Quick Answer

It depends which bag you carry. easyJet has the largest free under-seat bag at 45×36×20 cm and up to 15 kg, so a bigger backpack flies free where rivals would charge. For a checked 20 kg bag, Pegasus (around €5–15 online) and Vueling (around €10–18) are cheapest, against Ryanair’s much wider €20–60.

Read the full guide: Airline Baggage Fees in Europe Compared (2026)

Is a cabin bag free on any European budget airline?

Not on a basic fare. Every major European low-cost carrier sells the 10 kg overhead trolley as an add-on or inside a bundle, and it comes included on Vueling Optima, Transavia Smart, Eurowings SMART, Norwegian LowFare+, Volotea Plus and Pegasus Essentials. Buying the fare that already contains it is usually cheaper than adding it later.

How strict is Ryanair about bag size?

Very strict, and it has a financial reason to be. Ryanair raised its free under-seat allowance from 40×30×15 cm to 40×30×20 cm on 4 September 2025, and since November 2025 it pays gate staff around €2.50 for every oversized bag they catch, with no monthly cap. Measure with wheels and handles included, because those count.

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