Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and WhizzAir charge for cabin bags, but this affordable backpack helps me ditch the fees
It’s easy to spot what seems like an affordable return ticket or a last-minute city break from a local UK airport. When it comes to booking, this is quickly shattered at the luggage section, as airlines charge for anything bigger than a ‘personal item’.
This includes small cabin bags, unless they fit under the seat in front, and sizing it wrong comes with a hefty fee at the boarding gate. Ryanair has different fees for 10kg and 20kg checked bags, while easyJet offers a large cabin bag option (56 x 45 x 25 cm) for a fee.
For the last two years, I’ve used a simple yet effective Cabin Max bag, which has currently dropped in price in Amazon’s sale, and I’ve never faced a fine at the gate. There’s been no worrying about if it’ll fit in the sizer, it’s small enough to count as a personal item, and it fits enough outfits for a week’s holiday.
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In total, I’ve done more than 12 flights with it across Europe from Copenhagen to Milan, Antwerp, and Dublin. Each time, I’m surprised how much I manage to fit in it.
The exact clothes change each time, from four pairs of trousers (including jeans), six tops, a light jumper, PJs, on a winter trip to summer dresses and bikinis on a warmer holiday. However, the one thing I’d say is it tricky to fit shoes.
Cabin Max under-seat bag
The Cabin Max backpack fits under easyJet seats so you don’t have to worry about extra cabin bag fees.
I’ve had to limit myself to just one pair of trainers or sandals. The bag measures 40 x 25 x 20, which meets the requirements for easyJet and WhizzAir, but not Ryanair (technically), even though I’ve used it numerous times with them, making sure not to fill it to the brim because it’s a soft bag, it still fits in the sizer.
There’s a separate padded pocket for a laptop, which also comes in handy for passports, and it zips out like a suitcase. This is a favourite feature of mine, as it makes it easy to see the outfits neatly laid out. The only downside I’d mention is the design, it’s not my favourite, and sometimes I wish I’d picked a different one.
The same bag is also sold on the brand’s site, for £1 more than Amazon’s sale, now £20. For an alternative, this duffle bag from Dunelm is an even cheaper option for £10, however, it’s shoulder strap may be uncomfortable if you’re walking with luggage and sightseeing.
For a premium option, British brand Antler has the Chelsea Backpack. Another backpack option, this would also fit under the seat of an airline. It’s currently £98 on sale from its usual £144 price.
Airline free carry-on restrictions:
- Whizzair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- easyJet: 45 x 36 x 20cm
- Ryanair: 40x20x25cm
