Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Given Date to Allow Two Free Bags

EU Cabin Baggage Rules 2026: What the Changes Really Mean

European cabin baggage rules have been the subject of considerable debate in 2026, particularly over whether budget airlines should allow passengers to carry more hand luggage without paying extra.

However, some headlines have created confusion. Proposals, regulatory enforcement and existing passenger rights are not the same thing, and travellers should not assume that every airline must now provide two free cabin bags.

European rules and court decisions have long recognised that reasonable hand baggage is an important part of air travel. The debate centres on what qualifies as reasonable hand baggage, how airlines can charge for larger items and how clearly those charges must be presented.

For passengers flying with Ryanair, easyJet or Wizz Air, the safest approach is still to check the baggage allowance included in the specific fare before travelling.

UK passengers should also pay attention to their departure airport and itinerary. EU passenger protection rules can apply to flights departing from EU airports, including when the passenger lives in the UK. However, the precise application of baggage rules depends on the relevant legislation and its implementation.

The key point is simple: do not assume that regulatory developments automatically entitle you to a second free cabin bag.

Current Free Allowances: What You Get Today

Here is how the three major budget airlines currently structure their cabin baggage allowances:

All three airlines allow a small personal bag that fits underneath the seat in front, subject to their published dimensions and conditions.

The main differences concern larger bags stored in the overhead locker.

Ryanair generally requires Priority or another eligible fare option for an additional overhead cabin bag. Wizz Air follows a similar approach through WIZZ Priority and eligible packages.

easyJet includes a small under-seat bag with its standard fare, but a larger cabin bag is not automatically included with every ticket. Passengers may need to purchase the relevant option or hold an eligible fare or membership benefit.

Always check the allowance shown on your booking confirmation rather than relying on a general description of the airline.

Will EU Baggage Rules Change What You Can Carry?

The European debate concerns passenger rights, baggage charges and transparency when booking flights.

There have been proposals to strengthen passengers' rights to carry a personal item and reasonable hand baggage without additional charges. However, proposals and political agreements should not be treated as rules already in force.

Until an applicable legal change takes effect, passengers should continue to follow the baggage conditions attached to their tickets.

This means checking whether their fare includes:

• A small personal item under the seat.
• A larger cabin bag in the overhead locker.
• A checked suitcase.
• Any additional baggage benefits purchased separately.

The distinction matters because airlines use different names for similar baggage categories.

For example, a bag described as "cabin luggage" by a retailer may be too large for an airline's free under-seat allowance, even though it is small enough to travel in the aircraft cabin.

The most reliable approach is to compare the bag's actual external dimensions with the airline's published allowance.

What UK Travellers Should Do Now

Whether you are flying from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or another UK airport, choosing the right bag can help you avoid unnecessary charges.

• Know your airline's exact limits. Ryanair's free 40 × 30 × 20 cm allowance is smaller than easyJet's 45 × 36 × 20 cm allowance. A bag within Ryanair's 40 × 30 × 20 cm limit also fits easyJet's 45 × 36 × 20 cm dimensions. Our guide to a bag that fits all airlines explains how to choose a practical bag for several popular carriers.
• Measure wheels and handles. External dimensions generally include protruding parts, so a bag that looks small enough may still exceed the airline's limit. Read do wheels count in cabin bag size before travelling.
• Avoid overpacking. Soft-sided bags can expand beyond their stated measurements when filled. Our article on maximising underseat bag space explains how to pack efficiently.
• Compare fare bundles. Sometimes paying for a larger cabin bag in advance is cheaper than dealing with excess baggage at the airport. See our guides to Ryanair Priority and easyJet Plus.

For travellers who want a compact option, our Bordlite Underseat Cabin Bag 40×30×20 is designed around the free personal-item dimensions used by Ryanair and Wizz Air and also fits within easyJet's larger free under-seat allowance, provided its actual external measurements remain within the stated size.

Check the product page for the current price, colour availability and full specifications.

Flights Outside the EU: What Applies?

The rules that apply to a flight can depend on its departure point, destination, operating airline and the relevant passenger protection legislation.

For UK travellers, Brexit does not mean that all European passenger rights cease to apply when flying to or from Europe.

However, it is important to distinguish between general passenger rights, consumer protection requirements and the specific baggage conditions offered by an airline.

UK-based airlines may also offer different baggage packages.

British Airways generally includes 40 × 30 × 15 cm, up to 23 kg and 56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 23 kg, subject to the conditions of the booking.

Jet2 generally includes 40 × 30 × 20 cm under the seat and 56 × 45 × 25 cm, up to 10 kg in the overhead locker, subject to its published baggage policy.

