With so many varying baggage allowances between airlines, it’s hard to know what size luggage to get, and if it will even fit the baggage sizer for your airline.
So, we decided to find what size bags fit in the Ryanair easyJet and Wizz Air baggage sizers by going to the airport and doing it ourselves!
What Cabin Bag Dimensions Allowed on Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air?
The rules vary for each airline but in general, Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air allow you to travel with one small cabin bag (an under the seat bag) for free.
You can then pay to take a large cabin bag (that goes in the overhead compartment) if you need some more baggage.
Both of these are classed as ‘hand luggage’ or ‘cabin bags’ and that’s why airlines need to check the size before you board to make sure everyone’s luggage fits on the plane.
Each airline has its specific measurements and rules for cabin baggage. To avoid any last-minute surprises and additional charges, it’s handy to check the cabin baggage policies of each airline before your trip.
Ryanair
Small cabin bag allowance: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Large cabin bag allowance: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
easyJet
Small cabin bag allowance: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
Large cabin bag allowance: 56 x 45 x 25 cm
Wizz Air
Small cabin bag allowance: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
Large cabin bag allowance: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Need more info? You can find our in-depth baggage allowance guide for Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air below.
What is an Airline Baggage Sizer?
A baggage sizer is a measuring device used by airlines to check the size of cabin baggage. It ensures that carry-on bags meet the specified dimensions for cabin luggage.
They’re often found at the check in desks and by the gate before you board and airline staff may ask passengers to put their bag in one of these metal baggage sizers. If the bag is too big and doesn’t fit, travellers can face additional fees or have to check it into the hold.
How Often Do Airlines Check Bag Sizes?
That’s a good question. The reality is that they absolutely do not ask each and every passenger – that would really slow their process down! It’s more than if you look like your bag is oversized, they could ask. That, and there can be ‘spot checks’ where they’ll ask large groups of people as standard.
From my experience, I’ve never been asked (though my bag is definitely on the larger size!) but I have heard from plenty of followers that they have been – both when their bag has been over and when it hasn’t.
How We Tested The Bags
We headed to the airport to test 20L, 30L and 40L bags, and see if they actually fit Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air’s small cabin bag size allowances.
Yup, we filled each bag as if we were going on holiday, and attempted to stuff them into the small bag compartment of the baggage sizers. Some bags fit, others absolutely did not.
Here’s what we found!
Do 20L bags fit in the Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air baggage sizers?
The bag: 20L Viral Ryanair bag
Dimensions: H40 x W20 x D 25cm
During our investigation, we decided to test the 20L Viral Ryanair Bag (£11.99) on the Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air small bag dimensions. Honestly, we think that there are better 20L bags on the market but we know how popular this one is. However, here’s a rundown of our experience and findings at the airport.
Ryanair Baggage Sizer
As predicted it was pretty smooth and hassle-free for us to fit it in the sizer. The Viral Ryanair bag smoothly fit into the cabin baggage sizer without any struggle, and retrieving it was just as effortless.
Wizz Air Baggage Sizer
We decided to test the Ryanair bag in the Wizz Air baggage sizer. While it required a bit of effort to fit in initially, once inside, it settled comfortably, and removing it was a breeze. Overall, the bag managed to pass the test and proved to be a viable option for Wizz Air’s cabin baggage requirements.
easyJet Baggage Sizer
When it comes to easyJet, their allowance for cabin baggage is more generous. However, their baggage sizer is quite strict, which actually makes it a bit harder to fit the Viral Ryanair bag inside!
So, it took a little bit of effort, but we managed to get it in. Surprisingly, even with the sizer’s tight fit, there was still plenty of room left on top. So, the bag can definitely handle easyJet’s larger allowance but it will take a little manoeuvring if you’ve packed the bag to the brim.
Overall Opinion
Yes, 20L bags that are similar dimensions to the Viral Ryanair Cabin Bag should fit in the baggage sizers for Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air with very little struggle. This is a good size to look out for if you’re nervous about being asked.
Do 30L bags fit in the Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air baggage sizers?
The bag: 30L Kono Backpack
Dimensions: H45 x W36 x D20cm
This time, we went for the 30L Kono Backpack (£32.99). This is actually the correct size for easyJet. However, those dimensions alone are too big for Ryanair and Wizz Air’s baggage allowance. Nevertheless, we tested the bag out on all 3 airlines!
Ryanair Baggage Sizer
We first attempted to fit the Kono backpack into the Ryanair sizer. At first, we didn’t think it would go in but after a few shoves, it did. However, it did protrude slightly from the side of the sizer, which might be allowed by some airlines but not others.
I didn’t overfill the backpack so you’ve got to make sure you don’t either!
Wizz Air Baggage Sizer
When it came to the Wizzair sizer, the bag needed more work than Ryanair but did finally go in after a few prods. I think because the baggage sizer is partially open, it makes it easier to squeeze things in!
Once in, it was very snug – but it did fit! I would have struggled to get it in if I had filled the bag to the brim though.
easyJet Baggage Sizer
I was expecting the Kono bag to smoothly slot into the easyJet sizer but NOPE – it was easily the most difficult of the 3. I really didn’t think it was going in at one point. However, after substantial effort, it did go in, although I was left a sweaty mess!
Those easyJet baggage sizers are TIGHT.
Overall Opinion
I’m very happy to share that a slightly larger backpack that’s around 30L can probably fit inside, but you definitely can’t overfill your backpack to the brim in the same way you could with the Ryanair viral bag. Therefore, I’d definitely make a note of some clothing items that you could quickly put on should you find that it doesn’t fit at the airport. Don’t try and put the bag in before you do this!
Do 40L Bags Fit in the Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air Baggage Sizers?
The bag: 40L Mountain Warehouse Bag
Dimensions: H47 x W30 x D30cm
Finally, we went for the 40L Mountain Warehouse Bag which was waaaaay too big for any of these baggage sizers! Also, FYI, I don’t necessarily recommend this bag. It was so uncomfortable to wear but it was good at testing out whether we could shove a colossal bag into these cages!!
Ryanair Baggage Sizer
Absolutely no chance. There was no point even trying properly – it actually fit their ‘large cabin bag’ size almost perfectly. You’d really struggle to get this to fit!
Wizz Air Baggage Sizer
I gave it my all but unfortunately, it was another loss for the 40L bag. I do think because the bag’s material is quite thick, it lets it down, but ultimately it’s just too big a size difference that even when compressed, it’s not gonna work.
easyJet Baggage Sizer
Given how much I struggled with the 30L bag, I wasn’t expecting much from this but decided to give it my all, and can you believe it? I actually managed to get it in! I even asked the easyJet staff working whether it would count and they said yes. Wow!
Overall Opinion
I’m not particularly surprised by this one though the easyJet baggage sizer does give me hope that you can wear a bigger bag and force it in if you really had to – however I have heard some people say that they weren’t allowed to ‘force’ it in when asked; it had to go in without much help.
Again, I think if you do go for a bag this big, it’s all about knowing what you could whip out and put on or in your pockets should you be asked to prove it fits.
GOOD LUCK!
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