When booking holidays nowadays, travellers not only need a budget for the trip itself but also for add-ons like baggage, extra legroom, or priority boarding, which now cost significantly more than they used to. To combat this, many travellers are swapping hold luggage for capsule wardrobes that fit easily into their carry-ons, eliminating worries about packing enough. However, this brings the stress of whether your cabin bag will fit within the tight restrictions many airlines enforce, with some airlines charging up to £70 for oversized luggage.
Metro has rounded up the best cabin bags for Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways to help you avoid extra fees and keep more spending money. Ryanair has a very strict policy: their small bag dimensions are 40 x 20 x 25cm and must fit under the seat in front of you. If you opt for a larger carry-on at an additional price, it must be no larger than 55 x 40 x 20cm. EasyJet's under-seat bags measure 45 x 36 x 20cm, and optional add-on cases measure 56 x 45 x 25cm. British Airways states that small carry-ons must be 40 x 30 x 15cm, but your ticket includes a larger carry-on at no extra cost, with dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25cm.
Top Carry-On Bags for Budget Airlines
Primark 8-Wheel Hard Shell Underseat Suitcase
If you love the convenience of a suitcase but want to avoid extra baggage fees, this Primark underseat case is a brilliant find. Measuring 48.5 x 30 x 20cm, it features eight smooth-gliding spinner wheels, a telescopic handle, and handy zip compartments to keep everything organised. Designed to fit under most airline seats, it's perfect for weekend getaways, city breaks, and anyone travelling light. It even has detachable wheels. Buy Now from £25.
Aerolite Premium Under Seat Cabin Bag
At just 40 x 20 x 25cm, this Aerolite cabin bag is designed specifically to fit Ryanair's free under-seat allowance. Lightweight and surprisingly roomy, it has enough space for a weekend's worth of essentials without weighing you down. Buy Now for £8.99.
Hayayu Convertible Cabin Bag
The Hayayu Convertible Cabin Bag is a handy travel companion that can be carried as a backpack or holdall. Measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm, it fits within Ryanair's free cabin bag limits, while multiple compartments help keep everything organised. It even extends to fit the larger size restrictions of EasyJet, so you can maximise extra space. Buy Now for £23.99.
Katie Loxton Milan Cabin Bag
For some travellers, the carry-on is the ultimate accessory to a carefully planned airport outfit. Katie Loxton's Milan bag, measuring 40 x 25 x 19cm, is not only stylish but also hardwearing enough to last for years, whether on flights or staycations. Buy Now for £69.99.
DECATHLON Sports Bag
Simple, lightweight, and incredibly affordable, this Decathlon sports bag measures around 40 x 20 x 23cm, making it a great match for under-seat cabin requirements. Despite its compact design, there's plenty of room for clothing, toiletries, and travel essentials. Buy Now for £5.99.
River Island Brown Polka Dot Quilted Holdall Bag
Polka dots are having a big moment in fashion, and this River Island option measuring 38 x 27 x 16cm adds personality to your travel. Made from quilted fabric, it provides extra padding and protection for your essentials. Buy Now for £42.
Expert Tip: Packing Cubes Maximise Space
Whether you're taking a suitcase or a travel bag, packing cubes will be your best friend as they allow you to keep things organised while maximising space. According to Metro's travel expert, using packing cubes can help you fit more into your carry-on and avoid the stress of repacking at the airport.
