Best Cabin Baggage 2026: Ryanair, easyJet & Budget Airline Bags Tested

Last updated: February 2026

Nothing ruins the start of a holiday quite like a gate agent waving you over to the sizing frame. I have watched grown adults try to stuff an obviously oversized holdall into that metal box while a queue of 180 passengers sighs behind them -- and I have been that person, once, at Stansted at 5am, before I learned my lesson. The difference between a stress-free boarding experience and a last-minute luggage fee often comes down to knowing your airline's cabin baggage dimensions and owning a bag that actually fits.

The problem is that every airline has different rules. Ryanair's free cabin baggage size is 40 x 30 x 20 cm. easyJet gives you 45 x 36 x 20 cm. British Airways squeezes you down to 40 x 30 x 15 cm for a personal item. And then there are the vacuum compression backpacks -- a genuinely clever idea that has exploded in popularity over the last year -- which promise to cram more clothes into less space by sucking the air out with an electric pump. I have spent weeks comparing underseat bags, foldable duffels, and vacuum backpacks to find the best cabin baggage for every major airline and budget. Here are my nine picks.

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1. Cabin Max Metz Stowaway -- Best Overall

Best for: Ryanair regulars and anyone who wants a proven, no-fuss underseat bag Avoid if: You need a bag sized for easyJet's larger 45x36x20 allowance

There is a reason the Cabin Max Metz has over 2,800 reviews on Amazon UK and remains the default recommendation in nearly every Ryanair cabin baggage guide. It just works. At 40 x 20 x 25 cm and weighing a mere 500g, the Metz fits comfortably within the free personal item allowance for Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling without a second thought. I have taken it through Ryanair's gate sizer at multiple airports and it drops in without any squeezing or negotiating.

The bag is made from RPET recycled polyester -- essentially fabric woven from recycled plastic bottles -- which gives it a slightly different texture to standard nylon but feels sturdy enough. It is splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so I would not leave it out in a downpour, but light rain or a wet airport floor will not cause problems. The suitcase-style opening is the feature that separates the Metz from cheaper rivals. The bag unzips fully flat like a small suitcase, so you can pack it in layers with the internal compression straps holding everything down. The front organiser pocket is sized for a passport, phone, boarding pass, and a small charger -- everything you need quick access to during boarding.

With over 35 colour options on the Cabin Max website (prices range from £16.95 to £24.95 depending on the colour) and a consistent Amazon UK price of around £19.95, there is plenty of choice. Cabin Max has been making cabin luggage for years and they back the Metz with a 3-year manufacturing fault warranty, which is more confidence than any of the Amazon marketplace brands below can offer.

The compromise is capacity. At 20 litres, you are packing for a weekend, not a week. There is no shoe compartment, no USB port, no laptop sleeve -- it is a deliberately simple bag that does one job well. If you want more features, read on. But if you want the most reliable underseat cabin bag that will pass every Ryanair baggage check without drama, this is it.

Pros:

• Passes Ryanair's 40x30x20 gate sizer without any squeezing or reshaping
• Suitcase-style opening makes packing and unpacking far easier than a top-loader
• RPET recycled polyester is splash-resistant and surprisingly durable for the weight
• 3-year warranty from an established cabin luggage brand
• Over 35 colour options from £16.95 to £24.95

Cons:

• 20-litre capacity is limiting for anything beyond a 2-3 night trip
• No laptop compartment, USB port, or shoe pocket -- deliberately basic
• Splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof -- not built for heavy rain
• Compression straps help but cannot compensate for genuinely overpacking

2. SZLX Vacuum Backpack -- Best Vacuum Backpack

Best for: Ryanair and Wizz Air flyers who want to squeeze more clothes into the free allowance Avoid if: You travel light already or pack mostly rigid items

Vacuum compression backpacks are the biggest trend in cabin baggage right now, and the SZLX is the one I would pick for Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm allowance. The concept is simple: pack your clothes, seal the compression chamber, and use the included electric pump to suck the air out. Soft items like t-shirts, jumpers, and underwear compress down significantly, giving you noticeably more space than a conventional bag of the same dimensions.

