European Airline Carry-On Rules Compared (2026)

European air travel involves a patchwork of carry-on rules that differ significantly between low-cost carriers and full-service airlines. Ryanair's famously strict approach shares a continent with British Airways' relatively generous combined allowance and easyJet's 15 kg per-bag limit. Understanding where your airline sits in this spectrum — and the practical implications for your packing — is the most important pre-flight research you can do.

The Key Distinction: LCC vs. Full-Service Carrier

The biggest variable in European carry-on rules is carrier type:

Low-cost carriers (LCCs): Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Norwegian, Vueling, Transavia. These carriers typically restrict free allowances to an under-seat personal bag and charge extra for overhead bin access. Enforcement is more consistent.

Full-service carriers (FSCs): British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Finnair, SAS, Iberia. Cabin inclusion depends on the airline, fare and route; some Basic fares include only a personal item. Check the specific fare rather than assuming inclusion from the full-service label.

European LCC Carry-On Rules

Ryanair

Ryanair operates the strictest — and most financially consequential — cabin bag system in Europe.

Gate fees for non-compliant bags: £/€50–80. Enforcement uses physical size templates at many airports. Ryanair's free personal bag allowance (40×30×20 cm) is among the smallest in European aviation.

easyJet

easyJet includes a 45×36×20 cm small bag. A 56×45×25 cm large bag requires purchased or eligible fare/membership entitlement. Each bag may weigh up to 15 kg and must be carried by the passenger; seat selection alone does not establish entitlement.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air includes a 40×30×20 cm bag up to 10 kg. WIZZ Priority adds a 55×40×23 cm trolley up to 10 kg: these are per-bag limits, not a combined 10 kg. Confirm current add-on prices in the booking.

Norwegian

Norwegian LowFare includes a 40×30×20 cm underseat bag up to 10 kg. LowFare+ adds a 55×40×23 cm main bag with 10 kg combined; Flex allows 15 kg combined. Confirm the purchased fare.

Vueling

Vueling includes a 40×30×20 cm underseat bag. The optional overhead bag is 55×40×20 cm and 10 kg. Fly includes a choice of overhead or checked baggage; Fly Grande includes the overhead bag. Check which benefit was selected.

Transavia

Transavia (Air France/KLM group) offers a small free bag and charges for overhead access.

European Full-Service Carrier Carry-On Rules

British Airways

British Airways applies a unified and generous baggage policy across all cabin classes.

British Airways is notable for its 23 kg combined cabin baggage weight limit — one of the most generous in global aviation. This effectively removes weight as a practical concern for the vast majority of passengers.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa enforces its 8 kg economy carry-on weight more consistently than many full-service peers, particularly on transatlantic and long-haul routes.

Air France

Air France's 12 kg economy limit is more generous than Lufthansa's 8 kg.

KLM

KLM (same group as Air France) applies very similar rules:

Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines

The standard main bag is 55×40×23 cm and 8 kg, but fare inclusion differs. Brussels Economy Basic on selected European routes includes only a 40×30×15 cm personal item; Light and other included Economy fares allow one main bag. Brussels Business allows two main bags up to 8 kg each, subject to aircraft restrictions. Check the separate SWISS and Austrian records for their fare conditions; group membership does not create one universal allowance.

SAS

SAS permits a 55×40×23 cm main bag up to 8 kg per piece and a 40×30×15 cm underseat bag (maximum 18 litres). Economy Light within Europe includes only the small bag unless a main bag is purchased; outside Europe Light includes one main bag. Standard/Flex include one. Premium/Business include one within Europe and two outside Europe. Check the ticket; no enforcement tolerance or universal 18 kg allowance is assumed.

Iberia

All fares include a 56×40×25 cm overhead bag and a 40×30×15 cm personal item. Economy and Premium Economy allow 10 kg. Business permits 14 kg per bag: one on short/medium routes, normally two on long-haul and its connections; US departures are limited to one. See the Iberia guide.

Summary Comparison Table

EU Security Rules for Cabin Baggage

Regardless of which airline you fly, EU airport security applies consistent rules to liquids and prohibited items in cabin baggage:

Liquids rule (applies across EU):

• Maximum 100 ml per container
• All containers fit in one transparent, resealable bag of maximum 1 litre (approximately 20 × 20 cm)
• One bag per passenger

Prohibited in cabin (selected items):

• Scissors with blades over 6 cm
• Knives and cutting implements
• Firearms, replica weapons
• Flammable liquids and gases
• Sporting equipment usable as a weapon (baseball bats, hockey sticks)

UK-specific note: UK airports were planning to update their liquid rules to allow larger quantities through new CT scanners at some airports. Implementation has been uneven — always check the specific airport's website before travel for current liquid rules.

Tips for Flying in Europe

Always verify your fare's bag inclusion. European airline websites vary in how clearly they display bag inclusions during booking. Look for a dedicated baggage summary page before completing your purchase.

Arrive early at Ryanair and Wizz Air gates. Enforcement happens at the gate, not check-in. Arriving early reduces the chance of being singled out during a rush enforcement period.

Consider buying the cabin bag add-on for European LCC routes. For trips of more than 2 nights, the overhead bag add-on typically costs less than the hassle and uncertainty of fitting everything in a personal bag.

Use the size comparison tool before booking. If you're deciding between airlines on a competitive route, your bag's compatibility with each carrier's free allowance can meaningfully affect the total cost of your ticket.

The Bottom Line

European carry-on rules split sharply between LCCs and full-service carriers. Ryanair and Wizz Air have the strictest free allowances and highest gate fees; easyJet is more generous on dimensions and has no weight limit. British Airways, Air France, and KLM are the most traveler-friendly full-service options. The best strategy is to check your specific airline's current rules before every trip — European carriers update their policies more frequently than most.

Baggage sources

• Transavia
• easyJet

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