Are You Allowed A Handbag And Hand Luggage On EasyJet? | Cabin Rules Decoded

Trip planning goes smoother when you know exactly what easyJet counts as a free cabin item and when a second piece is allowed. The short version: every ticket includes one under-seat bag that fits the size box, and a larger carry-on only rides with you if your fare or seat unlocks it or you buy the add-on. A fashion tote, small backpack, laptop sleeve, or purse all fall under that single under-seat allowance as long as they meet the limits.

That policy trips up many travelers who walk up with both a purse and a little wheelie case. On a standard seat, that pair counts as two cabin items, which means the second piece goes to the hold at the gate with a charge. Pick the right seat or add the large cabin bag to carry both with you.

Allowance Snapshot By Fare Or Status

EasyJet also lists a few extra handheld items that do not count as your bag, such as an overcoat, umbrella, crutches, a walking stick, and one standard bag of airport shopping. Always measure your main item, as any wheels or handles count toward the limit.

Taking A Handbag And Hand Luggage On easyJet: What Actually Counts

A handbag is not a bonus piece; it is your under-seat bag. If you bring a handbag plus a small suitcase, that is two items. Without a seat that includes a locker-sized allowance or a paid large cabin bag, staff will tag the extra piece for the hold and apply a fee. To travel with both, match one of these paths: choose an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, book an Inclusive Plus fare, join easyJet Plus and add your large cabin bag in advance, or pay for a large cabin bag on that flight.

When set up correctly, you board with your purse or laptop bag under the seat and your larger cabin bag in the overhead. You also get Speedy Boarding with a paid large cabin bag, which helps when locker space fills fast.

Small Under-seat Bag: Size, Fit, Weight

The under-seat limit is 45 × 36 × 20 cm. That includes every bulge, wheel, and handle. The weight cap is up to 15 kg, and you need to lift the bag yourself. Soft shells pack better into the gauge than hard shells. Think slim rucksacks, compact totes, and briefcases that hug the floor space.

Seats at exits and some rows require all items to go overhead for take-off and landing, yet your allowance still counts as an under-seat bag. Keep meds, travel papers, and chargers where you can reach them once seated.

Large Cabin Bag: When You Can Add One

The locker-sized option measures 56 × 45 × 25 cm and up to 15 kg. You can bring this second cabin piece when your booking includes an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, when you buy the large cabin bag on that flight, or through easyJet Plus or Inclusive Plus benefits. Slots are capped per flight, so add it early in Manage Bookings or through the app. If you hold Plus or Inclusive Plus and do not pre-book, staff will still let the larger bag on when space remains; if lockers fill, it rides in the hold free of charge and meets you at arrivals.

Booked large cabin bags come with Speedy Boarding. That cue makes it easier to find locker space near your row and sit down sooner.

Packing Tactics That Keep You Within The Rules

Pick one under-seat bag that matches the limit and build your packing list around it. A 20- to 25-litre daypack or a slim tote with a sleeve for your laptop fits most short trips. Use packing cubes to compress knitwear, roll tees, and tuck socks into footwear. Move heavy chargers into the corners so the bag sits flat under the seat.

Wear your coat and heaviest shoes through the gate. Stash a foldable tote inside your main bag to carry snacks or a book after boarding, then return it to your bag before landing. Keep liquids in a clear pouch for security and leave banned batteries out of checked bags if you later need to gate-check.

Handbag Or Laptop Bag: Make It Under-seat Friendly

Choose a structured tote, messenger, or sleeve that fits the 45 × 36 × 20 cm profile. A slim 13- to 14-inch laptop fits fine with a small pouch for cables. If your purse is tiny, nest it inside the tote while boarding to keep your setup within a single item. Once on board, place it at your feet and slide it fully under the seat.

When A Second Bag Makes Sense

If you need a few days of clothing, a mirrorless camera, or gym shoes, the large cabin bag add-on pays off. The Up Front seat path often costs little more than the locker add-on and comes with a better seat. Check both at booking and pick the cheaper route for your dates.

Are You Allowed To Bring A Handbag With A Cabin Bag On easyJet?

Yes, as long as your booking includes a larger cabin allowance or you purchase one. Without that, a handbag plus a small suitcase will not pass the gate as two free items. Here are sample trips that show how it plays out on board.