The SZLX measures 40 x 30 x 20 cm and comes with a small rechargeable electric pump that takes about 30 seconds to compress the main compartment. I found the compression genuinely impressive on soft clothing -- a stack of three t-shirts and a hoodie that would normally fill the bag left room to spare after vacuuming. The bag also opens suitcase-style, has a front organiser section, a USB-C charging port on the side, and a separate shoe compartment at the bottom. The water-resistant polyester/nylon blend feels solid enough for regular travel use.

At £39.99, it is double the price of the Cabin Max Metz, and that 1.0kg weight is also double. That extra weight comes from the thicker construction needed for the vacuum seal and the pump itself. For Ryanair flights where there is no weight limit on the free personal bag, this does not matter. But for Wizz Air, where the 10kg limit applies, every gram counts and you are effectively losing 500g of packing capacity compared to the Metz.

The vacuum system is not magic. Shoes, toiletry bottles, books, and electronics will not compress at all. If your bag is already half-filled with rigid items, the vacuum adds nothing. The pump also needs charging via USB-C before each trip, and if you forget, you are left with a heavy bag that does not compress. SZLX is an Amazon marketplace brand without the track record of Cabin Max, so long-term durability of the vacuum seal is an unknown.

Pros:

• Vacuum compression genuinely reduces the volume of soft clothing by roughly 30-50%
• Electric pump compresses the bag in about 30 seconds -- fast and hands-free
• Suitcase-style opening with USB-C port and separate shoe compartment
• Fits Ryanair and Wizz Air 40x30x20 free allowance
• Water-resistant construction with reinforced zips

Cons:

• At 1.0kg, it weighs double the Cabin Max Metz -- significant for weight-limited airlines
• Compression only works on soft items -- shoes, bottles, and gadgets will not shrink
• Pump must be charged before travel -- flat battery means no compression
• Amazon marketplace brand with no long-term durability data on the vacuum seal
• At £39.99, you pay a premium for the vacuum feature

3. BAGZY 2X Cabin Bag 45x36x20 for easyJet -- Best for easyJet

Best for: easyJet passengers who want two bags for the price most brands charge for one Avoid if: You fly Ryanair -- these bags are too large for the 40x30x20 free allowance

easyJet's cabin baggage allowance is the most generous among UK budget airlines: 45 x 36 x 20 cm with a 15kg weight limit, all for free. That is significantly larger than Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm, and the BAGZY twin pack is designed to squeeze every centimetre out of that allowance. You get two foldable duffel bags, each measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm and holding roughly 40 litres, for around £19.99 total. That is less than £10 per bag.

The 420D nylon feels sturdy for the price. It is not premium luggage material, but it is water-resistant and the stitching along the stress points looks reinforced. Each bag weighs approximately 400-500g, which keeps you well under easyJet's 15kg weight limit. They fold completely flat when not in use, which is a genuine advantage if you are tight on storage at home or want to pack one inside a checked suitcase as overflow capacity.

The adjustable shoulder strap is functional rather than comfortable. After 20 minutes carrying a fully loaded bag, the thin nylon strap starts to dig into your shoulder. A padded strap would have been welcome but at this price I am not going to complain loudly. There is no internal organisation to speak of -- no pockets, no dividers, just one big main compartment. You are packing into a glorified nylon box, essentially.

The value proposition here is hard to argue with. Two bags for under £20 means a couple heading to Malaga for a long weekend can both fly with a proper-sized cabin bag for less than the price of a single branded backpack. They are not beautiful. They are not clever. But they fit easyJet's dimensions perfectly, they fold flat when empty, and they hold a surprising amount of stuff.

Pros:

• Two bags for under £20 -- the best value on this list by a comfortable margin
• Sized exactly for easyJet's generous 45x36x20 free allowance
• Fold completely flat for storage when not in use
• 420D nylon is water-resistant and stitching is reinforced at stress points
• Each bag holds roughly 40 litres -- genuinely spacious for cabin baggage

Cons:

• Too large for Ryanair, Wizz Air, or Vueling's 40x30x20 free allowance
• Thin shoulder strap with no padding -- uncomfortable when the bag is heavy
• Zero internal organisation -- one big compartment with no pockets or dividers
• Foldable construction means less structure than a backpack -- the bag sags when not full
• Basic aesthetic -- these look like airport shop bags, not travel gear

4. suradar Vacuum Backpack -- Best Large Vacuum Bag

Best for: easyJet flyers who chronically overpack and want vacuum compression at the larger size Avoid if: You fly Ryanair -- this bag exceeds the 40x30x20 free allowance

The suradar takes the vacuum compression concept from the SZLX above and supersizes it to fit easyJet's more generous 45 x 36 x 20 cm allowance. If you are someone who always returns from holiday wishing you had packed less but never actually manages to, this is the bag that might save you from checking luggage.

