The best cabin bags to beat stingy airlines at their own game

Telegraph

13-04-2025

Budget carriers have allowed us to travel across the globe for relatively low prices – but their fares these days typically include only the stingiest luggage allowance, and it seems as if airline staff are being particularly eagle-eyed when it comes to sniffing out rule-breakers.
Though none of the main airlines operating in Britain have adjusted their luggage limits in recent months, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that they are being less lenient when it comes to cabin bags that cross the line. This might be in response to all the viral 'hacks ' proliferating social media, which advise passengers how to beat the rules (like, for example, stuffing neck pillows with clothing).
Even if you have an 'airline-approved' cabin bag, errant wheels or enthusiastic over-packing can take you beyond the restrictions. A zealous staff member will consign the bag to the hold, and much of the savings made by flying low-cost will be lost.
If you're often anxiously eyeing the measurement device, this is the guide for you.
These are the airline cabin bag rules you need to know, and the cabin bags that might help you beat stingy airlines at their own game.
EasyJet
EasyJet allows 'one small under seat cabin bag' per person on board free of charge. Its dimensions must be less than 45 x 36 x 20 centimetres.
Crucially, this includes handles and wheels – and this is where passengers can get caught out. For an additional fee, a 'large cabin bag' (56 x 45 x 25 cm, including any handles and wheels) can be added to the booking.
The bag to buy
Cabin Max has a specific 'EasyJet Cabin Bag', made to the airline's dimensions. The hard shell bags come in a range of colours and can be slotted under the seat in front.
Jet2
Jet2's policy is a considerably more generous one. Passengers are allowed a cabin bag with the dimensions 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, so long as it doesn't weigh more than 10 kilograms. This is in addition to a smaller bag, too, like a handbag or laptop bag. This needs to be less than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and must fit under the seat in front.
The bag to buy
Stubble & Co's The Adventure Bag is slightly smaller than Jet2's allowance, but its compact shape is deceiving – its various pockets and compartments mean plenty can be stuffed in.
Ryanair
Ryanair only allows a small bag as standard, with the dimensions 40 x 20 x 25cm. It needs to fit underneath the seat in front (handles and wheels included). For an additional price, a 55 x 40 x 20cm bag can be added, which must be placed in the overhead locker and weigh less than 10 kilograms.
The bag to buy
The Metz Underseat Cabin Bag Backpack has 20 litres of capacity, and can be slid underneath Ryanair's seats easily. It works well as a light rucksack more generally too, meaning it's functional once you get to your destination.
Tui
Those flying with Tui will typically have luggage in the hold included, which means cabin bag size can be less of a worry. In fact, customers usually have checked luggage weighing up to 20 kilograms for short-haul flights, and 25 kilograms for longer journeys. In the cabin, things are still relatively generous – the maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20cm; bags must weigh less than 10 kilograms, and you can also take on a small personal bag with the dimensions 40 x 30 x 20cm. This allowance does not apply for infants, so if you're travelling with children, it's worth checking the total baggage allowance.
The bag to buy
Tripp's Holiday 8 Cabin Four Wheel Suitcase matches Tui's dimensions perfectly. It's available in multiple bright colourways, and at only £45, is extremely competitively priced. It also includes a TSA-approved lock, making it ideal for trips stateside.
British Airways
Similarly, many British Airways tickets have hold luggage included. Regardless, its cabin bag allowance is one of the more generous – passengers are allowed a 56 x 45 x 25cm bag, plus a handbag or backpack with the dimensions 40 x 30 x 15cm. Again, the concern should always be the handles and wheels. If these additional parts of your bag protrude from their measurement equipment, you might be in trouble.
The bag to buy
The TravelPro Maxlite 5 performed extraordinarily well in tests by The Telegraph's Recommended team. Regular travellers will appreciate its durability, plus its padded laptop pocket.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin allows a piece of hand baggage with the dimensions 23 x 36 x 56cm. The airline is keen to note that you must be able to place this in the overhead bins unaided, and so if you need special assistance, this must be mentioned in advance. Similarly, they are keen to note that additional items, like a handbag, are allowed – as long as they are filled 'as you would normally use it'. This means you can't stuff it full of your usual luggage items. Virgin's website also details that items like 'a small amount of reading material' and an 'overcoat or wrap' are allowed in addition to the standard allowance.
The bag to buy
The Eastpak Tranverz S is a softshell suitcase that allows you to pack on both sides – something that is relatively rare. It's water-resistant, flexible, and surprisingly roomy for the dimensions.
Etihad
Those flying with Etihad will almost certainly have hold luggage included. The airline's cabin bag allowance is slightly reduced compared to other airlines – it needs to weigh less than 7 kilograms, as opposed to the more common 10kg. The dimensions are 56 x 23 x 36 cm and all laptops, purses and documents must be placed inside your bag. Pushchairs, carry cots and car seats can, however, also be brought on board for free.
The bag to buy
For a glamorous trip away, Away's The Carry-On is the ultimate in stylish cabin baggage. It measures 55.1 cm x 34.8 cm x 22.9 cm, features a compression zipped area and has a built-in portable battery pack. It also comes with an eraser to get rid of scuffs and marks on the hard case, plus a laundry bag.
Emirates
Similarly, those travelling in Economy class on Emirates flights have a 7 kilogram limit (with the maximum dimensions of 55 by 38 by 22 cm) – unless they are travelling from Brazil, in which case this increases to 10kg. In Premium Economy, this increases to 10 kilograms, with the same dimensions, while Business and First Class are allowed both a 7 kilogram carry-on and 7 kilogram 'briefcase or garment bag'. A briefcase may not exceed 45 by 35 by 20 cm; the handbag 55 by 38 by 22 cm, and the garment bag can be no more than 20 cm thick when folded.
The bag to buy
Emirates' dimensions are difficult – popular cabin bags produced by Carl Friedrick and July are around half a centimetre too large.
Best overall bag
While bags like Away's The Carry-On and Rimowa's Original Cabin suitcase are stylish, and meet some airline regulations, they don't meet the requirements of all the operators.
To be able to take a bag on both Ryanair and Etihad, you're going to have to purchase the most compact option, and that means The Metz Underseat Cabin Bag Backpack will be the luggage of choice.