Quick answer: a low-cost ticket does not automatically include a cabin suitcase for the overhead locker. Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet all include a small under-seat bag; a second, larger cabin bag depends on the purchased product or fare. Compare what is included in your booking, not just the airline’s headline fare.

Cabin baggage comparison

These are standard published allowances checked on 9 November 2026. Eligibility, products, dimensions including handles and wheels, and special equipment rules differ. Recheck the official airline policy before travel.

Small bag, cabin suitcase or checked bag?

Ryanair includes one small personal bag on every fare. Priority & 2 Cabin Bags adds a 10 kg suitcase in the cabin. A product called 10kg Check-in Bag sounds similar but means a bag handed over at the airport before security, not one taken into the cabin.

Wizz Air includes one small under-seat bag. WIZZ Priority provides an additional 55 × 40 × 23 cm trolley. Checked baggage remains a separate product; a booking that says “10 kg baggage” must be examined for where the bag actually travels.

easyJet includes a slightly larger small bag than its competitors in this comparison. A larger cabin bag is included only with the right product or eligible fare/membership. Your bag must fit overhead, and you must be able to lift and carry it unaided.

Three expensive mistakes

1. Confusing weight with permission. A 10 kg allowance can refer to checked baggage rather than a cabin trolley.
2. Measuring only the suitcase body. Wheels, handles, outer pockets and an overfilled soft bag can cause a size failure.
3. Comparing ticket prices before baggage. A seemingly cheaper fare may cost more after adding the bags you actually need.

A realistic example

Your backpack measures 42 × 29 × 18 cm. Although it looks compact, one dimension exceeds the standard free-bag limit for Ryanair and Wizz Air. A soft bag is not automatically exempt: it must physically fit the airline’s sizer. Do not build your trip around the hope that nobody checks.

How to compare fares fairly

Check the free under-seat bag, any overhead locker bag, checked baggage, and relevant seat or priority products. Then compare fare + required extras + any payment fees. For a return journey, check both directions. If different airlines operate separate legs, each may apply a different allowance.

Travelling with an infant, mobility equipment, a musical instrument or special luggage? Review the carrier’s dedicated policy. Airport security restrictions for liquids and sharp objects are a separate issue from baggage size.

Frequently asked questions

Does a backpack count as the free bag?

Yes, provided it complies with the airline’s limits and fits under the seat. A second handbag or laptop bag is not necessarily included as an additional free item.

Can I buy baggage after booking?

Often yes, subject to availability and the airline’s conditions. Adding it later or at the airport may be more expensive than buying it while booking.

Which airline gives the biggest free bag?

Among these published standard allowances, easyJet has the larger free small-bag dimensions. But the best total journey depends on flight timing, airports, fare conditions and the full price.

Before you pay

Measure your actual bag, review your selected fare’s baggage labels, and make sure a paid 10 kg bag means what you expect. Jetnify’s flight-search results are a starting point; always verify the final conditions at checkout.