At £39.99, it matches the SZLX on price while offering a larger frame. The rechargeable electric pump works the same way -- seal the compression chamber, press the button, wait 30 seconds. The result is a noticeable reduction in the volume of soft items. A 3D breathable back panel is a welcome comfort addition that the smaller SZLX lacks, and the waist belt helps distribute weight across your hips rather than hanging everything off your shoulders. There is also a laptop compartment, a separate shoe pocket, and a USB charging port.

The water-resistant polyester held up well to a light rain shower, though I would not trust it in sustained heavy weather. Build quality is adequate -- zips move smoothly, seams look neat, and the vacuum seal maintained compression over several hours. The 3D back panel does make a noticeable difference on comfort, particularly if you are walking any distance from the car park or train station to the terminal.

The weight is the main concern. Vacuum backpacks are inherently heavier than standard bags because of the thicker materials needed for the airtight seal and the pump mechanism. While easyJet's 15kg weight limit gives you plenty of headroom, the bag itself eats into your usable capacity. suradar is another Amazon marketplace brand with no physical presence in the UK, so if the vacuum seal fails after six months, your options for support are limited to Amazon's returns process.

Pros:

• Vacuum compression at easyJet's larger 45x36x20 size -- more capacity than Ryanair-sized options
• 3D breathable back panel and waist belt improve carrying comfort significantly
• Laptop compartment, shoe pocket, and USB port cover most travel needs
• Rechargeable pump compresses soft clothing effectively in around 30 seconds
• Water-resistant polyester with smooth-running zips

Cons:

• Heavier than non-vacuum bags -- the pump and airtight construction add weight
• Too large for Ryanair, Wizz Air, or Vueling's strict 40x30x20 free allowance
• Amazon marketplace brand with no UK customer service beyond Amazon returns
• Vacuum seal longevity is unproven -- if it fails, you have a heavy ordinary backpack
• Compression is only effective on soft clothing, not rigid items

5. SZSYCN Vacuum Backpack -- Lightest Vacuum Bag

Best for: Travellers who want vacuum compression without the weight penalty Avoid if: You need a bag larger than 40x30x20 for easyJet's allowance

At 0.6kg, the SZSYCN is the lightest vacuum compression backpack I have come across. For context, the SZLX (pick number two) weighs 1.0kg, so the SZSYCN saves you 400g -- that is nearly half a bag of sugar, which matters when you are trying to pack light for a Wizz Air flight with a 10kg cabin baggage weight limit.

The dimensions are 40 x 30 x 20 cm, putting it squarely in the Ryanair and Wizz Air free allowance bracket. It is made from high-density waterproof nylon -- a step up from the polyester blends on some competitors -- and the included vacuum pump works on the same principle as the others. Pack, seal, pump, compress. The shoe compartment and laptop pocket are present and functional, and there is a front organiser section for documents and small items.

At £45.99, it is the most expensive bag in the 40x30x20 size category on this list, which is a lot to ask for an unbranded Amazon product. The weight saving is real and genuinely useful, but I suspect it comes from thinner materials elsewhere -- the bag feels a touch less substantial than the SZLX when you handle them side by side. Whether that translates to reduced durability over time is hard to say without a year of testing.

The vacuum pump does its job. Compression on soft clothes is comparable to the SZLX, and the lighter weight makes it more comfortable to carry through the terminal. If you fly Wizz Air regularly and want vacuum compression without burning through your weight allowance on the bag itself, the SZSYCN is the logical pick.

