, and Wizz Air.
What Size Bag Fits easyJet’s Hand Luggage Rules?
For the free small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm): look for bags marketed as “underseat” or “personal item” size. Small backpacks, compact holdalls, laptop bags, and tote bags typically work well. See our picks for the best cabin bag backpacks.
For the large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm): most standard cabin-size suitcases are designed to fit this allowance. Look for bags described as “cabin approved” and always check that the stated dimensions include wheels and handles — many listings show body dimensions only.
For a broader range of options including hard-shell and soft suitcases, see our guide to the best luggage for travel.
easyJet Baggage Allowance: Quick Reference Summary
| Baggage type | Dimensions | Weight | Included with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cabin bag | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 15 kg | All tickets (free) |
| Large cabin bag | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 15 kg | FLEXI fare, easyJet Plus, or purchased separately |
| Hold bag (light) | 275 cm total (L+W+H) | 15 kg | Online purchase only |
| Hold bag (standard) | 275 cm total (L+W+H) | 23 kg | FLEXI fare or purchased separately |
| Hold bag (max) | 275 cm total (L+W+H) | 32 kg | Add 3 kg increments to standard bag |
| Sports equipment (standard) | N/A | 20 kg max | From £42 online / £52 airport |
| Sports equipment (large) | N/A | 32 kg max | From £50 online / £60 airport |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easyJet hand luggage size?
The free easyJet hand luggage allowance is 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels) with a 15 kg weight limit. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you. If you want to use the overhead locker, you need to purchase the large cabin bag add-on (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
Can I take a rucksack on easyJet?
Yes. A rucksack is one of the best options for easyJet’s underseat allowance because soft bags compress slightly and are easy to push under the seat. Your rucksack must fit within 45 x 36 x 20 cm when packed. Many passengers find a 25–30 litre backpack is the sweet spot for this allowance.
What happens if my hold bag is overweight at the airport?
If your checked bag exceeds your pre-booked weight limit at check-in, you will be charged £12 per kilogram over the limit, up to the absolute maximum of 32 kg. Bags over 32 kg will not be accepted. Weighing your luggage at home with a luggage scale before you leave is far cheaper than paying excess fees at the airport.
Can I bring two bags on easyJet for free?
No. The free allowance is one small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) only. To bring a second cabin bag, you need to purchase the large cabin bag add-on, book a FLEXI fare, or hold easyJet Plus membership.
How much does it cost to add hold luggage on easyJet?
Hold luggage prices vary by route, season, and how far in advance you book. A 15 kg bag starts from £6.99 online, while a 23 kg bag starts from £9.49 online. Booking at the airport costs around £50 per bag regardless of route.
Can I take a handbag and a cabin bag on easyJet?
Only if the handbag is your one small cabin bag (fitting within 45 x 36 x 20 cm), or if you have booked a large cabin bag — in which case you can bring both the large cabin bag and a small underseat bag. You cannot bring a handbag in addition to a full-size cabin bag without paying extra.
What is easyJet’s weight pooling policy?
Passengers on the same booking and flight can pool their total hold luggage weight allowance. If two passengers have each booked a 23 kg bag (46 kg total), one could check a 28 kg bag and the other an 18 kg bag, as long as the combined total does not exceed 46 kg and no single bag exceeds 32 kg.
Does easyJet weigh cabin bags?
The small cabin bag has a 15 kg weight limit and must be light enough for you to place in the overhead locker yourself. Cabin bags are not routinely weighed, but bags that are visibly too heavy or too large may be flagged at the gate.
Can I check in a pushchair or car seat for free?
Yes. For every infant or child on your booking, easyJet allows up to 2 items (from a list including pushchairs, car seats, travel cots, booster seats, and baby backpack carriers) to be checked into the hold at no charge.
How do I avoid gate baggage charges?
Check your booking confirmation before you leave for the airport and make sure you are only bringing bags within your booked allowance. If you are on a standard fare, that means one small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm). Surprises at the gate almost always come from passengers who assumed extras were included, or who added luggage to one leg of a return trip but not both.
Related
Other Airlines
- Wizz Air Baggage Allowance
- Ryanair Baggage Allowance
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Jet2 Baggage Allowance
- TUI Baggage Allowance
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
