Picture this: You’re at the airport, ready for your budget getaway, only to be slapped with a £50 baggage fee because your cabin bag is 1cm too big. Ryanair and EasyJet are notorious for strict luggage policies—but which airline is tougher? Let’s break it down.
Cabin Baggage Rules Compared
Free Carry-On Sizes: Ryanair vs. EasyJet vs. BA vs. Lufthansa
| Airline | Free Cabin Size (cm) | Weight Limit | Paid Priority Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40x20x25 | Not Specified | 55x40x20 (€6–€59) |
| EasyJet | 45x36x20 | 15kg | 56x45x25 (£5.99–£32.99) |
| British Airways | 56x45x25 | 23kg | N/A |
| Lufthansa | 55x40x23 | 8kg | 57x54x15 (€12–€70) |
Is your bag compliant? Compare all 4 airlines instantly here
Hidden Fees & Loopholes
The Worst Hidden Charges (And How to Beat Them)
- Ryanair: Gate fees up to £69 if your bag is oversized.
- EasyJet: Underseat bags must be 100% squishable.
- BA: No weight limit for cabin bags, but staff can deny oversized bags.
- Lufthansa: Strict 8kg weight checks for economy passengers.
For airlines like Ryanair, use a soft-sided bag like the. For BA/Lufthansa, try the Samsonite Lite-Shock—it’s lightweight but sturdy
Check Luggage Costs
Which Airline Charges the Most for Checked Bags?
Compare fees and luggage policies per airline
Our luggage policy tool shows exact fees for your route and dates.
Final Verdict :
So, Which Airline is the Toughest?
- Ryanair (smallest free cabin size + aggressive gate checks).
- Lufthansa (strict 8kg weight limit).
- EasyJet (rigid underseat rules).
- BA (most lenient, but still risky).
Don’t gamble at the airport—use our free comparison tool to prep like a pro. Take advantage of our free bag measurement tool to measure your bag size for free here https://luggagelite.co.uk Pair it with a guaranteed-compliant bag like the Antler Clifton, and you’ll never pay fees again.