easyJet Carry On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies.  Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and cannot “carry on” to the plane.   Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one will work for all airlines.

If you are going to be flying easyJet, then here are the easyJet carry-on rules you need to be aware of regarding size, weight, fees, liquids, etc.

easyJet Carry On Size & Weight Restrictions

easyJet allows everyone to bring one small cabin bag on board (up to 45 x 36 x 20cm, including any handles or wheels), which must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no weight limit for this bag as long as you can carry and store it yourself.

If you have booked an Upfront or Extra legroom seat you can also bring an additional large cabin bag on board. The maximum size of this bag is 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including any handles or wheels) and it must be able to fit in the overhead storage bin. These seats can be selected at the time of booking, or at any time before your check in via the Manage bookings section of the easyJet website.

easyJet Carry-On Size Dimensions

easyJet size requirements for a carry-on are:

• Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm
• Dimensions for personal items: max. 45 x 36 x 20 cm

If the bag is too big, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance. See the table on easyJet’s fees and charges page for full details, as they can get fairly expensive.

easyJet Personal Item Size and Fees

easyJet doesn’t clarify what it considers a personal item. They just state that you are allowed to bring on a “cabin bag” which would include things like backpacks, purses, laptop cases, etc.

They do make an exception for infants. If you’re traveling with an infant (under the age of 2) who will be seated on your lap, you are allowed to bring an additional baby changing bag with you (max. 45 x 36 x 20 cm). This bag must also be placed under the seat in front of you.

However, while they don’t charge you for the extra bag you get to bring with the infant, they will charge you to have an infant on your lap – normally around $34 each way 🙁

easyJet Carry-On Weight Restriction

easyJet does not have a weight limit for carry-on bags, as long as you can carry and store them yourself. The weight issue applies to check baggage since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for your flight.

The weight limit for a checked bag is 23kg. You can buy extra weight in 3kg units, up to a maximum of 32kg per bag. No single item can weigh more than 32kg.

Carry-On Liquids: easyJet Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA in the US and the EASA and European Commission in Europe.  easyJet doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on the container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity of 1 liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g. baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

Carry-On Food

There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

1. The food you bring with you to the airport, and
2. The food you buy at the airport after you have gone through security.

An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.  Certain liquids cannot be brought through security, so you have to be aware of the rules for bringing liquids through security and if your food is considered a “liquid”.

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

These rules regarding liquids that have been established by the TSA are also followed in Europe and most other countries including Canada, the U.K. Japan, China, Australia, etc.

Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

easyJet Pet Policy

Animals are not allowed on easyJet flights, with the exception of registered guide and assistance dogs.

For more information, see easyJet’s service dog policy: Special assistance.

Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material.  Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bags on all flights.  These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency.

Items considered “dangerous goods” are prohibited under easyJet’s carry-on policy and include the following:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Stunning devices, mace, tear gas, and pepper spray
• Poisonous, infectious, or radioactive substances
• Sharp or pointed objects (knives, swords, cutting instruments, razors, ice skates, carpet knives, metal scissors, box cutters, or similar items) 
• Camping equipment containing flammable liquids or gasses 
• Flammable liquids, including gasoline and kerosene
• Self-Balancing devices such as hoverboards, including electric skateboards, balance boards, and gravity boards
• Medical or liquid oxygen 
• Torch lighters, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, and fire starters
• Wet-cell batteries

The following items are not considered “dangerous goods” and are allowed when packaged properly, in accordance with FAA regulations

• Hiking or trekking poles
• Hair dryer/Straightener
• Hair spray
• Sunscreen/bug spray
• Food as a carry on
• Fishing hooks
• Fragile glass items

A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website.

One more way to find them is with the easyJet summary of dangerous goods page.

More related articles….

1. 5 Tips to Travel with Just One Bag
2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road