Best Backpack for EasyJet (2026): Complete Size Guide
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EasyJet has one of the most misunderstood baggage policies in Europe. Unlike most airlines, EasyJet’s free allowance is a small under-seat bag only not a full overhead carry-on. If you want to bring a travel backpack in the overhead bin, you need to pay for a large cabin bag upgrade. This guide explains exactly what fits, what it costs to upgrade, and which backpacks work best for EasyJet flights.
Official EasyJet Size Limits
Free Small Cabin Bag
Paid Large Cabin Bag
The large cabin bag upgrade costs vary by route and how far in advance you book pre-booking online is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport gate. EasyJet Plus members and passengers with Flexi fares get the large cabin bag included.
How Strictly Does EasyJet Enforce Size Limits?
EasyJet actively enforces its cabin bag policy. Gate staff at busy airports like London Gatwick and Amsterdam Schiphol regularly use sizers and check bags. If your bag exceeds the free 45 x 36 x 20 cm allowance and you haven’t purchased a large cabin bag upgrade, your bag will be tagged, placed in the hold, and you will pay a gate fee of around £48. This is considerably more expensive than buying the upgrade in advance.
EasyJet is not quite as systematically strict as Ryanair they don’t physically push every bag into a cage at the gate but enforcement is consistent enough that you should not risk it, particularly on busy routes or at high-enforcement airports.
What This Means for Travel Backpacks
None of the 30L+ travel backpacks we review fit within EasyJet’s free 45 x 36 x 20 cm under-seat allowance. The 20 cm depth limit (7.9 inches) is the key constraint all travel backpacks exceed it. Here is how each of our reviewed bags fits:
| Backpack | Dimensions | Free Bag (45x36x20) | Paid Large Bag (56x45x25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | 21.3 x 13.8 x 9.1 in | No | Yes (with upgrade) |
| Osprey Fairview 40 | 21.3 x 13.8 x 9.1 in | No | Yes (with upgrade) |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | 20 x 12 x 10 in | No | Yes (with upgrade) |
| Nomatic 30L | 20 x 13 x 9 in | No | Yes (with upgrade) |
| Tortuga Pro 40L | 21 x 13.5 x 9 in | No | Yes (with upgrade) |
| Peak Design 45L | 22 x 14 x 9-12 in | No | Borderline at 9 in only |
Best Backpacks for EasyJet (With Large Cabin Bag Upgrade)
If you purchase the large cabin bag upgrade, the 56 x 45 x 25 cm allowance is actually generous. The Farpoint 40, Fairview 40, Cotopaxi Allpa, Nomatic 30L, and Tortuga Pro all fit comfortably. Here are the top picks for EasyJet travelers who upgrade:
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
The best choice if you fly a mix of EasyJet and stricter budget carriers. The Allpa 35L fits within EasyJet’s large cabin bag allowance with the upgrade, and compresses well enough to borderline-pass on Ryanair with disciplined packing. It’s the most versatile bag for European budget travel.
Osprey Farpoint 40
Fits EasyJet’s large cabin bag allowance with plenty of room to spare. The best value option if you primarily fly EasyJet and other lenient European carriers. The hip belt and 40L capacity make it a strong choice for longer trips. Not suitable for Ryanair.
Osprey Fairview 40
Same dimensions as the Farpoint 40 with a women-specific fit. Fits EasyJet’s large cabin bag allowance with the upgrade. A strong choice for women doing European city breaks who prioritize comfort on longer travel days.
Tips for Flying EasyJet with a Backpack
Buy the large cabin bag upgrade online, not at the gate. Gate fees are around £48 per bag. Pre-booking the large cabin bag upgrade online costs significantly less, and the price drops further the earlier you book. Add it at the time of booking for the best rate.
EasyJet Plus is worth considering for frequent flyers. If you fly EasyJet four or more times per year, an EasyJet Plus membership includes the large cabin bag allowance on every flight, plus Speedy Boarding. For regular travelers, the membership cost often pays for itself quickly.
The free bag must go under the seat. Even if overhead bin space is available, your free small cabin bag is not permitted in the overhead bin. Gate staff enforce this, particularly on busy routes. Pack your essentials in the under-seat bag and check the rest or upgrade.
Measure including handles and wheels. EasyJet’s size limits include handles and wheels in the measurement. A bag that is 45 cm tall before handles may exceed the limit once handles are factored in. Check the manufacturer’s total dimensions, not the internal dimensions.
Related Airline Guides
Last updated: March 2026. EasyJet policies and upgrade prices change frequently. Always verify current limits and fees on the EasyJet website before booking.