Pros:

• At 0.6kg, it is 400g lighter than the SZLX -- the lightest vacuum backpack available
• High-density waterproof nylon feels more weather-resistant than polyester alternatives
• Fits Ryanair and Wizz Air 40x30x20 free allowance
• Shoe compartment and laptop pocket included
• Vacuum compression works effectively on soft clothing

Cons:

• At £45.99, it is the priciest bag in the Ryanair size category
• Thinner construction than the SZLX -- weight saving may come at the cost of long-term durability
• Unknown brand with no UK support infrastructure
• Vacuum pump still needs charging and adds a step to your packing routine
• 40x30x20 capacity is still limited even with compression

6. BAGZY 2X Cabin Bag 40x30x20 -- Best Budget Twin Pack

Best for: Couples or pairs flying Ryanair or Wizz Air who want two bags for under £21 Avoid if: You want any kind of internal organisation or structure

BAGZY appear three times on this list because they do one thing very well: produce foldable cabin bags at exactly the right dimensions for specific airlines, sold in pairs at prices that undercut everyone. This twin pack gives you two 40 x 30 x 20 cm duffels for around £20.39 -- again, less than £11 per bag.

Each bag holds 25 litres and weighs approximately 300-400g, making them some of the lightest options here. The waterproof nylon construction is reinforced at the seams, and there is a useful wet/dry pocket that lets you separate damp swimming gear or dirty shoes from clean clothes. Both bags have trolley-compatible straps on the back, so if you also have a checked suitcase, you can slide the duffel over the handle for hands-free wheeling through the airport.

Like the larger easyJet twin pack, these fold flat for storage. The shoulder strap is the same basic unpadded design. Internal organisation is minimal -- the wet/dry pocket is the only real feature beyond the main compartment. These are not the bags you buy if you want to feel like a seasoned traveller striding through departures. They are the bags you buy when you and your partner need to fly Ryanair to Alicante next Tuesday and realise you do not own anything that fits 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

For that very specific use case -- two Ryanair-sized bags, dirt cheap, no fuss -- they are hard to beat.

Pros:

• Two bags for around £20 -- barely more expensive than a coffee at the airport
• Exactly sized for Ryanair and Wizz Air's 40x30x20 free allowance
• Wet/dry pocket for separating damp or dirty items from clean clothes
• Trolley-compatible straps let you slide the bag over a suitcase handle
• Fold flat when not in use -- ideal for storing at home

Cons:

• No internal structure or organisation beyond the wet/dry pocket
• Unpadded shoulder strap gets uncomfortable with any significant weight
• Basic construction -- these are functional, not durable long-term travel companions
• No backpack straps -- shoulder carry or hand carry only
• Aesthetic is strictly utilitarian

7. BJLFS Vacuum Backpack -- Best for Laptops

Best for: Business travellers who need vacuum compression and a proper laptop compartment Avoid if: You do not carry a laptop and do not need the extra weight

Most vacuum backpacks include a laptop sleeve as an afterthought -- a thin pocket that technically holds a laptop but offers no real padding or protection. The BJLFS takes it more seriously with a dedicated 17-inch laptop compartment that is properly padded and separated from the main compression chamber. If you travel for work and need your laptop protected while also maximising your clothing capacity, this is the vacuum bag to consider.

At £49.99, it is the most expensive bag on this list. The 40 x 30 x 20 cm dimensions fit Ryanair and Wizz Air's free allowance, and it comes with the standard vacuum feature set: electric pump, shoe compartment, USB port, and trolley straps for hooking onto a suitcase handle. The high-density waterproof material feels solid -- this is the most substantial-feeling vacuum bag I handled.

The laptop compartment eats into packing space. A 17-inch laptop takes up a significant chunk of a 40x30x20 bag, so even with vacuum compression, you are not fitting a week's worth of clothes alongside a large laptop. For a 13-inch MacBook Air or a 14-inch ThinkPad, the trade-off is more manageable, but anyone hoping to carry a 17-inch gaming laptop plus a change of clothes is going to be disappointed.

The vacuum pump works as expected. Build quality is a notch above the cheaper options. But at nearly £50 for a bag from a brand most people have never heard of, the value proposition is stretched. The Cabin Max Metz at £19.95 plus a separate padded laptop sleeve would cost less and give you more flexibility.

