The Cabin Max Metz 30L ticks all of easyJet’s free cabin bag dimensions and squeezes every bit of storage from underneath the seat.
If you’re travelling with something you’ve paid for you’ll be able to take a bigger cabin bag. In this case, my favourite suitcase of all is the American Tourister Soundbox Spinner S. At 55cm tall it’s safely under easyJet’s limit of 56cm. The polypropylene shell and double spinner wheels also makes it a practical suitcase for European city breaks.
The main thing to take from this is that there are two types of cabin bag allowance with easyJet. Just because you can bring a cabin suitcase, doesn’t mean one is included with your ticket.
Quick answer: Every easyJet passenger may bring one free bag measuring up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm. A larger 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag must be added to the booking or included through an eligible fare or membership. Both bags have a maximum weight of 15 kg.
Best easyJet Cabin Bags at a Glance
| Product | Best for | Dimensions | Weight | easyJet allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Max Metz 30L | Best overall free cabin bag | 45 × 36 × 20 cm | 0.5 kg | Free small bag |
| American Tourister Soundbox Spinner S | Best overall large cabin suitcase | 55 × 40 × 20/23 cm | 2.6 kg | Paid large bag |
| Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch | Best durable hardshell | 55.9 × 38.1 × 24.1 cm | 3.1 kg | Paid large bag |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact 20-Inch | Best softside suitcase | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | 2.3 kg | Paid large bag |
Always check the exact product variation before ordering. Amazon listings sometimes group several suitcase sizes on one page, and a larger variation may not meet easyJet’s allowance.
easyJet Cabin-Bag Rules for 2026
Before buying a suitcase, decide which of easyJet’s two allowances you will be using.
Free Small Cabin Bag
Every passenger is allowed one free small cabin bag on board.
Size: maximum dimensions are 45 × 36 × 20 cm
Includes handles, external pockets and wheels. Must fit inside easyJet’s baggage gauge and under the seat in front of you.
Weight: maximum weight is 15kg. Must be able to lift and carry unaided.
Can be a backpack, handbag, laptop case or small wheeled case. Style is unimportant so long as the entire bag fits within the size and weight allowance.
Large Cabin Bag
Size: Maximum dimensions are 56 × 45 × 25 cm.
Must fit within an overhead locker. Weight: same as small cabin bag, maximum weight is 15kg.
Have included if you:
- Add one to your booking.
- Received it as part of an eligible fare.
- Are entitled to one as part of your easyJet Plus membership.
Booking a large cabin bag also entitles you to Speedy Boarding. Availability of large cabin bags may be restricted as easyJet only allows a certain number per flight.
A large cabin bag is in addition to your free small cabin bag. Two Cabin bags per passenger is our maximum allowance when the large bag is added to your booking or included as part of your fare.
I selected the following bags by comparing their published exterior dimensions—including handles and wheels—with easyJet’s current allowances. I also considered empty weight, material, mobility and whether each bag serves a genuinely different type of traveller.
1. Cabin Max Metz 30L
Best Overall Free easyJet Cabin Bag
The Cabin Max Metz 30L is my top pick for travellers looking for a free easyJet cabin bag.
Instead of relying on a generic daypack that wastes part of the available carrying capacity, the Metz is designed around easyJet’s full 45 × 36 × 20 cm allowance. Its rectangular shape also allows it to open and pack more like a suitcase than a traditional top-loading backpack.
Weighing only 0.5 kg, the bag itself uses very little of easyJet’s 15 kg weight allowance. That extra capacity can make a meaningful difference when packing clothes, toiletries and electronics for a weekend getaway. You can verify both the dimensions and product weight on the bag’s current Amazon listing.
The front-access organisers are useful for keeping travel documents and smaller accessories within reach. Compression straps help keep the bag compact when it is not fully loaded, while padded backpack straps leave your hands free when moving through airports, train stations or city streets.
What I like
- Uses the full free allowance of 45 × 36 × 20 cm
- Extremely lightweight at approximately 0.5 kg
- Rectangular, suitcase-style packing compartment
- More comfortable than carrying a shoulder bag through airports
What to consider
The soft fabric may bulge when the bag is overstuffed. Use the included compression straps to minimise excess width, and measure the bag after packing rather than relying only on its empty dimensions.
Best for: Weekend getaways, budget-conscious travellers and anyone who wants to avoid paying for an easyJet large cabin bag.
2. American Tourister Soundbox Spinner S
Best Overall Large Cabin Suitcase
The American Tourister Soundbox Spinner S earns my top large cabin bag recommendation because it combines airline-friendly dimensions with a lightweight polypropylene shell.
Measuring 55 cm in height, this suitcase provides more tolerance than models measuring 55.9 cm or more. At approximately 55 × 40 × 23 cm when expanded, it also remains within easyJet’s large cabin bag limit of 56 × 45 × 25 cm according to the manufacturer’s listed dimensions.
The Soundbox weighs approximately 2.6 kg and comes with double spinner wheels and a recessed TSA combination lock.
Its distinctive circular shell pattern helps it stand out from basic black luggage. Combined with its polypropylene construction, the suitcase offers a practical balance between flexibility and impact resistance.
Although the published expanded dimensions remain within easyJet’s allowance, you should not force the expansion section beyond its natural shape. An overpacked suitcase may bulge beyond the stated depth measurement.
What I like
- Safer 55 cm height with extra clearance below easyJet’s maximum
- Lightweight polypropylene shell
- Double spinner wheels
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Expandable design that remains within the published easyJet dimensions
What to consider
- The bold circular design may not appeal to business travellers who prefer understated luggage.
