Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
We’ve all been there pre-flight – just how strict are easyJet with hand luggage?
It’s a question we’re often asked by our members, so here’s the latest which came into effect February 2021…
easyJet are quite strict and state that unless you pay for additional luggage, you’ll be limited to one small bag with dimensions no bigger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm. They say your bag must fit in the sizer and so be easily stored underneath the seat in front of you.
So, don’t try to get through the gate with a medium-sized suitcase, but from my experience flying countless times with easyJet a medium-sized backpack or holdall does the trick, and will fit nicely underneath the seat in front of you.
With that being said, nobody knows exactly how strict they are going to be on the day you travel – and so if you’d rather play it safe we can recommend this ‘Maximum Allowance’ backpack on Amazon which has been designed with their free limits in mind, and is surprisingly roomy.
easyJet’s hand luggage policy depends on your fare, and if you don’t upgrade from the standard option you’ll be limited to the following:
Free allowance – 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any wheels or handles with no weight limit)
This is certainly doable if you’re travelling light.
If you’re not travelling light and feel like you need to upgrade from the standard fare for the extra hand luggage, you’ll be allowed to bring a full-sized bag on board as follows:
Full-size hand luggage allowance – 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including any wheels or handles with no weight limit)
If so, here’s a great solution which fits perfectly within their limits.
I use this suitcase myself not only for easyJet, but Jet2 and BA too (who have the same limits) and you can check out the Flight Knight Maximum Allowance Suitcase on Amazon.
You’ll also be able to bring on board the smaller bag, as defined above for the free allowance.
Like all major airlines, easyJet allow liquids in your hand luggage as long as they are contained with a volume of no more than 100ml.
In addition to this, all liquids must be held in a transparent, resealable plastic bag.
This is probably the most common question when it comes to easyJet’s hand luggage.
And there’s only one simple answer.
They have rules which you must adhere to, otherwise you risk having to pay a penalty.
You’ll find pages and pages of opinions online, with a whole range of stories on whether people got away with an extra centimetre or not – but the truth is you’ll never know until the day.
If your bag is checked and doesn’t fit in the sizer, you’ll be forced to pay extra.
With all that said – if you are to take the risk with a slightly oversized bag – make sure your bag is soft-edged, like a backpack or holdall for instance.
They’re a lot more “hand luggage friendly”, and it’s unlikely you’ll be stopped in the first place.
But if you do get checked, just make sure there’s enough leeway in your bag to be able to squeeze it into the sizer if needs be.
Besides, no ones’s stopping you from having a tight fit!
If you’re risking it with a slightly over-sized bag, then checking in online absolutely makes a difference.
By doing so you’re more likely to get through the gate before boarding.
By not checking-in online, you give yourself a better chance of being asked questions at the easyJet desk!
Besides, you should always check-in online if you plan on taking hand luggage only for your holiday.
This way you’ll have plenty of time to get tackle security and relax in the airport.
If you’re travelling light, not wanting to take any risks and looking to maximise your free allowance, check out our favourite Underseater designed especially for this purpose.
If you’re looking for a great value, full-size carry on which fits perfectly within easyJet’s larger cabin bag limits, we recommend this Maximum Allowance Suitcase on Amazon.
It comes with a variety of colours to choose from, and has fantastic reviews (I can vouch for it too).
What’s more, it’s also the perfect size for flights with Jet2, British Airways and more.
If after reading this post you are now thinking about paying to have your luggage placed in the hold, here’s the deal:
The price of your checked-in baggage depends on your destination and where you book.
Online the costs starts at around £10, compared to the bag drop desk where you’ll have to pay around £40.
It is therefore advisable to book online at the time you book your flights.
If you don’t buy checked baggage, a fee of around £50 per item will be charged at the gate – plus any additional excess baggage charges where applicable.
For more details you can check out easyJet’s terms and conditions and scroll down to “bags” at the bottom of the page here.
Rules are rules, and you’re vulnerable to easyJet’s hand luggage policy if you don’t have a bag within their limits.
It is of course best to comply, but if your bag is only slightly over the limits, is soft-sided like a backpack or holdall, then there’s a very good chance you’ll get away with it!
I need to have a medical equipment bag as well as my cabin bag do easyJet allow this ?
Hi Mick,
Yes, please find more info here:
https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/boarding-and-flying/medicine-medical-conditions-and-equipment
Henry