Pros:

• Properly padded 17-inch laptop compartment -- not just a thin sleeve
• Vacuum compression works well for the clothing you can fit alongside the laptop
• USB port and trolley straps add genuine travel convenience
• High-density waterproof material feels more substantial than cheaper vacuum bags
• Fits Ryanair and Wizz Air 40x30x20 free allowance

Cons:

• At £49.99, it is the most expensive bag on this list
• A 17-inch laptop takes up so much space that compression benefits are reduced
• BJLFS is an unknown brand -- no UK presence or warranty infrastructure
• Heavier than the Cabin Max Metz without offering dramatically more usable space
• A simple backpack plus a separate laptop sleeve could do the same job for less

8. Ryanair Cabin Bag by Fashion by Purdashian -- Cheapest Option

Best for: One-off trips where you need a cheap Ryanair-sized bag and nothing more Avoid if: You fly regularly and want something that will last more than a handful of trips

At £11.99, this is the cheapest purpose-built Ryanair cabin bag I could find on Amazon UK that is not completely disposable. Fashion by Purdashian is a UK-based luggage brand that sells a range of budget bags through Amazon, and this basic backpack does the absolute minimum required: it measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm, it has shoulder straps, and it fits under a Ryanair seat.

The polyester construction is thin. There is no way around this -- at twelve quid, you are not getting premium materials. But the zips work, the straps are attached properly, and the water bottle holder on the side is a practical touch that several more expensive bags on this list lack. The main compartment holds around 20 litres, roughly the same as the Cabin Max Metz, and there is a small front pocket for your phone and passport.

I would not buy this bag for regular travel. The fabric will show wear quickly, the straps lack any real padding, and there is no compression system, no laptop compartment, no shoe pocket, and no organisational features beyond that single front pocket. What it does have is a price tag that makes it genuinely disposable -- if it falls apart after three trips, you have spent less than you would on a pint at the airport.

For a last-minute weekend getaway where you just need something to pass the Ryanair gate check, this does the job without pretending to be anything more.

Pros:

• At £11.99, it costs less than most airport sandwiches
• Sized at 40x20x25 for Ryanair's free underseat allowance
• Water bottle holder is a practical inclusion missing from pricier options
• UK-based brand with a range of luggage products on Amazon
• Light enough that you will barely notice the bag itself

Cons:

• Thin polyester construction will show wear after regular use
• No padding on the shoulder straps -- uncomfortable with any real weight
• Zero organisational features beyond one small front pocket
• No laptop compartment, shoe pocket, USB port, or compression system
• Build quality reflects the price -- this is a disposable bag, not a travel companion

9. BAGZY 40x30x15 Underseat Cabin Bag -- Best for British Airways

Best for: British Airways passengers who need to meet the strict 40x30x15 personal item limit Avoid if: You fly budget airlines where 40x30x20 bags are fine -- the 15cm depth is unnecessarily restrictive

British Airways passengers face the tightest personal item dimensions of any major UK airline: 40 x 30 x 15 cm. That extra 5cm depth reduction compared to Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm does not sound like much, but it eliminates the vast majority of cabin bags on the market. The BAGZY is one of very few bags I found on Amazon UK that is specifically designed to fit BA's limit.

At £16.99 for a single foldable duffel, it is reasonably priced for what is essentially a niche product solving a niche problem. The 800D high-density nylon is a step up from the thinner materials on BAGZY's cheaper twin packs -- it feels more substantial and carries a waterproof coating that inspires more confidence in wet weather. The bag holds about 20 litres, which is impressive given the slim 15cm profile.

The wet/dry pocket returns from the twin pack models, letting you separate damp items. There are detachable shoulder straps, which means you can carry it as a duffel or wear it like a backpack depending on the situation. At around 500g, it is light enough to barely register on BA's 23kg combined hand luggage weight limit.

The 15cm depth is the constraint that defines everything about this bag. You cannot fit a thick hoodie or a pair of trainers in here. Packing becomes an exercise in selecting flat, thin items. If you fly BA regularly, you learn to work within this limit. If this is your first time, prepare to leave a few things behind.

Also fits KLM's 40 x 30 x 15 cm personal item limit, making it useful for anyone flying short-haul in Europe with either airline.

