Michael Turner
Immediate rule: one under-seat personal item per passenger is included with the fare, maximum external size 45 x 36 x 20 cm. This fits under the seat in front, holds travel documents, small electronics, medication.
Second, larger roller or cabin-style case for overhead racks is only permitted when a fare type includes that entitlement or when an overhead-bag option is bought during booking. Maximum external dimensions for that item are 56 x 45 x 25 cm, wheels and handles included; otherwise the oversized item will be tagged and transported in the hold at gate, fees apply.
Fee guidance: purchasing the overhead allowance during booking typically costs from roughly £6–£30 depending on route and timing; airport purchase is usually more expensive. Seat upgrades that include the larger case (for example Up Front or extra-legroom seats on many routes) can be a cost-effective alternative when planning to bring a second bag.
Packing checklist: measure external dimensions of every piece before travel, use a soft-sided case to gain a few centimetres of flexibility, keep passports, prescriptions, chargers in the under-seat item, weigh bags prior to departure to avoid surprises at check-in.
If gate staff determine a larger item does not meet the permitted allowance it will be placed in the hold with a tag; keep valuables and essential documents in the included personal item to retain access during the flight.
Recommended packing rules for this low-cost carrier
Recommendation: bring one small under-seat item (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm) free; to bring a larger overhead wheeled bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) purchase a bag allowance, select Up Front/Extra Legroom seat, or book a FLEXI fare.
Avoid overweight fees by choosing a suitcase with integrated scale; see best luggage with built in scale for tested options.
For the under-seat item, prefer a compact waterproof pack sized to the 45 x 36 x 20 cm limit; model recommendations available at best small waterproof backpack.
Carry-all configuration tips
Distribute weight: electronics, valuables in the under-seat pack; heavier garments in the wheeled case. Keep liquids in a single clear 1-litre bag, each container ≤100 ml. For quick documentation or inflight photos bring a lightweight camera; budget pick: best digital camera for 10000 rupees.
If overhead lockers fill, larger wheeled cases may be gate-checked; purchase priority boarding or add-on allowance early to reduce the risk of forced gate check and related fees.
Bring one small personal item plus one standard carry-on only when priority boarding or a large-bag add-on is included; otherwise only the small under-seat item is included free, with larger roll-aboard subject to gate-check.
Sizing limits
Small personal item: maximum 45 x 36 x 20 cm, must fit under the seat in front. Standard carry-on (when allowed): maximum 56 x 45 x 25 cm, must fit in the overhead locker. No published strict weight limit for these pieces, but each must be liftable into the locker by the traveller without assistance.
How allowances apply within one reservation
Allowances are applied per passenger fare. If at least one traveller on the booking has priority boarding, that traveller alone receives the standard carry-on allowance alongside the small under-seat item. Purchasing priority, an Up Front seat, Flexi fare, or a dedicated large-bag add-on for each traveller who needs a larger piece is required for everyone who wants both items. A single paid add-on does not extend the larger-bag right to other passengers on the same reference.
If the standard carry-on is carried without the required add-on, the carrier may request gate-checking at no extra charge, with collection at the destination reclaim belt. To avoid unexpected gate-checking, add priority or the large-bag option during booking, or upgrade before airport arrival; fares for these extras vary by route and booking date.
Pack medicines, travel documents, valuables in the small under-seat item. Measure items before travel, label them with booking reference, and arrive early to improve chances of overhead locker space when travelling without priority.
Size and placement rules: under-seat personal item vs overhead carry-on
Recommendation: Keep one small under-seat personal item, maximum external dimensions 45 x 36 x 20 cm, stowed beneath the seat in front for immediate access; purchase a larger overhead allowance to bring a 56 x 45 x 25 cm bag when the ticket includes priority boarding, a seat upgrade, or a paid large-bag option.
Under-seat requirements: Item must fit completely under the seat without protruding into the aisle; recommended contents include travel documents, essentials, electronics for security screening; liquids must follow the 100 ml per container limit held within a single 1 litre clear resealable bag.
Overhead-bay rules: Larger carry-on permitted only with the specific allowance noted on the booking; external size limit 56 x 45 x 25 cm, must be stored in the overhead bin above the assigned row; no published airline weight limit for cabin placement, though items must be liftable by one person; sharp objects should be placed in hold baggage prior to boarding.
Packing tips: Measure bags before travel using external dimensions; pack heavy items near wheels for lower centre of gravity; keep electronics in the under-seat item for faster security removal; buy priority or large-bag add-ons online to avoid higher gate fees; choose a soft-sided case for easier compression into overhead bins.
