Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and BA: Exact 2026 Hand Luggage Rules and Sizes

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There is a specific kind of anxiety that sets in at the airport departure gate. You’ve successfully navigated security, your passport is in hand, and you’ve even managed to find a seat near your gate. But then, you see it: the metal “measuring cage” and a ground crew member with a clipboard.

As we move into 2026, airlines have become more sophisticated and stringent with their cabin bag policies. What used to be a “standard” carry-on size is now a maze of “personal items,” “large cabin bags,” and “priority” tiers. To help you avoid those eye-watering last-minute fees (which easyJet warns will apply if your bag is over the limit), we have broken down the exact rules for the UK’s four biggest carriers.

1. easyJet: The Under-Seat Specialist

easyJet’s strategy is simple: keep the overhead lockers clear for those who pay for them.

• The Free Bag: Every passenger is entitled to one small under-seat cabin bag free of charge.
• The Dimensions: It must be no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels).
• The Weight: Surprisingly generous, the limit is 15kg, but there is a catch—you must be able to lift and carry it yourself.
• Large Cabin Bags: If you want an overhead bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm), you must either book a specific seat or pay to add it to your flight. Doing this online is always cheaper than at the gate.

2. Ryanair: The Efficiency Kings

Ryanair is famous for its strictness, and 2026 is no different. They offer multiple tiers to suit your budget, but the “free” option is tight.

• The Small Bag (Free): All fares include one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front. The size limit is 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
• Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: If you pay for Priority, you get the small bag plus a 10kg overhead bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm). This also gets you in the faster boarding queue.
• Infant Perks: While infants (8 days to 23 months) don’t get their own cabin bag, Ryanair allows a 5kg baby bag(45 x 35 x 20 cm) for the adult carrying them, plus two items of baby equipment for free.

3. Jet2: The Customer Favorite

Jet2 often wins points for including a bit more in their standard ticket, but they still have clear boundaries.

• The Small Bag: You can bring one small under-seat bag (handbag, laptop bag, or airport purchase) no larger than 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
• The Cabin Bag (Included): Unlike the budget rivals, Jet2 generally includes a 10kg hand luggage allowance as standard. This bag can be up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
• Family Friendly: They allow a collapsible pushchair, car seat, or travel cot to be checked in for free.

4. British Airways: The Premium Approach

As a full-service carrier, BA offers the most generous allowances, but they are increasingly looking at bag counts on crowded flights.

• The Handbag/Laptop Bag: One small bag up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm. This is “guaranteed” in the cabin because it fits under the seat.
• The Cabin Bag: One larger bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm. While this is free, BA warns that on busy flights, you may be asked to put this in the hold for free if the lockers are full.
• The “Power Lift”: You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead locker unassisted. If you can’t, it’s going in the hold!

Humanizing the “Packing Puzzle”

Why are the rules so different? For the airlines, it’s about “turnaround time.” If a flight takes an extra 10 minutes to board because passengers are struggling to find space for oversized bags, it costs the airline thousands in fuel and airport fees.

For you, the traveler, it’s about avoiding the “Gate Fee.” These fees are often double or triple the price of pre-booking a bag online.

Our Top Tips for 2026:

• Measure Twice, Pack Once: Don’t trust the tag on your suitcase that says “Cabin Approved.” Manufacturers often measure the shell of the bag, but airlines measure the wheels and handles.
• The Soft-Sided Advantage: Using a high-quality rucksack instead of a hard-shell trolley case often allows you to “squish” the bag into a measuring frame if it’s a tight fit.
• Wear Your Heavy Gear: If your bag is slightly over the weight limit, wear your heaviest coat and boots onto the plane.
• Check the Partner Airline: If you’re flying BA but the flight is operated by American Airlines or Iberia, the rules of the operating airline apply. Always check your itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Travel in 2026 is about being a savvy consumer. By knowing your airline’s specific numbers, you take the power back from the clipboard-wielding gate staff. Pack smart, measure accurately, and spend that “saved” gate fee on an extra gelato at your destination instead.