A “cabin bag” is no longer automatically included in the cheapest fare. On several airlines, the lowest ticket now includes only a small personal item that must fit under the seat. Size limits vary and a few centimetres can make a costly difference at the gate.
AeroSillage compared the official September 2026 rules of six major airlines commonly used from France: Air France, Transavia, Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea and Vueling.
The quick comparison
- Air France: on eligible Basic fares, one small item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm is included. A 55 × 35 × 25 cm cabin bag is optional on Basic and included with some higher fares. Economy/Premium cabin allowance can total up to 12 kg.
- Transavia: one free 40 × 30 × 20 cm item. A 55 × 40 × 25 cm cabin bag is included with Smart/Max or can be added on Basic/Plus. Combined cabin weight: 10 kg.
- Ryanair: one free 40 × 30 × 20 cm personal item. A 55 × 40 × 20 cm, 10 kg trolley requires Priority and 2 Cabin Bags or another eligible bundle.
- easyJet: one free bag up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm and 15 kg, provided the passenger can lift it and place it under the seat. A larger 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag is generally optional.
- Volotea: one free 40 × 30 × 20 cm personal item. A 55 × 40 × 25 cm cabin bag requires priority boarding or another eligible benefit. Total cabin weight can be limited to 10 kg.
- Vueling: one free 40 × 30 × 20 cm personal item. A 55 × 40 × 20 cm, 10 kg overhead bag depends on the fare, seat or paid option.
Airlines can change fares and baggage conditions. Measurements generally include wheels, handles and external pockets. Always check the allowance shown on your booking.
Personal item and cabin trolley are not the same thing
The terminology creates confusion. A free “hand baggage” allowance may now mean only a backpack, laptop bag or small soft bag that goes under the seat in front of you. The traditional wheeled cabin suitcase intended for the overhead bin is often a paid extra.
For Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea and Vueling, the free personal-item format is broadly around 40 × 30 × 20 cm. easyJet allows a larger 45 × 36 × 20 cm item. Air France’s eligible Basic fare uses 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
Air France: the change that may surprise passengers
Air France now sells an Economy Basic fare on some flights that does not automatically include the standard cabin trolley. Only the smaller personal item is included. The larger 55 × 35 × 25 cm bag can be purchased separately.
Transavia: watch the combined weight
Transavia includes the small under-seat item for all passengers. Smart and Max customers can also bring the larger cabin bag. On Basic or Plus, the option must be purchased. When both pieces are allowed, their combined weight may not exceed 10 kg.
Ryanair: the base fare includes only a small bag
Ryanair’s standard ticket includes the personal item, not a trolley. The larger 10 kg bag requires the relevant priority or bundled product.
easyJet: the most generous free personal item in this comparison
easyJet allows a free under-seat bag measuring up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm, with a maximum weight of 15 kg. A larger overhead bag remains chargeable unless included through a fare or benefit.
Volotea and Vueling follow the same broad logic
Both include one small 40 × 30 × 20 cm item. To use the overhead bin with a standard cabin trolley, passengers generally need a paid option, eligible fare or associated service.
Three mistakes that cost the most
1. Measuring the case without wheels or handles. Maximum dimensions normally include them.
2. Confusing a free personal item with a cabin trolley. They are increasingly different products.
3. Waiting until the gate. Airport charges for non-compliant baggage can be much higher than buying the option in advance.
AeroSillage tip
For travellers switching between several European airlines, 40 × 30 × 20 cm is currently one of the most versatile personal-item formats. For a full cabin trolley, there is still no single commercial standard: check your booking every time.
Main sources
Air France; Transavia; Ryanair; easyJet; Volotea; Vueling: official baggage policies, checked September 2026.
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