Jet2 vs Ryanair Baggage: One-Week Holiday Cost Breakdown
What You Get Free: The First Big Difference
Jet2 and Ryanair take opposite approaches to baggage. Jet2 includes both an under-seat bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) and a full overhead cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 10 kg) on every fare, with no add-ons required. Ryanair gives you just the under-seat piece (40 × 30 × 20 cm) unless you pay for Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, which adds the overhead slot (55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg). For a week's holiday, that difference shapes everything — your packing strategy, your airport stress level, and whether your 'cheap' ticket actually ends up cheaper.
Free Allowances Side by Side
| Airline | Under-Seat Bag | Overhead Cabin Bag | Hold Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on | Paid add-on |
| Jet2 | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 10 kg | Paid add-on |
Cabin Baggage for a Seven-Day Trip
A week in the sun demands careful choices. With Jet2, you can split your kit between two bags — toiletries and a change of clothes under the seat, the bulk overhead. That's 66 litres total if you max out both. Ryanair's free allowance stops at the under-seat bag, which holds roughly 24 litres in practice. For most travellers, that means either travelling exceptionally light or paying Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on.
If you do buy Priority on Ryanair, you're still capped at 10 kg, versus Jet2's identical weight but with the under-seat piece as a bonus. The dimensional difference is slight — Jet2's overhead measures 56 × 45 × 25 cm, Ryanair's 55 × 40 × 20 cm — but Jet2's extra vertical centimetre and the guaranteed inclusion make packing less of a Tetris puzzle.
For Ryanair-compliant under-seat bags that actually hold a week's essentials, our Ryanair Underseat Cabin Travel Bag (40 × 25 × 20 cm) is a popular choice. Pair it with compression packing cubes and you'll surprise yourself. We cover the technique in how to pack a 4-day Lisbon trip in a 40×30×20 underseat bag — the same principles stretch to seven days if you're disciplined.
Hold Luggage: Where the Maths Gets Interesting
Neither airline includes hold luggage on a basic fare. Ryanair charges around £15–£45 per 20 kg bag depending on route and booking timing; Jet2's pricing is similar but tends to creep lower on package holidays. If you're booking flights and accommodation separately, expect comparable costs. The real win with Jet2 is that you might avoid hold baggage altogether, thanks to the generous cabin allowance. Ryanair's model assumes you'll either travel very light or pay for Priority and/or a checked bag.
For a detailed breakdown of hold baggage across UK airlines, see our hold baggage allowances compared guide.
Gate Fees and Enforcement
Ryanair enforces size limits rigorously. Turn up with an oversized under-seat bag and you'll pay £70–£75 to check it. Jet2 is more forgiving — No gate fine — an oversize or overweight bag goes in the hold, and gate charges cost more than pre-booking — but you won't face a punitive charge at the gate. Busy flights may see your overhead bag moved to the hold free of charge, which is stressful but not financially painful.
This difference in culture matters. Ryanair's model is built on upsells; Jet2's is built on inclusive simplicity. If you're the sort who forgets to measure your bag, Jet2 is the safer bet.
One-Week Holiday: Two Scenarios
Scenario A: Cabin baggage only
You pack light, wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane, and fit everything into carry-on.
- Ryanair: Free under-seat bag only. Tight but possible for minimalists. Cost: £0 baggage.
- Jet2: Under-seat plus overhead. Comfortable for most travellers. Cost: £0 baggage.
Scenario B: One checked bag
You want room for beach towels, gifts, or simply prefer not to ration socks.
- Ryanair: Priority (£6–£20) + 20 kg hold bag (£15–£45). Total: £21–£65 per person.
- Jet2: 22 kg hold bag (£18–£45, depending on route and timing). Total: £18–£45 per person.
For a couple travelling together, Jet2's inclusive cabin bags can save £40–£100 on a return trip, even if both end up checking a bag anyway. The Jet2 baggage allowance hub page has current hold luggage pricing by route.
Which Airline for Your Next Week Away?
If you're comfortable packing a strict capsule wardrobe into 40 × 30 × 20 cm, Ryanair's rock-bottom fares can't be beaten — just check the total after baggage add-ons. If you value simplicity, hate gate-drama, or travel with anything beyond absolute essentials, Jet2's inclusive model is quietly brilliant. You'll also find Jet2's allocated seating (free for families, modest fee otherwise) and complimentary snacks a pleasant change from Ryanair's transactional vibe.
For more on Jet2's full baggage rules, cabin and hold, visit our Jet2 baggage allowance guide. If you're still weighing up Ryanair's free allowance, Ryanair 40×30×20 cabin bag: which bags actually fit will help you choose the right kit.
FAQ
Q: Can I take two cabin bags on Jet2 without paying extra?
A: Yes. Every Jet2 passenger gets one under-seat bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) and one overhead cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 10 kg) included in the ticket price, regardless of fare type.
Q: Is Ryanair's Priority & 2 Cabin Bags worth it for a week's holiday?
A: If you can pack everything into 55 × 40 × 20 cm plus a small under-seat bag, it usually costs less than checking hold luggage. But remember the combined weight allowance is only 10 kg, so a full week's kit can be tight.
Q: Which airline is stricter about bag sizes at the gate?
A: Ryanair measures bags more consistently and charges £70–£75 for non-compliant luggage. Jet2 is less rigid and rarely charges at the gate, though oversized bags may be moved to the hold on busy flights.
Q: Does Jet2 include hold luggage on all tickets?
A: No. Hold luggage is an optional add-on (typically 22 kg for around £18–£45 depending on route and season). But because Jet2 includes two cabin bags free, many travellers find they don't need to check anything at all.
If you're leaning towards Ryanair and need an under-seat bag that'll squeeze every last centimetre, our Easyjet Underseat Cabin Bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) is designed to slip under the strictest sizers. Pair it with our best underseat cabin bag guide and you'll fly Ryanair without the gate-fee anxiety.
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.
Also worth reading: TUI Hand Luggage Allowance: Package Holiday Cabin Rules 2026