Sample Trips

City hop, standard seat: one under-seat backpack; your handbag nests inside while boarding. Locker space is not included, so a second piece triggers a fee.

Weekend with Up Front seat: one tote under the seat plus one 56 × 45 × 25 cm spinner overhead. You board early with Speedy Boarding and keep both with you.

Plus member, no pre-book: one under-seat item plus one locker bag. If lockers fill, staff place the larger bag in the hold free of charge and hand you a tag.

Inclusive Plus fare: the same two-piece setup as above, subject to space overhead. Under-seat rules still apply to your smaller item.

Gate Reality: What Happens If…

Fees, Checks, And Avoiding Last-minute Rules Snags

Large cabin bag prices vary by route and date and start from low single-digits each way when booked early. Buy online; airport desk prices run higher. easyJet’s app includes a neat bag sizer so you can check shape at home with your phone camera. If the gauge at the gate says your item is too tall or too wide, the bag will go to the hold with a charge unless your booking already includes locker space.

Locker space per flight is capped. Add a large cabin slot as soon as you book if you plan to carry two pieces. If you only need one bag, pick a soft under-seat model and measure it with a tape. Keep power banks in the cabin, and if you use smart luggage, remove the battery before checking it.

Size And Weight Myths That Catch People Out

Many travelers still think an under-seat item has no weight cap. easyJet sets it at up to 15 kg for both cabin sizes, and ground staff can lift-test a bag that looks heavy. A tiny spinner can fail too if it stands taller than the gauge once packed. Measure the full depth, as a bulging front pocket can push a slim bag over the line.

Handles and wheels count. If your case measures 45 × 36 × 20 cm without those parts, it will miss the limit once you add them. That is why soft bags and backpacks tend to pass checks more often than hard cases at the small size. They flex, and they slide under a seat with less fuss.

Family, Mobility, And Special Items

Flying with a baby or small child? A child with a booked seat gets the same cabin allowance as an adult. An infant on your lap may bring a baby changing bag up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm. On top of that, each infant or child can have up to two free bulky items such as a buggy or car seat. These go in the hold and ride free.

Medical and mobility aids like crutches and a walking stick can go to the cabin in addition to your under-seat item. If you travel with a wheelchair or other large aid, check the airline assistance page and arrange help in advance so staff can load it safely. Keep any medication and small devices in your cabin bag.

Smart Luggage, Batteries, And Duty Free

Smart luggage with a built-in power bank needs the battery removed before check-in. If the battery cannot be removed, staff will not accept the case in the hold. Keep loose power banks and e-cigarettes in the cabin. One standard duty free shop bag can also come on board in addition to your under-seat bag, so you can buy a drink or snacks after security without breaking the rules.

Route And Locker Space

Locker space is limited on every flight. Crews give priority to travelers who paid for or hold a right to a large cabin bag. That is why Speedy Boarding pairs with the locker option: the earlier you step on, the easier it is to stow your case above your row. If you arrive late and lockers near you are full, place your larger bag in any free bin and keep your smaller item under the seat.

Seat Auto-allocation Quirk

If you skip seat choice and the system later places you in an Up Front or Extra Legroom row, your allowance stays at one under-seat bag. The locker-sized piece only rides free when you select those seats or your fare or membership includes it.

Simple Packing Lists For Common Trips

One-Bag Day Trip

• Slim laptop sleeve or tablet
• Wallet, passport, phone
• Lightweight jacket
• USB-C charger and a short cable
• Water bottle

Two-Bag Weekend

• Under-seat tote with valuables and liquids
• Locker case with two outfits, sleepwear, and underwear
• Footwear packed heel to toe with socks inside
• Toiletry pouch under 100 ml per item
• Compact umbrella tucked along the frame

Final Checks Before You Fly

Print or download your boarding pass, check your seat type in Manage Bookings, and scan the bag rules one more time. One well-sized under-seat piece suits most trips. When you want a second cabin item, secure the right seat or add the locker bag during booking. Follow the sizes, be ready to lift 15 kg if you pack to the cap, and you will breeze through the gate without last-minute drama.

For full details and live prices, use the official pages: the easyJet cabin bag guide, the cabin bag FAQs, and the easyJet Plus and fare benefits list. Those links spell out sizes, weight caps, add-on rules, and seat perks in plain terms.