Budget airline passengers are frequently tripped up by cabin baggage restrictions. On busy flights, it's not unusual to witness the dreaded bag measuring device appear, and exceeding the limit by even a single centimetre can result in hefty charges for checking your luggage at the departure gate.

Adding to the confusion, cabin bag dimension requirements are constantly updated, meaning even frequent travellers can be caught unawares. It's important to verify the permitted cabin bag dimensions included with your ticket shortly before departure to prevent any complications at the gate. Also, buying extra baggage when booking your flight works out considerably cheaper than paying at the airport, so ensure you've booked the required amount beforehand.

Ryanair has gained a reputation for rigorously enforcing baggage dimension rules, and if you're bringing a bag aboard, you should definitely measure it carefully before heading to the airport.

However, there's good news for Ryanair travellers: the complimentary underseat bag included in its standard fare can now be slightly bigger. Previously, this compact bag needed to fit within a frame measuring 40 x 25 x 20 cm, but from summer 2025 it can now measure up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

These complimentary bags must fit underneath the seat ahead of you, and typically, passengers bring a handbag, laptop case, or compact backpack. Technically, these small bags have no weight restriction as long as they slide beneath the seat, though travellers must be capable of carrying and managing them independently. Flight attendants may notice if items are unusually heavy.

Travellers also have the option to purchase a second cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20cm, which comes with a 10KG weight restriction. This luggage needs to be lifted into the overhead compartment, so consider this when filling your case. Those preferring checked luggage can add a 10KG, 20KG, or 23KG bag to the aircraft hold. Costs vary based on destination and availability.

The budget carrier easyJet is known for rigorously checking baggage dimensions, with many orange measuring frames positioned throughout terminals enable customers to verify their luggage size. However, measuring packed bags at home beforehand allows for necessary adjustments.

Every easyJet passenger receives one complimentary small underseat cabin bag as standard. This may measure up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm, and easyJet specifies it mustn't surpass 15KG in weight. Travellers also have the choice to reserve a second cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm maximum, including handles and wheels. As an added perk, booking a second bag grants you priority boarding.

During the booking process, passengers can pay for up to three checked bags weighing 15KG, 23KG, or an huge 32KG. Certain airports provide a twilight bag drop service for those catching early flights, allowing you to check in your luggage the evening before and proceed directly to security in the morning.

Regardless of whether you've arranged a package holiday with Jet2 or simply booked a flight, the cabin baggage allowances remain the same. Passengers receive a small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20cm, which must fit beneath the seat, and the fare also covers a 10KG piece of hand luggage up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Remember, measurements must include handles, wheels, and any other attachments.

Package holidays include 22KG of checked baggage, though flight-only bookings allow you to add checked luggage for an additional charge. Travellers can purchase up to three bags weighing 22KG each, ideal for those who prefer not to pack lightly.

Families travelling with young children can also bring a collapsible pushchair, car seat, and/or travel cot at no extra cost.

British Airways (BA)'s economy basic fare permits a handbag and a cabin bag. The handbag must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 15cm and fit comfortably beneath the seat ahead, whilst cabin bags are permitted up to 56 x 45 x 25cm.

Nevertheless, BA can only guarantee accommodation for the smaller item onboard. If there's a shortage of overhead storage space, your cabin bag might be placed in the hold.

BA provides various checked baggage options, varying according to your flight route and available classes. Economy with checked bag permits a 23KG hold bag, and unusually for airlines, BA enforces size restrictions on checked bags at 90 x 75 x 43cm.

Passengers travelling business or first class enjoy considerably more generous allowances.

Passengers who've made a flight-only booking with TUI Airways receive complimentary hand luggage weighing up to 10KG, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm. Additionally, travellers may bring a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, which must fit beneath the seat ahead.

TUI stresses that passengers must be capable of lifting their hand luggage into overhead storage compartments unassisted. Passengers have the option to include a checked bag during the flight booking process, with costs varying based on the route and availability.

Nevertheless, if travellers book a package holiday through TUI and fly with its carrier, then 20KG of checked baggage is included in the price. Certain holiday categories, including TUI BLUE or cruise packages, offer a 25KG baggage allowance, so it's advisable to review your booking confirmation prior to departure.