At the gate, a bag that is two centimetres too big can cost more than the flight. Low-cost airlines let everyone bring a small bag for free and charge for anything larger, and the limits differ from one airline to the next. Here are the published sizes for Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, what the extra bag costs and how to work out whether it is cheaper to add it online. We also explain what the EU changes from October 2027.
The free bag at three airlines
Every passenger can bring one small bag that goes under the seat in front. The limits are close but not identical, and the weight limits differ.
| Airline | Free small bag | Weight | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | not stated in the bag policy | Ryanair bag policy |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm including handles and wheels | up to 15 kg | easyJet cabin bags |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | up to 10 kg | Wizz Air cabin baggage |
Wizz Air does not count handles in the size, but wheels may add no more than 5 cm. Ryanair's policy page lists the size only. Both easyJet and Wizz Air say the free bag has to fit under the seat in front of you.
The larger cabin bag
A second, larger bag for the overhead locker is an extra at all three airlines.
- Ryanair: Priority & 2 Cabin Bags lets you bring the small bag plus a 10 kg bag of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and includes priority boarding.
- easyJet: a large cabin bag of up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 15 kg, which comes with Speedy Boarding.
- Wizz Air: a trolley bag of up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 10 kg, sold as part of WIZZ Priority.
Wizz Air's page says the trolley bag is only available with WIZZ Priority and does not give a price. The page names no fee, so look at the price shown during booking.
What it costs (checked 10 October 2026)
Ryanair's fees page lists the small bag as free, both at booking and later. For anything above that, the following applies.
Ryanair's fees page gives ranges: Priority & 2 Cabin Bags costs EUR/GBP 12.49 to 36 when added at booking and EUR/GBP 19.99 to 45.50 later. Customers without priority who bring a 10 kg bag to the gate pay a fee of EUR/GBP 46 to 75 or can have it refused. easyJet says on its cabin bag page that a large cabin bag costs GBP 60 at the gate and is always cheaper online.
The same page adds another route at Ryanair: a customer without priority who has not added a bag can still buy a 10 kg check-in bag at the airport bag drop for EUR/GBP 35.99. Wizz Air says only that exceeding the dimensions leads to extra fees and names no amount.
Worked example: two travellers, one return trip, two trolley bags each way
Two people want a trolley bag on both flights, so 4 bag-flights in total.
- Ryanair, added at booking: 4 times EUR 12.49 equals EUR 49.96 at the low end, 4 times EUR 36 equals EUR 144 at the high end.
- Ryanair, 10 kg bag at the gate: 4 times EUR 46 equals EUR 184 at the low end, 4 times EUR 75 equals EUR 300 at the high end.
- easyJet, large bag at the gate: 4 times GBP 60 equals GBP 240. Online it is cheaper, but the page gives no figure.
The gap between booking and the gate is the point. At the lowest published prices it is EUR 134.04 for the whole trip.
What the EU changes from October 2027
A new EU regulation changes this, but only later. Under the text of Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, in force for flights from 23 October 2027, airlines must let passengers take a personal item into the cabin at no extra cost. A personal item means unchecked baggage up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm or one that fits under the seat in front. Airlines must also, subject to cabin capacity, allow a piece of hand baggage, and fares that include it must be shown by default before booking starts. Airlines may still offer a cheaper option for people who choose to travel without hand baggage. If a bag has to go in the hold for reasons such as safety, capacity or a change of aircraft, this has to happen at no further cost. Until then each airline's own rules apply.
Where tripprice fits
Our flight providers include Kiwi, eSky and Trip, each with vouchers and cashback where available. Before you pay, check which bag the fare includes. Fares with a cabin bag are often listed separately from the cheapest one.
Step by step
- Measure your bag with handles and wheels and weigh it full.
- Look up the airline's current limits before you pack, not at the airport.
- If your bag is larger than the free one, compare the online extra with the gate price.
- Add the bag at booking if you know you need it.
- Take a small bag that really fits under the seat if you want to travel on the free allowance.
- Compare the total with bag, not the base fare, between airlines.