Nothing ruins the start of a holiday like paying £40+ at the gate because your bag is 2 cm too big. Here are the cabin bag limits of the airlines most UK travellers use, and what to look for in a cabin suitcase that works on all of them.
Quick answer: a 55 x 40 x 20 cm suitcase fits the paid cabin allowance of every major UK airline. For a free under-seat bag, stay within 40 x 30 x 20 cm (Ryanair) or 45 x 36 x 20 cm (easyJet).
Cabin bag size limits by airline
| Airline | Free small bag (under seat) | Large cabin bag (overhead) |
|---|---|---|
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm, up to 15 kg | 56 x 45 x 25 cm, up to 15 kg (paid / Up Front, Extra Legroom, Plus) |
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg (Priority & 2 Cabin Bags) |
| Jet2 | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (small personal item) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm, up to 10 kg (included) |
| British Airways | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (handbag / laptop bag) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm, up to 23 kg (included) |
| TUI | – | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg (included on most fares) |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg (Wizz Priority) |
Airlines change their rules from time to time and limits can differ by fare. Always check your booking before you fly. Sizes include wheels and handles.
How to choose a cabin suitcase that fits every airline
- Measure the outside, including wheels and handles. Many "55 cm" cases are 57–58 cm with the wheels. If it says 55 x 40 x 20 cm all-in, it fits almost everywhere.
- Weight matters too. Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI allow 10 kg. A light case (2–2.8 kg) leaves more room for your clothes.
- Hard shell or soft? Hard shell (ABS or polycarbonate) protects fragile items and wipes clean. Soft cases squeeze into tight sizers and often have handy front pockets.
- Four spinner wheels are much easier to push through airports than two wheels.
- TSA lock lets US security open the case without breaking the lock.
- Expandable zip: useful on the way home, but the case may no longer fit the sizer when expanded.
- Laptop compartment: great for business trips – you can take the laptop out at security without unpacking.
Our cabin suitcases
We sell cabin suitcases from brands like COOLIFE and LEVEL8 – many are open-box returns that have never been used, at a fraction of the high-street price.
Carry On Suitcase 55cm Laptop Compartment LEVEL8
Cabin Suitcase 55x40x20cm Hard Shell TSA COOLIFE
Carry On Suitcase 20 Inch Hard Shell COOLIFE
See all suitcases and travel bags →
Frequently asked questions
What size is a cabin bag in the UK?
The most common cabin bag size is 55 x 40 x 20 cm. easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways allow slightly bigger bags (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
Is a 55x40x23 cm suitcase allowed on Ryanair?
No. Ryanair's large cabin bag limit is 55 x 40 x 20 cm, so a 23 cm deep case could be sent to the hold for a fee.
Do wheels count in the cabin bag size?
Yes. Airlines measure the full outside size, including wheels, handles and pockets.
What is the free bag size on easyJet?
easyJet's free under-seat bag can be up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels.
Read also: New, Open-Box or Used? What our condition grades mean