These allowances are airline policies rather than evidence that every carrier is legally required to provide the same baggage entitlement.

Always consult the operating airline's official baggage information before departure.

Why Cabin Baggage Charges Are Being Debated

Cabin baggage charges have become a major issue because the price advertised at the beginning of a flight search may differ significantly from the final amount paid.

A low headline fare can increase once passengers add luggage, seat selection or other optional services.

Consumer protection concerns arise when essential information is unclear, charges are difficult to compare or passengers do not understand what is included before booking.

European policymakers and consumer organisations have therefore focused on improving transparency and examining the limits of additional baggage charges.

For travellers, clearer rules would make it easier to compare the real cost of flights across different airlines.

But until any applicable changes are implemented, passengers should not rely on proposed rules when deciding how much luggage to bring.

How to Avoid Baggage Fees on Any Airline

You do not need to wait for legislation to make smarter baggage choices.

These practical habits can help reduce the risk of unexpected charges:

• Choose a bag for your airline's free allowance. A 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag is a useful option for Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet, although other airlines may have different limits.
• Measure your bag when fully packed. Soft bags can expand, and handles, pockets and wheels may count towards the external dimensions.
• Wear bulky clothing where practical. Wearing a coat rather than packing it may save space, but always follow the airline's rules for additional personal belongings.
• Use packing cubes. Organising clothing into compact sections can make a small under-seat bag easier to pack.
• Pack toiletries efficiently. Smaller travel containers can save space and weight. Check the security restrictions at your departure airport.
• Purchase additional baggage before arriving at the airport. If you need a larger bag, compare the online price with the airline's airport and gate charges.
• Do not assume gate checking is always free. Airlines may place compliant cabin bags in the hold for operational reasons, but oversized or unauthorised baggage can attract additional fees.

Our full guide to avoiding airline baggage fees covers more ways to travel without unnecessary baggage costs.

The Practical Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Cabin baggage policies are likely to remain an important issue for European airlines and regulators.

Travellers should expect continued attention to transparent pricing, baggage definitions and passenger rights, but should distinguish between proposed reforms and enforceable rules.

For now, the most useful information is still the allowance included with your particular ticket.

Before booking or travelling, check:

• Whether your ticket includes a free under-seat bag.
• Whether a larger overhead cabin bag is included.
• The exact maximum dimensions and weight.
• Whether your bag's wheels and handles are included in the measurements.
• The cost of purchasing extra baggage in advance.

If you regularly travel with different airlines, compare the current Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air allowances before choosing a bag.

A well-sized under-seat bag can help you travel more economically without relying on uncertain future rule changes.

FAQ

Q: Will Ryanair be forced to give everyone two free bags?

A: Do not assume so. European baggage rights have been debated and proposals have been made, but the rules applicable to your journey depend on the legislation in force. Ryanair currently includes a free 40 × 30 × 20 cm personal item, while its larger 55 × 40 × 20 cm generally requires an eligible fare or additional purchase.

Q: Does this affect flights from UK airports after Brexit?

A: The answer depends on the specific rules and journey. EU passenger rights can apply to flights departing from EU airports, including for UK residents. Flights departing from the UK are also subject to relevant UK rules. Always check the current legal position and the operating airline's baggage policy.

Q: Can I bring a 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag on Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air for free?

A: Yes, a bag within those external dimensions fits the published free personal-item size limits of these three airlines, subject to their other conditions. Ryanair and Wizz Air use a 40 × 30 × 20 cm limit, while easyJet allows up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm.

Q: What happens if I arrive at the gate with two bags but haven't paid for an additional cabin bag?

A: If your fare only includes one small personal item, the airline may charge you for the additional bag or require it to travel in the hold. Charges vary by airline, route and booking conditions. Check the applicable fees before travelling rather than assuming a fixed penalty.

Q: Does easyJet include a large cabin bag for free?

A: Not on every fare. A small under-seat bag is included as standard, but a larger overhead cabin bag normally requires an eligible fare, purchased option or qualifying membership benefit.

Q: Can airlines still charge for oversized cabin baggage?

A: Yes. Passengers who exceed the baggage allowance included in their booking may face additional charges. Proposed or revised passenger rights should not be interpreted as permission to ignore an airline's published size and baggage conditions.

Q: Should I wait for new EU baggage rules before buying a cabin bag?

A: There is no need to wait if you already know which airlines you use. Choose a bag that meets their current published free allowance and check the rules again before each journey. A compact 40 × 30 × 20 cm under-seat bag is a practical choice for travellers using Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air.

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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.