Pros:

• One of very few bags specifically designed for BA's strict 40x30x15 personal item limit
• 800D high-density nylon is more durable than cheaper BAGZY twin pack models
• Waterproof coating handles rain better than splash-resistant alternatives
• Detachable straps let you carry it as a duffel or backpack
• Also fits KLM's identical 40x30x15 personal item dimensions

Cons:

• The 15cm depth severely limits what you can pack -- forget bulky items
• Only available as a single bag, not a twin pack like other BAGZY options
• Unnecessarily restrictive if you fly airlines with a 20cm depth allowance
• No laptop compartment or shoe pocket -- the slim profile leaves no room for extras
• Foldable construction means the bag loses shape when not completely full

Cabin Baggage Buyer's Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

Every Airline's Cabin Baggage Allowance for 2026

The single most important thing when buying cabin baggage is knowing the exact dimensions your airline allows for free. Get it wrong and you are paying £30-60 at the gate to check a bag that is 2cm too wide.

Here is every major UK airline's free underseat bag allowance at a glance:

The takeaway: Jet2 and TUI are the most generous -- both include a free overhead cabin bag plus a personal item. Ryanair, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and Wizz Air only give you a small underseat bag for free. easyJet's free bag is the largest at 45 x 36 x 20 cm but there is no free overhead access.

Airline-by-Airline Breakdown

Ryanair cabin baggage size 2026 -- The free personal bag is 40 x 30 x 20 cm with no strict weight limit, which is why vacuum backpacks work particularly well on Ryanair. Priority boarding (£6-36) adds an overhead bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10kg. Checked bags cost £9-45 for 10kg or £19-60 for 20kg. Dimensions include handles and wheels, and overweight Priority bags cost £11 per kg at the gate.

easyJet baggage allowance 2026 -- The most generous free underseat bag among UK budget carriers at 45 x 36 x 20 cm with a 15kg weight limit. A large overhead cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm, 15kg) comes with Up Front or Extra Legroom seats, or can be purchased separately. Checked bags cost from ~£7-43 for 23kg depending on route.

Jet2 baggage allowance 2026 -- The best overall deal. Every passenger gets a free overhead cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm, 10kg) plus a free personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm). Checked bags are 22kg from ~£21 each way, or included with Jet2holidays packages. Jet2 is the only major UK airline giving you both bags for free.

TUI cabin baggage allowance 2026 -- Similar to Jet2: free overhead bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10kg) plus free personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm). Checked baggage varies by booking type -- package holidays include 15-25kg per person, flight-only bookings may not include hold luggage. Extras cost from £14 per kg.

Vueling cabin baggage allowance 2026 -- Basic fare gets you a 40 x 30 x 20 cm underseat bag (10kg). Optima fare adds an overhead bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) and 25kg checked. Gate fees for oversized bags are brutal: €60-75 for an oversized underseat bag, €110-140 for an oversized overhead bag. Checked bag add-ons cost €18-99 online.

Emirates baggage allowance 2026 -- Economy class gets one cabin bag at 55 x 38 x 20 cm with a strict 7kg limit and no separate personal item. Business and First get two cabin items totalling 14kg. Economy checked baggage ranges from 20-35kg depending on fare class. The 7kg cabin weight limit is tighter than any budget airline.

KLM baggage allowance 2026 -- Economy gets a hand bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) plus personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm), 12kg combined. That 15cm depth on the personal item matches British Airways as the strictest in Europe. Economy Basic fares may not include an overhead bag. KLM business class allows 18kg across three cabin items. Checked bags: 23kg with Standard/Flex fares, 32kg in Business.

Aer Lingus baggage allowance 2026 -- Saver fares only include a personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm, 10kg). No overhead cabin bag unless you book Plus+ fares or pay from ~€9.99. Checked bags cost from €25 for 20kg on Saver fares. This catches a lot of people off guard -- many assume they get an overhead bag with all fares.

Wizz Air baggage allowance 2026 -- Free carry-on is 40 x 30 x 20 cm with a 10kg weight limit (unlike Ryanair which has no weight limit on the free bag). WIZZ Priority (~€5) adds an overhead trolley bag at 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Wheels and handles are excluded from dimension measurements, which is slightly more lenient than Ryanair. Checked bags cost ~£25-40 online for 20kg.

