Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 & Wizz baggage rules: avoid fees

Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team

Baggage fees are where cheap flights stop being cheap. A fare that looked like a bargain can double once you add a cabin bag at the airport. This guide compares the main UK low-cost airlines' free allowances, explains the paid add-ons and gives practical ways to avoid fees.

Airline allowances were last checked in October 2026. They change often, so always confirm on the airline's own website before you pack.

What can I take for free on each airline?

Dimensions include handles and wheels. Low-cost airlines check bags with sizers at the gate, and an oversized bag can be charged much more than adding it online.

How do I avoid baggage fees on Ryanair?

Ryanair's free bag is the smallest of the big airlines', so a bag designed to that size is worth having. If you need a wheelie bag, adding Priority and two cabin bags when you book is usually cheaper than adding it later. A 10 kg checked bag is sometimes similar in price, which can make sense if you're carrying liquids or bulkier items. Check in online, because paying at the airport is one of the most expensive mistakes.

How do I avoid baggage fees on easyJet?

easyJet's free under-seat bag is a little more generous. Many travellers fit a weekend's clothes into it with a soft-sided bag. Large cabin bags come with some fare bundles and seat types, so compare the price of an upfront or extra-legroom seat with the price of adding a bag. Sometimes the seat costs about the same and includes the bag.

Is Jet2's cabin bag really included?

Jet2 has usually included a cabin bag of up to 10 kg on its flights, which makes like-for-like comparisons fairer. Its fares can look higher than Ryanair's at first glance but work out similar once bags are added. Always compare the total cost.

What are Wizz Air's rules?

Wizz Air works like Ryanair: a small free personal item, with a trolley bag only if you buy WIZZ Priority. Wizz Air also sells memberships and bundles. They only pay off if you fly with them several times a year.

Which tricks actually work?

• Buy a bag made to your main airline's free size, and measure it fully packed.
• Wear your bulkiest layers on the plane, and use pockets for chargers and documents.
• Use a packing cube to compress clothes, and see our hand luggage packing list.
• Travelling as a pair? Sometimes one checked bag is cheaper than two cabin bags.
• Add bags when you book. Prices usually rise after booking and are highest at the airport.

What about liquids?

Liquid rules depend on the airport's scanners, not the airline. Some UK airports have relaxed the 100 ml limit, while others haven't. Check your departure and return airports separately before you pack.

What happens if my bag is too big at the gate?

Low-cost airlines check bags at the gate with metal sizers, especially on busy flights. If your bag doesn't fit, you'll usually be charged a gate fee, which is typically far more than adding the same bag online, and the bag may go in the hold. Soft-sided bags squash into sizers more easily than hard cases, and overfilled outer pockets are the usual reason a bag that's "the right size" fails. Weigh and measure your bag at home with everything packed, and remember that your duty-free purchases may have to fit inside it too. If you're travelling with a partner and one of you has a cabin bag, spread the weight between your bags before you reach security.

How did we research this guide?

HopCheap guides are written for UK travellers by the HopCheap team at ZK Holdings, Newport, South Wales. We combine official sources (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, the Civil Aviation Authority, airline and airport websites) with typical seasonal fare patterns from UK departures and the live fare data behind our AI search. We deliberately avoid quoting fixed prices as facts, because fares and allowances change daily. Instead, we explain the patterns and link to live searches so you can check today's prices. If you spot something out of date, email hello@hopcheap.co.uk and we'll review it. We earn a commission from some partner links (#ad), but this never changes what we recommend or the order in which we list options.

What does a budget trip look like?

Example: For a 3-night city break, use a soft 40×20×25 cm backpack, wear your jacket and boots, pack two tops, one pair of trousers and toiletries in under-100 ml bottles, and check in online. You pay no extras on Ryanair, easyJet or Wizz Air.

Before you book: a quick checklist for your flight

• Compare dates: check a whole month of fares, not just one date. A few days' difference can change the price a lot (see our flexible date tips).
• Count the extras: add bags, seats and airport transfers to the fare before comparing options.
• Check entry rules: read the latest FCDO advice for your destination on GOV.UK, including passport validity.
• Sort insurance early: buy travel insurance when you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
• Plan data and money: sort a travel eSIM and a fee-free card before you leave (see our eSIM and money guides).
• Read the partner's terms: the booking site handles your booking and payment, so check its price, baggage and cancellation terms before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

What size bag is free on Ryanair?

At last check, a small under-seat bag of 40×20×25 cm. Confirm on Ryanair's website.

Does easyJet charge for cabin bags?

The under-seat bag is free. A large cabin bag usually costs extra unless your fare or seat includes it.

Does Jet2 include hand luggage?

Jet2 has usually included a 10 kg cabin bag. Check your booking.

Is it cheaper to add bags at the airport?

No. Adding bags at the airport is usually the most expensive option.

We don't quote fixed prices in our guides because fares change constantly — the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.