Start with the bag included in your fare
Open your booking and look for three separate entries: a personal item under the seat, a larger cabin bag in the overhead locker and checked luggage. A suitcase advertised as cabin approved does not tell you which of these you bought.
The examples below were checked on 7 October 2026. They describe published allowances, not a promise that every ticket includes every bag. Check the operating airline for each leg, especially when a booking involves a partner airline.
Ryanair: small bag or Priority cabin baggage
All Ryanair fares include one small personal bag up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, to fit beneath the seat. A backpack that bulges beyond those dimensions may fail the bag sizer even if it feels small.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags adds one overhead bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm and 10 kg. Buying a 10 kg checked bag is a different product: that bag goes to bag drop rather than into the cabin.
easyJet: two sizes, both with a 15 kg limit
The included small cabin bag measures up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm and weighs up to 15 kg. It belongs beneath the seat, and you must be able to lift and carry it yourself.
A large cabin bag can measure up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm, also up to 15 kg. It must be booked separately or included through an eligible fare or benefit. Check your booking rather than assuming that an overhead suitcase is included.
British Airways and TAP: larger bag examples
British Airways publishes a handbag allowance of 40 × 30 × 15 cm and a cabin bag allowance of 56 × 45 × 25 cm, with up to 23 kg for each. You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the locker; the weight allowance is not a reason to pack a bag you cannot handle. Check partner-operated flights separately.
TAP publishes an Economy hand baggage allowance of one cabin piece up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm and 10 kg, plus an eligible personal item. The extra 5 cm of depth compared with Ryanair does not make the same suitcase suitable for both airlines.
Choose a bag for the strictest flight
If you fly out with easyJet and return with Ryanair using only the included small bag, pack within both sets of dimensions: 40 × 30 × 20 cm meets the size limits in these examples. Check any weight limit and the number of items too.
Measure a packed bag including handles, wheels and full pockets. Weigh it with your chargers and toiletries inside, then leave a little room for the return journey. Save the airline baggage page or booking allowance so you can check it again before departure.
Check before you go
Airline allowances, check-in deadlines and airport rules can change. Check the rules for every flight in your booking before you travel.