- The polypropylene shell feels more flexible than thicker polycarbonate luggage.
Best for: Holidaymakers who want a colourful, flexible and practical suitcase for three- to five-day trips.
3. Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch
Best Durable Hardshell
The Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch is a good option when shell durability matters more than minimising suitcase weight.
The suitcase is made from textured polycarbonate, which helps disguise minor scratches and scuffs. Four spinner wheels make it easier to move through busy airports, while a built-in TSA combination lock is positioned on the side of the case.
Its listed overall exterior dimensions are approximately 55.9 × 38.1 × 24.1 cm, including the wheels and handles. That places it within easyJet’s maximum large cabin bag allowance of 56 × 45 × 25 cm.
However, the height is extremely close to easyJet’s limit. The published measurement is only around one millimetre below the airline’s stated maximum. For that reason, measure your specific suitcase when it arrives and avoid using the expansion feature when flying with easyJet.
What I like
- Protective polycarbonate shell
- Textured surface helps disguise scratches
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Made by an established luggage brand
- Useful interior separation for clothing and shoes
What to consider
- The dimensions leave almost no clearance below easyJet’s height limit.
- It is heavier than the Soundbox Spinner S and Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact.
Best for: Travellers carrying fragile items or prioritising shell protection over minimum suitcase weight.
4. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact 20-Inch
Best Softside Suitcase
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact 20-Inch is my top softside suitcase recommendation. It is particularly suitable for frequent travellers who prefer lightweight fabric luggage with exterior pockets.
This compact wheeled suitcase has overall dimensions of 22 × 14 × 9 inches, or approximately 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm. It weighs approximately 5.1 lb, or 2.3 kg, keeping it within easyJet’s large cabin bag allowance.
Its lightweight softside construction provides a small amount of flexibility when fitting the suitcase into an overhead locker. The exterior pockets are also useful for storing documents and travel accessories that would otherwise be difficult to reach inside a traditional clamshell case.
Pay close attention to the size selected on Amazon because several variations may appear on the same product page. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact Carry-On 20-Inch matches the measurements above. The larger 21-inch version measures approximately 23 inches overall and exceeds easyJet’s 56 cm height limit.
What I like
- Lightweight for a wheeled suitcase
- Convenient exterior pockets
- Soft construction provides limited flexibility
- Smooth movement on four spinner wheels
- Versatile design for business and leisure travel
What to consider
You must select the correct variation. Make sure the Compact Carry-On 20-Inch model is selected rather than the taller 21-inch version. Keep the suitcase unexpanded when flying with easyJet for the safest fit.
Best for: Frequent flyers, business travellers and anyone who prefers a lightweight softside suitcase.
Which easyJet Bag Should You Choose?
Pick the Cabin Max Metz 30L if you’re flying on the free cabin allowance and don’t want to buy an overhead bag.
Pick the American Tourister Soundbox if you purchased an XL cabin bag and want the best overall mix of capacity, weight and easyJet-compatible dimensions.
Pick the Samsonite Omni PC if you prefer a rugged hardshell and don’t mind the excessively strict dimensions.
Pick the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact 20-Inch if lighter weight, exterior pockets and a soft shell are more valuable to you than ultimate impact protection.
Is Hardshell or Softside Luggage Better for easyJet?
Neither design is inherently better, but it will influence how lenient the bag will be when going through the baggage sizer.
Softside bags tend to weigh less and can flex if not stuffed full. This makes backpacks ideal for the complimentary underseat baggage allowance. Exterior pockets are nice, but keep in mind stuffing them full will make the bag exceed the listed depth.
Hardshell suitcases offer more impact protection and will not puff outward easily on the sides. The tradeoff is that wheels, corner bumpers and fixed handles take up more of your allowed dimensions.
As I mostly travel within the free 45 × 36 × 20 cm size, I prefer a light-weight backpack. For the paid 56 × 45 × 25 cm bag I don’t care which style as long as the total exterior dimensions are within allowances.
Common easyJet Cabin-Bag Mistakes
Measuring just the case height
A “20-inch suitcase” may actually measure 22″ or 23″ with its wheels and handles. When in doubt, use the total external height.
Picking the wrong product variant
One listing may include underseat, compact, international carry-on and standard carry-on variants. Double check that you’ve picked the correct variant.
Measuring an empty soft-side bag
Soft bags compress and are deeper when filled with items. Pack the bag, close all compression straps, then measure again prior to departure.
Expecting Speedy Boarding to include an extra-large bag
It works the other way around currently: Purchase an extra-large cabin bag and Speedy Boarding is included. Speedy Boarding verbiage can no longer be considered confirmation of an allocated baggage allowance. Refer to the allowance listed on your booking or boarding pass.
Carrying-on a separate purse
Free allowance passengers are allotted one small cabin bag. A small bag and separate handbag or laptop bag does not qualify. Put your smaller personal items in your allotted bag before boarding.
Final Recommendation
If you’re an average passenger travelling light to save money on fares, Cabin Max Metz 30L is the best easyJet carry on suitcase. It perfectly fits the full free-bag allowance and it’s super lightweight with a smarter packing shape than a standard backpack.
If you’ve paid for a larger cabin bag as part of your booking, my top overall suitcase pick is American Tourister Soundbox Spinner S. At 55 cm high, it offers more leeway than luggage that measures just under easyJet’s 56 cm height limit.
No matter which suitcase you pick, remember to measure it when packed, and cross-check against the allowance detailed in your easyJet booking. Brand labelling like “cabin approved” or “20- inch carry-on” isn’t nearly as trustworthy as the complete listed dimensions.