How to Choose the Right Cabin Bag

Step one: check your airline's free allowance. Everything flows from this. A bag that fits Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm will fit everywhere, but you are sacrificing capacity on airlines that allow larger bags.

Step two: decide if you need vacuum compression. If you tend to overpack soft clothing, vacuum bags genuinely help. If you pack a mix of rigid and soft items, the benefit is marginal and the extra weight is a net negative.

Step three: consider how often you will use it. For a once-a-year holiday, the Fashion by Purdashian at £11.99 is fine. For monthly travel, invest in the Cabin Max Metz or a vacuum backpack that will hold up to repeated use.

Step four: check the weight. On Ryanair, weight does not matter for the free bag. On Wizz Air, easyJet, and most full-service airlines, it does. A 1kg bag eats into your allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size cabin bag is free on Ryanair in 2026?

Ryanair allows one free personal bag per passenger with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels). It must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no strict weight limit for this bag. If you want to bring a second, larger bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 10kg) for the overhead locker, you need to purchase Priority boarding, which costs between 6 and 36 pounds depending on route and demand.

What is easyJet's cabin baggage allowance in 2026?

Every easyJet passenger gets one free cabin bag measuring up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm with a maximum weight of 15kg. This is significantly more generous than Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm. If you book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or purchase a large cabin bag add-on, you can also bring a second bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm for the overhead locker.

Are vacuum compression backpacks worth it for flying?

They can be, particularly if you tend to overpack soft items like clothing and towels. Vacuum backpacks use an electric pump to compress the bag's contents, squeezing out air so clothes take up less space. The downside is the added weight of the pump mechanism (typically 400-600g extra), the need to charge the pump before travel, and the fact that rigid items like toiletry bottles and shoes will not compress. If you mostly pack clothing for a short trip, a vacuum bag genuinely helps. If your bag is already full of hard items, you will not see much benefit.

Which airline has the strictest cabin baggage rules?

Among popular UK airlines, British Airways has the most restrictive free personal item allowance at just 40 x 30 x 15 cm -- that extra 5cm depth reduction compared to Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm makes a noticeable difference in what you can fit. Aer Lingus Saver fares are also restrictive, limiting the free bag to just 40 x 30 x 20 cm with no overhead cabin bag unless you pay extra. Ryanair and Wizz Air both allow 40 x 30 x 20 cm for free but charge for anything larger.

Can I use the same cabin bag for Ryanair and easyJet?

Yes, but only if you size it for the smaller allowance. A bag that fits Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm limit will always fit easyJet's more generous 45 x 36 x 20 cm. However, a bag sized specifically for easyJet at 45 x 36 x 20 cm will be too large for Ryanair's free allowance. If you fly both airlines regularly, buy a bag that meets the Ryanair dimensions and you will be covered everywhere.

The Verdict

For most people flying budget airlines in the UK, the Cabin Max Metz Stowaway at £19.95 is the cabin bag to buy. It is the right size for Ryanair's free allowance, it is made by a brand that has been doing this for years, it comes with a 3-year warranty, and it packs like a miniature suitcase. There is nothing fancy about it, and that is entirely the point.

If you want to fit more into the same space, the SZLX Vacuum Backpack at £39.99 is the best vacuum option for Ryanair's 40x30x20 size. The compression genuinely works on soft clothing and the build quality is solid for an Amazon brand.

easyJet flyers should grab the BAGZY 2X Cabin Bag 45x36x20 twin pack at £19.99. Two bags for under twenty quid, both sized perfectly for easyJet's generous free allowance. You will not find better value.

If you fly British Airways and need to meet the strict 40x30x15 personal item limit, the BAGZY 40x30x15 Underseat Cabin Bag at £16.99 is one of the only bags on the market that actually fits. And for anyone on an absolute shoestring, the Fashion by Purdashian Ryanair Cabin Bag at £11.99 will get you through a gate check without embarrassment.

The cabin baggage game is simple: know your airline's dimensions, buy a bag that fits, and never pay a gate fee again.

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Prices correct as of February 2026. Product prices on Amazon UK can fluctuate -- we track them daily to keep this page updated. Visit individual product pages for live price history and alerts. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.