Gate enforcement: Staff will check bag dimensions at boarding; oversized pieces will be tagged for hold transfer with applicable fees; gate procedures vary by carrier, so review the ticket allowance printed on the booking before departure.
What happens at boarding: gate checks, bag scans and enforcement tips
Keep one small personal item under the seat and the larger overhead bag within the booking allowance to avoid last-minute gate removal or fees.
Gate staff use a rigid template to check dimensions; oversized items are either tagged for hold or refused entry to the cabin. Random or targeted scans for prohibited articles may occur at the gate when security personnel request a secondary screening – this includes X-ray or hand-inspection of suspicious items. If an item is sent to the hold at the gate, a baggage receipt is issued; retain that receipt for claims or collection at arrival.
Typical enforcement flow: boarding-group scanning of passes verifies entitled allowance, visual inspection for obvious oversize, template measurement for borderline bags, then either onboard approval or gate-check tagging. Low-cost carriers commonly charge an immediate gate fee for unprepaid checked items; typical range: £40–£60 or equivalent at the airport, depending on carrier and route.
Proactive steps: prepay any extra bag allowance during online check-in, purchase priority boarding when available, compress soft-sided bags to pass the template, and keep liquids/electronics easily accessible to speed secondary inspection. Photograph bag dimensions and contents before arriving at the airport to support disputes if gate staff claim non-compliance or damage occurs after gate check.
| Scenario | Likely gate action | Recommended immediate response |
|---|---|---|
| Visible oversize at boarding | Measurement template; tag for hold if too large | Accept gate-check if unavoidable; move valuables to the small personal item; keep receipt and photo evidence |
| Extra bag beyond allowance | Denied cabin stowage; on-the-spot charge or refusal | Prepay online where possible; otherwise pay gate fee or consolidate contents into the permitted items |
| Flagged for prohibited item | Secondary screening by security; possible confiscation | Comply with screening; remove items from the bag and accept disposal if necessary |
| Random gate scan | Quick X-ray or hand search; cleared or flagged | Present boarding pass and bag tag; keep electronics ready for inspection |
| Late arrival at gate with bag | Higher chance of forced gate-check to speed boarding | Board earlier when possible; accept gate-check to avoid missed flight; request fragile tag if needed |
If disputing a fee or damage after arrival, escalate with photos, the gate-issued receipt number, and the booking reference to the carrier’s customer service. For through-checked connections, confirm transfer procedure at the gate to avoid misplaced items.
When payment or upgrade is required: add-ons, fare types permitting a larger carry-on, low-cost options
Purchase priority boarding or select a fare that explicitly includes a larger carry-on at booking; this usually yields the lowest fee.
Fare types that typically include a large carry-on: Flexi fares, Up Front seat purchases, Extra Legroom seat bundles, season-ticket or corporate bundles that list a 56 x 45 x 25 cm allowance.
- Buy at time of booking: cheapest; typical add-on prices range from £6 to £25 on short routes, higher on long-haul or last-minute flights.
- Add during online check-in: moderate price; expect a premium over booking rates.
- Purchase at airport or at gate: highest price; some routes charge £30–£55 for a last-minute carry-on upgrade.
- Priority/Speedy boarding bundle: includes large carry-on in most fare structures; price varies by route.
Low-cost tactics:
- Fit essentials into a permitted small-item sized bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm); avoids any fee.
- Use a soft-sided bag that compresses into the under-seat space when measured.
- Buy a single small hold bag if weight allows; checked baggage fees for small items can be cheaper than last-minute carry-on charges.
- Purchase add-ons during booking via the carrier website or app; third-party sites often charge higher service fees.
Timing tips: pay for an upgrade at booking to lock a lower rate; monitor price during sales or promotional emails from the carrier for cheaper priority bundles; pre-purchase before airport arrival to avoid premium charges.
FAQ:
Can I bring a handbag plus a cabin bag on easyJet?
Yes. Your fare includes one small item that must fit under the seat in front of you (maximum 45 x 36 x 20 cm) — this is typically used for a handbag, small backpack or laptop bag. If you want to bring a larger cabin bag (maximum 56 x 45 x 25 cm) that goes in the overhead locker, you must have a qualifying seat or product (for example Up Front or Extra Legroom, an easyJet Plus card, or a FLEXI fare) or add the larger cabin bag allowance to your booking for a fee. There is no published strict weight limit for carry-on items, but bags must be possible to lift into the locker. Oversized or extra items may be checked at the gate and could incur a charge.
