Carry-On Rules for Budget Airlines Compared 2026
Compare budget-carrier cabin entitlements, bag dimensions and weight rules before adding luggage to a booking.
A cheap ticket can include a full cabin allowance, only a small underseat bag, or a choice of baggage benefits. Compare the actual fare and the bags you intend to bring; there is no universal cheapest or most generous carrier.
European options
| Airline | Included small bag | Large cabin bag | Entitlement and weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40×30×20 cm | 55×40×20 cm | Priority & 2 Cabin Bags; main bag 10 kg |
| easyJet | 45×36×20 cm | 56×45×25 cm | Add-on or eligible Plus/Inclusive Plus benefit; each bag 15 kg and self-carried |
| Wizz Air | 40×30×20 cm, 10 kg | 55×40×23 cm, 10 kg | Wizz Priority; published handle/wheel exception applies |
| Vueling | 40×30×20 cm | 55×40×20 cm, 10 kg | Fly Light: paid; Fly: baggage choice; Fly Grande: included |
| Transavia | 40×30×20 cm | 55×40×25 cm | Smart/Max or cabin add-on; 10 kg combined; Basic/Plus small bag only |
| Volotea | 40×30×20 cm | 55×40×25 cm | Priority/eligible membership; 10 kg combined; membership space conditions apply |
| Eurowings | 40×30×25 cm | 55×40×23 cm, 8 kg | Basic: paid; Smart: one; BIZclass: two |
Americas and Asia
| Airline | Basic cabin position | Main bag and weight |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier | Free 18×14×8 in personal item; main bag depends on purchase/bundle | 24×16×10 in, 35 lb |
| Allegiant | Free 45×35×20 cm personal item; main bag paid or bundled | 55×40×25 cm; separate numeric cabin weight not published in reviewed page |
| Volaris | Zero/Basic: personal item 45×35×20 cm; Plus or valid purchase adds main | 55×40×25 cm, 10 kg main and 20 kg combined with personal item |
| AirAsia | Main plus 40×30×10 cm small bag included | 56×36×23 cm; 7 kg combined |
AirAsia’s extra-weight options depend on the booking; do not treat its base overhead bag as a paid-only entitlement. Volaris Basic’s 15 kg checked allowance does not add a main cabin bag. Frontier’s inch limits and 35 lb weight should not be replaced by rounded European dimensions. For IndiGo and other carriers, use the airline catalogue and confirm the operating-carrier policy before booking.
Spirit’s record is historical following its recorded cessation of operations; it is not presented here as a current flight choice. See the status and source.
Compare the complete trip cost
Measure every packed piece, including protrusions. Wizz Air publishes a specific handle/wheel exception; do not transfer it to another airline. The single-bag checker cannot sum multiple items. Weigh bags together whenever the carrier has a combined limit.
A large bag that physically fits is not necessarily included in the fare. A checked-bag purchase also does not automatically confer cabin entitlement. Compare the full booking price for each flight, including the bag option actually needed. A starting price is not a universal quote.
Do not base a packing decision on supposed relaxed airports or seasons. Published rules apply even when a previous trip went unchecked. Payment for noncompliant baggage may result in hold carriage rather than overhead access. If a bag is taken at the gate, remove items that must stay in the cabin and confirm the collection point.
Sources and scope
Source-based research; no hands-on test or specialist review claimed.
Ryanair: 40×30×20 cm free underseat bag.
Ryanair dimensions only; remaining sections were not reverified in this review.
Cabin BaggageSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Checked-bag fees and free allowances differ by Southwest fare and eligible benefits.
Southwest checked-bag eligibility only
Fare Information and Rules; checked bag benefit termsSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Zero/Basic no main; Basic 15 kg checked; Plus one main 55×40×25/10 kg with 20 kg combined; personal 35×45×20 cm.
Scoped volaris correction; unrelated carrier and destination claims not recertified.
