Navigating low-cost airline baggage rules can feel like walking a tightrope. One centimeter too big, or one kilogram too heavy, and a cheap flight suddenly becomes expensive.
EasyJet is known for its strict enforcement of cabin bag sizes, but their policy is actually quite flexible if you know how to work it.
Quick Policy Summary: easyJet Baggage at a Glance
Before you pack, check this table to see exactly what you are entitled to based on your ticket type.
| Baggage Type | Dimensions (Max) | Weight Limit | Who gets it? |
| Small Cabin Bag | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 15kg | Everyone (Free) |
| Large Cabin Bag | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 15kg | Paid add-on, easyJet Plus, or FLEXI fare |
| Hold Luggage (Small) | Total size < 275cm | 15kg | Paid add-on (Online only) |
| Hold Luggage (Standard) | Total size < 275cm | 23kg | Paid add-on |
| Hold Luggage (Large) | Total size < 275cm | 32kg | Paid add-on |
1. Cabin Baggage Rules: What You Can Bring on Board
EasyJet splits hand luggage into two strict categories. Mixing them up is the most common reason passengers get fined at the gate.
The Small Cabin Bag (Free for Everyone)
Every single passenger, regardless of fare, is entitled to one small cabin bag.
- Size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels).
- Storage: Must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Weight: Maximum 15kg (you must be able to lift it yourself).
- Typical Items: A laptop backpack, a tote bag, or a very small “underseat” wheeled suitcase.
Note: If you are on a Standard Fare, this is the only bag you can bring. Your handbag, laptop, or duty-free purchases must fit inside this single bag before you board.
The Large Cabin Bag (Paid Upgrade)
If you need more space but don’t want to check a bag, you can book a Large Cabin Bag.
- Size: 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
- Storage: Goes in the overhead locker.
- Weight: Maximum 15kg.
- Perk: Booking this always includes Speedy Boarding.
How to get it:
- Buy it separately: You can add this to a Standard Fare booking (prices vary by route, typically £5.99–£29.99).
- Book a specific seat: Up Front and Extra Legroom seats include this bag automatically.
- Flexi Fare: Included standard.
- easyJet Plus Membership: Included as a benefit.
The “Gate Fee” Warning
If you bring a large bag to the gate without paying for it in advance, or if your small bag exceeds the dimensions, easyJet will charge you a £48 fee. The bag will then be placed in the aircraft hold.
2. Checked “Hold” Luggage: Weights and Pooling
If you are travelling for a longer holiday, booking hold luggage is often cheaper than adding a Large Cabin Bag. EasyJet offers three weight tiers.
Weight Options
- 15kg Bag: A cheaper option for short breaks. Available to book online only.
- 23kg Bag: The standard allowance.
- 32kg Bag: The heavy option (note: no single bag can ever weigh more than 32kg for safety reasons).
The “Weight Pooling” Trick
This is one of easyJet’s best features for families or couples.
If you travel on the same booking, you can pool your total weight allowance.
- Example: You and your partner both book a 23kg bag. You have a total allowance of 46kg.
- How it works: One of you can bring a bag weighing 20kg, and the other can bring a bag weighing 26kg. As long as the total doesn’t exceed 46kg, and no single bag is over 32kg, you will not be charged excess weight fees.
Fees for Checked Bags
- Online: Prices vary dynamically by route and demand (expect £6.99 – £40+).
- At the Airport: Paying for a bag at the check-in desk is significantly more expensive (approx. £40 – £55).
- Excess Weight: If you go over your pre-booked weight, the fee is £12 per kg at the airport.
3. Special Items and Exceptions
Infants and Children
Traveling with kids? EasyJet is surprisingly accommodating.
- Free Items: For every infant or child, you can bring two of the following items for free: Travel cot, pushchair, double pushchair, buggy, car seat, or booster seat.
- Cabin Bag: Infants seated on your lap do not get a cabin bag allowance, but you can bring a changing bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) for them.
Sports Equipment
You cannot squeeze golf clubs or skis into your standard hold allowance. You must purchase a “Sports Equipment” add-on.
- Small Sports Equipment (20kg): Golf clubs, skis, snowboards, diving gear. (~£37 online).
- Large Sports Equipment (32kg): Bicycles, canoes, surfboards. (~£45 online).
- Note: Bicycles must be in a dedicated box/bag with handlebars flush and pedals removed. E-bikes are generally prohibited.
Musical Instruments
- Small (30 x 120 x 38 cm): Can go in the cabin if you bought a Large Cabin Bag allowance.
- Cello-size: You can purchase a separate seat for a large instrument. You must book this as “Mr Musical Instrument” to ensure it’s registered correctly.
4. How to Save Money & Avoid Fees
Use the Twilight Bag Drop
If you have an early morning flight, you can drop your bags at the airport the night before (usually between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM). This lets you skip the morning queues and head straight to security.
- Available at: London Gatwick, Bristol, Berlin, Manchester, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Glasgow, and Belfast.
Measure Wheels and Handles
Common mistake: Passengers measure the “box” of the suitcase but ignore the wheels. EasyJet sizers are hard metal cages. If the wheels don’t fit, the bag doesn’t fly.
Buy Bags During Initial Booking
Adding luggage after you have bought your ticket is often slightly more expensive, and adding it at the airport is drastically more expensive.
The “Duty-Free” Loophole
You are allowed one bag of goods purchased at the airport (Duty-Free) in addition to your cabin bag.
If your handbag doesn’t fit in your small suitcase, placing it inside a Duty-Free shopping bag is a recognized way to bring it on board without penalty.
Conclusion
If you are traveling with family, use the hold luggage pooling to your advantage, and always book your luggage allowances online rather than at the airport to secure the best rates.
Disclaimer: Airline policies can change at short notice. Always verify the latest fees on the official EasyJet Fees & Charges page before you fly.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
