Ryanair — Value vs Priority
Value / Basic: 1 small bag 40×20×25 cm under seat — backpack or small soft bag only. No wheels in overhead on base fare.
Priority + 10 kg or Flexi Plus: 55×40×20 cm wheelie plus small under-seat bag. Priority alone without 10 kg option does not add large bag on all fare types — verify at booking.
Checked bags: 10 kg, 20 kg, etc. — always cheaper online than airport. Overweight charged per kilo at premium rates.
easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2
easyJet: included under-seat 45×36×20 cm on standard fares; large cabin bag (56×45×25 cm) requires Extra Legroom/upfront bundle or separate large cabin bag purchase.
Wizz Air: Wizz Basic allows 40×30×20 cm personal item; Wizz Light and above add trolley options via bundles. Strictest sizer in industry on many routes.
Jet2: package and flight-only often include 56×45×25 cm hand luggage plus personal item — confirm on booking confirmation; flight-only light fares may differ.
Liquids, security, and connection tips
UK security: liquids, gels, aerosols max 100 ml each in single transparent 20×20 cm bag — one bag per passenger. Laptops and large electronics out of bag.
STEB duty-free bags: sealed bags from prior airport valid on some connections — UK–UK domestic connections differ from international transfers; empty liquids if re-screening.
Personal item packing: wear bulkier clothes, use coat pockets for chargers — soft bags squeeze into sizers better than hard shells.
When full-service rules differ
BA short-haul: 56×45×25 cm plus personal item on standard economy — generous vs Ryanair. BA hand-baggage-only fares exist on some routes — check fare code.
Virgin Atlantic: similar 56×36×23 cm cabin bag plus personal item in economy. Budget vs legacy comparison: /guides/best-budget-airlines-europe.
Global dimensions reference: /guides/airline-carry-on-baggage-rules for US and long-haul carriers.