Fare cards; personal item; carry-on; additional baggageSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Free underseat bag: 40×30×20 cm. Priority adds one 55×40×20 cm bag up to 10 kg.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Cabin Baggage; Infant BaggageSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Small bag 45×36×20 cm; entitled large bag 56×45×25 cm; each up to 15 kg and self-carried. Seat selection alone does not establish the large-bag benefit.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Cabin bag allowances; All customers table; easyJet Plus and Inclusive PlusSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Up to three hold bags; 15 or 23 kg, extra 3 kg steps, maximum 32 kg each and under 275 cm combined size. Pooling only on same flight/booking, excluding sports equipment.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Hold luggage; Adding hold luggage; Adding extra luggage weightSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Lap-infant changing bag up to 45×36×20 cm; up to two listed child-equipment items free in hold; baggage-reclaim return; separate seat and suitable restraint for cabin car-seat use.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Age definitions; Seating your family; Children’s cabin bag and hold luggage allowance; Using car seatsSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Most airports use 100 ml containers in a transparent resealable 20×20 cm bag, total up to 1,000 ml; airport exceptions exist.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Liquids; Food and drinkSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Small bag 40×30×20 cm and 10 kg; Priority adds a 55×40×23 cm trolley with its own 10 kg limit.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Free carry-on bag; Trolley bag; SIZE ALLOWANCESource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Checked options are 10, 20, 26 and 32 kg, up to six pieces, with a maximum of one 10 kg piece; maximum dimensions 149×119×171 cm.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Types of checked-in bags; Size allowance; Excess baggageSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Lap infant extra bag is 40×30×20 cm and 10 kg; child equipment and extra-seat exceptions apply.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Luggage for children; Luggage for infant; Baby traveling in a car seat onboardSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
One lap infant aged 14 days to under 2 per adult; purchased extra seat removes infant fee and extra infant-bag allowance.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Opening age rules; Seats for infant; Car Seat Safety RequirementsSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
A 40×30×20 cm under-seat bag is included; the optional overhead bag is 55×40×20 cm and 10 kg.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Hand Luggage Allowance: Fly Light versus Fly, Fly Grande and Fly ProSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Fly includes a choice of overhead or checked baggage; Fly Grande includes the overhead bag.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Bundle Comparison: Fly Light, Fly, Fly GrandeSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Free 40×30×20 cm small bag; paid/Smart/Max 55×40×25 cm cabin bag; combined 10 kg; excess EUR 70 or more sent to hold.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Allowance; Smart/Max; airport charges; wheels and handles footnoteSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Cabin add-on from EUR 12.99 (Senegal from EUR 39); en-eu unbooked bag EUR 60 hold outcome.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Booking window; price; unbooked bag at airportSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
en-fr quotes EUR 70 for unbooked cabin bag sent to hold; en-eu quotes EUR 60.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Unbooked cabin bag airport paragraphSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
100 ml containers, one clear resealable bag up to 1 litre.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Rules for liquids in cabin bagSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
No separate cabin piece; one free checked item up to 10 kg including stroller or car seat; baby cabin contents fit adult allowance.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Full lap-infant allowanceSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
One stroller up to 10 kg for ages 2–11; drop-off conditions and baggage-carousel return; cabin stroller requires paid cabin bag and dimensions.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Age 2–11; pram; folding stroller; cabin purchaseSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Approved car seat required; one small 40×30×20 cm bag and one checked item up to 10 kg.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Separate seat infant allowanceSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
HV lap-infant fee EUR 30; TO EUR 10–103; child is under 2.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Final explanatory paragraphsSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Small bag 40×30×20 cm; free folding buggy up to 10 kg; larger baggage via booking.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Children ages 2–11Source review: · Codex (AI source review)
Standard small bag 40×30×20 cm. Priority adds 55×40×25 cm; total 10 kg across both. Megavolotea cabin bag subject to space; Plus includes Priority. Member bags may be held free and returned at carousel. Unentitled/overweight cabin baggage supplementEUR 65; liquids 100 ml.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
What baggage is included; hand luggage with/without Priority; maximum total 10kgSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Current fee table confirms 55×40×25 cm andEUR 65 gate fee; Priority advertised fromEUR 7 online, while baggage page says fromEUR 9.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Hand luggage; Bag fee at boarding gate; Priority BoardingSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Basic includes a 40×30×25 cm small bag; 55×40×23 cm and 8 kg large bag is paid in Basic, included in Smart and BIZclass.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Hand baggage per fare; Hand baggage: Size and weightSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Carry-on may measure up to 24×16×10 in and weigh up to 35 lb; personal item may measure up to 18×14×8 in.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Bag sizes and weight limitsSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
One free personal item 45×35×20 cm; paid carry-on 55×40×25 cm; no fixed price by route.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
About Allegiant's Baggage Policy; One Free Personal Item; One Carry-On BagSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Carry-on and checked-bag fees vary by route and booking time; fixed estimates removed.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Checked and Carry-on Baggage Fees and AllowancesSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Zero/Basic no main; Basic 15 kg checked; Plus one main 55×40×25/10 kg with 20 kg combined; personal 35×45×20 cm.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Fare cards; personal item; carry-on; additional baggageSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Spanish confirms same fare and dimensions; 10 kg per main, 20 kg combined; applies domestic and international.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Zero, Básica, Plus; Objeto personal/equipaje de manoSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Lap infant 7 days–under 2 without additional fare; stroller included; paid Combo 10 kg/25×40×40 diaper bag+one checked equipment; car seat with purchased adult ticket.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Baby in lap; stroller; Baby Combo; adult ticketSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Cabin-bag and checked-bag tariffs vary; tables state maximum amounts.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Linked current additional-service-fee PDF: route/channel/time tablesSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Ordinary cabin liquids must not exceed 100 ml containers.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
Restricted items; liquids container statementSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
One 56×36×23 cm cabin bag and one 40×30×10 cm small bag are included, 7 kg combined.
Scoped baggage comparison correction; existing source review reused, not a new full carrier review.
AirAsia Flights: All you need to know about our cabin baggage policy; AnswerSource review: · Codex (AI source review)
Check if your bag fits
Compare your carry-on dimensions with your airline’s allowance.