Wizz Air vs Ryanair vs easyJet: Which Airline Has the Strictest Cabin Bag Rules in 2025?

By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger & Flight Expert

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If you fly low-cost airlines regularly, you’ll know that “cheap flight” doesn’t always mean cheap experience especially when it comes to luggage.

Over the years I’ve tested more cabin bags than I care to count, from spontaneous Ryanair weekends to last-minute Wizz Air getaways and countless easyJet city hops. And while the fares might be similar, the baggage rules in 2025 are definitely not.

So which airline is actually the most generous? Which one is strictest at the gate? And most importantly which bag will keep you out of trouble (and avoid those dreaded £45 charges)?

Let’s unpack it 👇

Cabin Bag Allowances in 2025: The Quick Comparison

Airline	Free Cabin Bag	Paid Upgrade Option	Notes
Wizz Air	40 x 30 x 20 cm (under-seat only)	Wizz Priority adds a 55 x 40 x 23 cm overhead bag	Among the strictest on size — gate checks are common
Ryanair	40 x 30 x 20 cm (under-seat only)	Priority Boarding adds a 55 x 40 x 20 cm overhead bag	Strict but predictable — their sizers are everywhere
easyJet	45 x 36 x 20 cm (under-seat only)	Up Front / Extra Legroom adds a 56 x 45 x 25 cm overhead bag	Slightly more generous, but staff still measure at gates

Verdict: Easiest to fly with: easyJet⚠️ Strictest enforcement: Wizz Air

Most predictable: Ryanair

How Strict Are They Really?

Wizz Air

Wizz Air has built a bit of a reputation for being the strictest when it comes to carry-ons. Even if your bag looks fine, staff often ask you to place it in the sizer — and if it doesn’t glide in easily, expect to pay.

The free under-seat limit of 40 x 30 x 20 cm is tiny. If you’re flying Wizz, you’ll want something compact like the Cabin Max Metz 20L or the Anode 20L Trolley, both of which fit perfectly under the seat.

Plane Tip: Don’t risk it invest in Wizz Priority if you’re going for more than a 2-night trip. It lets you carry a second 55 x 40 x 23 cm bag overhead.

Enter: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here

Get 10% off with code MRPLANE10 pack smarter, travel lighter!

What They Are

• Resealable bags you pack your clothes into.

• Roll them and then pump the air out.

• Result? Clothes are flattened into a neat little condensed packed bag.

Why They’re Brilliant for Wizz Air, Ryanair & easyJet

• Shrink your clothes by up to 70%. That’s basically doubling your space.

• No bulging bag. Everything is flat, neat, and easy to slide into the sizer.

• Stay organised. Separate outfits, keep dirty laundry sealed away.

  
  

👉 Check them out here

Pack more, pay less, use code MRPLANE10 to save you 10%.

This was a game changer for me, I just got back from New York and I bought way too much for my case!

👉 Read my full Wizz Air Baggage Guide for more tips and tested bags.

Recommended Trolley Bags

Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase: If you’ve purchased WIZZ Priority, this trolley bag is a great choice. It’s lightweight, has 360-degree spinning wheels, and offers plenty of room for a short trip.

I've been using the Cabin Max Anode for around a year and its the perfect fit for Wizz Air, especially if you pay extra for Wizz Priority.

Take a Look HERE

• For those who need more space, the Cabin Max Anode 40L is a fantastic option.

• Spacious and Lightweight: Perfect for trips up to 7 days, with enough room for clothing, toiletries, and extras.

• Durable and Stylish: Available in various colours, so you can travel in style.

• Convenient for Wizz Air Priority: No worries about your bag arriving separately, as you can keep it with you.

It comes in so many colours!!

 Take a Look HERE

Plane Tip: Don’t forget the little comforts. I never board without my noise-cancelling earbuds and travel adapter with USB-C ports both from Amazon, both worth every penny on flights.

Ryanair

Ryanair’s rules haven’t changed much for 2025, but enforcement remains firm.

Your free bag must fit 40 x 30 x 20 cm noticeably narrower than Wizz or easyJet. Their bright yellow sizers are everywhere, and gate staff use them.

Cabin Max Metz 40 x 20 x 25cm

I used to recommend the small version of this for flying Ryanair but since the rule change you can now use the standard 34L like most other airlines.This bag has been a budget-traveller favourite for years. Lightweight, easy to carry, and a proper rectangular shape to maximise space. It comes in so many different colour options, I really like mine because of the padding it's really comfortable to carry around unlike so many others I've tried. I also like the straps at the side because if I've over packed, you can pull the straps in and compress it all.

👉 Check the latest price on Amazon

Plane Tip: Priority Boarding adds one extra 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin bag, essential if you travel with a laptop or camera.

Did you know you can claim up to £520 in the UK per person for delayed or cancelled flights?

easyJet

easyJet comes out as the most flexible of the trio but that doesn’t mean they’re lenient.

As I wrote in my EasyJet Cabin Bag Guide (Tested & Approved), they’re very consistent:

• Free small bag: 45 x 36 x 20 cm

• Large cabin bag (paid): 56 x 45 x 25 cm

Free Small Cabin Bag (Included with All Tickets)

• Size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels)

• Weight: No official limit, but it must fit under the seat in front

• Examples: Small backpack, laptop bag, or handbag

• Cost: Free with any fare

This is the only piece of luggage included for free with your easyJet ticket. No sneaky handbag on top unless you’ve upgraded.

That extra few centimetres makes a huge difference, especially if you pack smart with vacuum compression bags (my personal secret weapon).

