Hand Baggage Allowance for easyJet and Ryanair: A Complete Guide

1. Overview of Hand Baggage Allowances

Ryanair and easyJet are two of the most popular airlines within Europe, yet both impose fees for checked baggage. As a result, travelers often strive to maximize their carry-on luggage. To effectively utilize your hand baggage, it’s crucial to understand the allowable dimensions and weights permitted in the cabin.

2. Complexity of Baggage Policies

The baggage policies of both Ryanair and easyJet have become increasingly intricate. Ryanair has amended its guidelines, permitting a second smaller bag alongside the standard baggage, which remains one of the smallest in the industry. Therefore, the hand baggage you typically use for another airline may not be accepted on a Ryanair flight. There may still be instances where a flight attendant or ground staff may impose a fee for even permitted bags. EasyJet, on the other hand, offers more lenient rules, although they have also introduced two maximum sizes for baggage, ultimately beneficial for travelers under their new guaranteed hand baggage allowance.

3. Ryanair and easyJet Hand Baggage Details

Here are the current hand baggage restrictions for these budget airlines:

• Ryanair
  Hand Baggage Allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.6″ x 15.7″ x 7.8″)
  Weight: 10kg
  Second Bag Allowance: One small bag of up to 35cm x 20cm x 20cm (13.7″ x 7.9″ x 7.9″).
• easyJet
  Hand Baggage Allowance: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″)
  Weight: Unlimited.
  Second Bag Allowance: None.

4. Understanding Ryanair’s Small Baggage Allowance

The hand baggage allowance on Ryanair flights is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.6″ x 15.7″ x 7.8″) plus one small bag of up to 35cm x 20cm x 20cm (13.7″ x 7.9″ x 7.9″). Travelers should be aware that many bags marked as ‘carry on’ might be too large for Ryanair’s regulations. If your luggage exceeds these dimensions, you may incur additional fees, and even compliant bags may attract charges at the discretion of staff.

5. Comparison to Other Airlines’ Baggage Allowances

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) standard hand baggage allowance, adopted by most other airlines, including Jet2 and British Airways, is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″). However, there is considerable variation among allowances, therefore, it’s wise to verify specific guidelines to avoid unexpected surprises.

6. Recommended Bags for Budget Airline Travel

Several cases are suitable for flights across Europe, including those with Ryanair and easyJet. Bags designed to meet the strict dimensions are essential for a stress-free boarding experience.

Cabin Max Barcelona Bag

This bag is specifically designed for both easyJet and Ryanair flights, with dimensions printed directly on the case. It fits the guaranteed baggage allowance as per easyJet’s standards.

Dimensions: 50cm x 40cm x 20cm Weight: 750g

Cabin Max Capital Bag

This bag is designed with additional pockets to help organize travel essentials, while the Barcelona bag (previously mentioned) maintains a more rectangular shape and holds more.

Dimensions: 50cm x 40cm x 20cm Weight: 700g

Stratic Agravic Trolley

This German-produced case is ideal for Ryanair flights, being lightweight yet firm to prevent sagging, which can lead to baggage issues. Additionally, the wheels do not extend the case’s length.

Dimensions: 48.5cm x 36cm x 20cm Weight: 2kg

Antler Aeon Air Small Cabin Trolley Bag

Although smaller than some bags, its reasonable weight is a significant advantage, ensuring it meets the needs of travelers without compromising on shape.

Dimensions: 45cm x 34cm x 20cm Weight: 2.4kg

Ryanair Approved Samsonite Cabin Bag

Ryanair has begun offering bags compliant with their stringent hand luggage regulations. While precise size and weight details remain undisclosed, this bag could serve well for travel.

Dimensions: Unknown