easyJet Small Cabin Bag: What Genuinely Fits 45×36×20

Every easyJet passenger gets one free small cabin bag that must fit under the seat in front. The official limit is 45 × 36 × 20 cm, up to 15 kg, which is noticeably more generous than Ryanair's stingy allowance. The extra depth and width make packing for a long weekend far easier — but you still need a bag that genuinely fits, because easyJet will check at the gate if you've pushed your luck.

This guide explains what actually works, what the airline measures, and which bags give you the most usable space without risking a £48–£60 fine.

What easyJet Allows Free

easyJet's free small cabin bag allowance is 45 × 36 × 20 cm, up to 15 kg. That single bag must fit under the seat in front of you throughout the flight. If you want to use the overhead locker, you'll need to pay for a larger cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 15 kg), either as an add-on, through a FLEXI fare, an Inclusive Plus fare, or with easyJet Plus membership. More on that in our easyJet hand luggage allowance guide.

The small bag's 15 kg weight limit is rarely enforced — easyJet doesn't routinely weigh under-seat bags — but it's there in the policy, and if your bag looks visibly overstuffed or you're struggling to lift it, you may be asked to check it.

How easyJet Measures Your Bag

easyJet measures the entire bag, including wheels, handles, pockets and any protruding parts. If your bag has chunky wheels or a large external pocket, those dimensions count. Unlike some airlines that only measure the main body, easyJet's sizers and gate staff will measure the bag as it stands.

The sizers at the gate are not always used, but when they are, the measurement is unforgiving. If your bag doesn't slide in easily, you'll be asked to check it into the hold and pay the £48–£60 fee — far more than the cost of adding a large cabin bag when you book.

Bags That Actually Fit 45 × 36 × 20 cm

Because easyJet's under-seat allowance is wider and deeper than Ryanair's, you have more options. Here are real bags that fit comfortably:

All of these bags leave a comfortable margin below easyJet's 45 × 36 × 20 cm limit, so even if the sizer is slightly warped or the bag is packed full, you won't have a problem. The trolley option is particularly useful if you're carrying heavier items or travelling with young children.

What You Can Actually Pack

The 45 × 36 × 20 cm, up to 15 kg allowance is enough for:

• A long weekend (3–4 days) with careful packing
• A short work trip with a laptop, charger, documents and one change of clothes
• A day trip or overnight stay with room to spare

You won't fit a week's worth of clothing, but with packing cubes and rolled garments, most people can manage Friday to Monday without needing the overhead locker. For more on stretching your packing, see our guide on how to maximise underseat bag space.

easyJet vs Ryanair and Wizz Air

Here's how easyJet's free allowance compares to the two other big budget carriers:

easyJet's free bag is the most generous of the three. The extra 5 cm of width and the larger weight limit (15 kg vs 10 kg on the others) make a real difference when you're packing shoes, toiletries or a laptop. If you fly all three regularly, a bag sized 40 × 30 × 20 cm will work across the board — see our guide to a bag that fits all airlines.

What Happens at the Gate

easyJet's gate staff will challenge bags that look obviously oversized, especially during busy periods when overhead space is tight. If your bag doesn't fit the sizer, or if it's blocking the aisle or won't slide under the seat, you'll be asked to gate-check it. The fee is £48–£60, paid by card at the desk.

To avoid this:

• Don't overstuff your bag so it bulges beyond its stated dimensions
• Remove any items clipped to the outside (coats, umbrellas, duty-free bags)
• Be ready to compress or repack if challenged

If you know you'll need overhead space, it's cheaper to add a large cabin bag when you book. Our easyJet Plus worth it? article explains when that membership makes sense.

Do Wheels and Handles Count?

Yes. easyJet measures the bag in its travelling state, including wheels, handles, buckles and external pockets. This is covered in detail in our article on whether wheels count in cabin bag size. If you're buying a wheeled bag, check the total dimensions, not just the main compartment.

One Bag That Works Everywhere

If you want a single bag that fits easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and most other European carriers, choose something sized 40 × 30 × 20 cm or smaller. The Bordlite Underseat Cabin Bag (40×25×20 cm, £10.48) is a safe, universal choice that leaves margin on every airline and still offers around 20 litres of usable space.

For more on the difference between under-seat and overhead bags, see personal item vs cabin bag.

FAQ

Q: What size is the easyJet small cabin bag?

A: easyJet's free small cabin bag must measure no more than 45 × 36 × 20 cm, weighing up to 15 kg. It must fit under the seat in front of you.

Q: Does easyJet weigh under-seat bags?

A: Not routinely. The weight limit is 15 kg, but easyJet rarely weighs small cabin bags unless the bag looks obviously overloaded or you're struggling to carry it.

Q: Can I take a handbag and a small cabin bag on easyJet?

A: No. easyJet allows one free small cabin bag only. A handbag, laptop bag or duty-free purchases must fit inside that one bag, or you'll need to pay for a large cabin bag to use the overhead locker.

Q: What happens if my bag is too big at the easyJet gate?

A: If your bag exceeds 45 × 36 × 20 cm or doesn't fit the sizer, easyJet will ask you to check it into the hold. The gate fee is £48–£60, which is much more expensive than adding a large cabin bag when you book.

For a full breakdown of easyJet's cabin and hold baggage rules, visit our easyJet airline hub.

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Airline baggage rules and fees change frequently and can vary by route, travel date and when you book. Always check the airline's current official baggage policy before travelling.