I’ve tested this countless times on a recent Paris trip I fit a 5-day wardrobe into an EasyJet under-seat bag using vacuum bags, while the person next to me was forced to check theirs.

👉 Check them out here

Pack more, pay less, use code MRPLANE10 to save you 10%.

Plane Tip: Use easyJet’s bag-size checker in the app before your flight, it’s scarily accurate and can save you gate stress.

Paid Large Cabin Bag (Overhead Locker Access)

• Size: 56 x 45 x 25 cm

• Weight: No official limit, but you must lift it unaided into the locker

• Cost: Usually £5.99–£29.99 depending on route and timing

  
  

The Cabin Max Anode 40L Case 55 x 40 x 20 cm is perfect for this option

it has become my go-to for trips up to a week.

• Perfect dimensions for easyJet’s pay to carry onboard which is cheaper than getting hold bags, it also fits Ryanair Priority allowance 56 x 45 x 25 cm

• Light, durable, and surprisingly roomy especially when combined with vacuum bags.

• Lightweight with 360° wheels

• Ideal for trips up to 7 days

• Full review of it HERE

👉 BUY the Anode case HERE

This is the upgrade option most people end up buying when they realise the free allowance won’t cut it. But with clever packing (and yes, vacuum bags), you may not need to.

The Best Cabin Bags That Fit All Three Airlines

If you’re a frequent flyer across Europe, it’s worth buying a bag that fits all three airlines’ free cabin rules no more measuring or panicking at boarding.

Here are my tested & approved options:

Bag	Size	Fits Airlines	Notes
Cabin Max Metz 20L Backpack	40 x 20 x 25 cm	✅ Wizz Air ✅ Ryanair ✅ easyJet	Ultra-light, eco-friendly, fits all sizers
Cabin Max Anode 30L Trolley	45 x 36 x 20 cm	✅ easyJet ✅ Wizz Priority	Perfect under-seat case with wheels
Cabin Max Anode 40L Spinner	55 x 40 x 20 cm	✅ easyJet (paid) ✅ Ryanair Priority	Ideal for longer trips without paying hold fees

Plane Tip: If you travel as a couple, one of you can go “free small bag only” and the other “Priority/Up Front” for shared packing space.

Of course you can also find all of the Cabin Max Metz range on Amazon.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Fares

This is where it gets interesting. A £19.99 Ryanair or Wizz fare can easily become a £70+ ticket once you add:

• Cabin bag upgrade

• Seat selection

• Priority boarding

That’s why I always say:👉 Don’t just compare prices compare what’s included.

Sometimes, easyJet’s “more expensive” fare ends up cheaper once you include the bag.

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Packing Hacks to Beat the Bag Police

1. Wear your bulk – Layer your jacket and hoodie at boarding.

2. Vacuum-pack your clothes – These bags can shrink your clothes by 70%.

3. Keep your bag slim – Even if it’s within size, avoid bulges.

4. Use light trainers instead of heavy shoes.

5. Place small electronics in jacket pockets for boarding.

Check out my easyJet-tested vacuum travel bags I swear by them for 4–5 day trips with just a free bag.

👉 Check them out here

Pack more, pay less, use code MRPLANE10 to save you 10%.

Final Verdict: Who’s the Strictest in 2025?

Airline	Verdict	Notes
Wizz Air	😬 Strictest	Tightest size limits & frequent checks
Ryanair	😐 Strict but predictable	Rules are consistent and clearly enforced
easyJet	😎 Most generous	Slightly larger allowance and practical app tools

So if you’re flying ultra-low-cost in 2025 Pack light for Wizz, Stay exact with Ryanair, Stretch comfortably with easyJet.

My Recommended All-Rounder Bag

Cabin Max Metz 30L – fits EasyJet’s full free allowance and works with Wizz Priority & Ryanair upgrades.

👉 Check it on Amazon here

So Many colour to choose from!

Related Posts

• Wizz Air Baggage Guide 2025 – Avoid Gate Fees Like a Pro

• Best Cabin Bags for easyJet 2025 – Tested & Approved

• Ryanair Seat Hacks & Baggage Tips for 2025 Budget Flyers

  
  

Final Boarding Call

Each airline has its quirks, but once you master their rules, you can travel across Europe with nothing but a carry-on and confidence.Cheap flights, no surprises, and maximum freedom. That’s what we call Plane Smart Travel.

Airport Lounges Priority Pass Offer

If you fly frequently, a Priority Pass membership can be a genuine game-changer. It gives you access to hundreds of lounges worldwide a quiet space, reliable Wi-Fi, and a proper coffee before the inevitable squeeze into row 27.

With my exclusive 30% off lounge access deal (only £48 for a yearly pass), it practically pays for itself after just a couple of trips. Don’t miss out grab your Priority Pass here before the offer expires!

👉 Claim your Priority Pass discount here!

Plane Tip: Get one of these phone holder clips and watch something on your phone hands free, it clips on to economy seats perfectly! They are so cheap and will really transform your economy flight experience!

I will link one here on Amazon

Quick Take:

✈️ Most Generous – easyJet (45×36×20 cm)

⚠️ Strictest – Wizz Air (40×30×20 cm)

📏 Most Predictable – Ryanair (40×30×20 cm / 55×40×20 cm Priority)

🧳 Best All-Round Bag – Cabin Max Metz 30L

If you found this guide useful, check out my weekly Plane News for the latest airline updates, deals, and baggage hacks subscribe here.

Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.

Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.

Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Wizz Air vs Ryanair vs easyJet: Which Airline Has the Strictest Cabin Bag Rules in 2025?. Catch the latest Plane News updates here.

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