Passenger's ‘hack’ to never pay for carry-on luggage again leaves people seriously divided
We’ve all been hit with that last-minute panic of arriving at the airport only to find that you've fallen foul of the latest baggage rules.
From suitcase weight limits and measurements to duty-free bags, it can sometimes feel like airline rules are designed to trip passengers up, forcing us to fork out for hefty charges.
To make matters worse, many budget airlines are now charging customers up to £60 to stow a small suitcase in the overhead locker (we’re looking at you, Ryanair), a perk that was once free as standard.
So if you’re jetting off somewhere sunny this summer and looking to keep costs low, you’ll be pleased to hear savvy travellers have found a way to avoid those extra fees.
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To take advantage of this loophole, you simply need to invest in a small carry-on bag that will fit underneath the seat in front of you (scroll down to see what this looks like for specific airlines).
Many brands now sell suitcases designed to fit these dimensions, so you're not limited to handbags or laptop bags.
Sharing the hack in a recent video, TikToker justchrisr99 claimed the hack had saved him some serious cash on a recent trip, showing the small under-seat suitcase that allowed him to bypass the airline rules. And it's clearly struck a chord, racking up more than 43,000 likes.
But not everyone was convinced, with one person commenting: "Show us that it’s actually that size lol I swear my mini suitcase is that size and is too big."
Another wrote: "This isn't a hack, it's called taking a bag that fits the criteria of the airline."
TikToker @travelsbytash is also a fan, recently claiming she had ‘hacked the system’ by using a mini suitcase that fit all her clothes, rather than forking out to check in a holdall on her weekend getaway.
Under-seat dimensions can vary depending on the airline, but as long as the bag meets the below requirements (and provided you’re not sat in the exit row), then you’re good to go.
The best under-seat bags 2025
The following bags are designed to fit under plane seats and can be taken on board most UK airlines free of charge. Exclusions apply - see below.
Antler ‘Soft Stripe’ underseat suitcase, £130
This pint-sized suitcase is ideal for short trips and city breaks. It’s small enough to fit under the seat, but still roomy enough for your essentials (yes, even that extra pair of shoes). Despite being robust, its lightweight build means you can whizz through the airport without breaking a sweat. Inside, there are handy pockets to keep things tidy. Basically, it’s the kind of bag that makes travelling easier - and dare we say a little bit cuter, too.
Samsonite’s ‘Respark’ underseater trolley bag, £165
With a study look and feel, and pockets galore, this suitcase was made to make travelling as easy as possible. With two smooth-rolling wheels and a sturdy handle, it’s super easy to whizz around the airport and the design is smart but low-key, with just the right amount of structure to keep things neat inside. If you’re after fuss-free travel with a bag that keeps up, this is the one for you.
CabinMax's 'Anode' 30L underseat suitcase, £40
Stylish, compact, and cabin-approved, this stylish spinner slides effortlessly under most airline seats and comes in a huge range of colours to choose from. With a sleek, hard shell and and featherlight build, it makes weekend getaways and short-haul flights a total breeze. Inside, there’s space for your wardrobe must-haves and beauty essentials.
AWAY ‘The Everywhere’ bag, £155
This one boasts a classic tote design but don’t let that fool you, it’s roomier than it looks. With a choice of eight colours it’s sleek, simple, and surprisingly spacious, making it the ideal plus-one for short trips, commutes, or just chucking in your essentials for a weekend away. There’s a padded sleeve for your laptop, loads of pockets to keep things organised (no more rummaging for lip balm), and a trolley sleeve so it slides neatly onto a suitcase if you’re bringing one. It’s got that clean, modern look that AWAY does so well - basically, the kind of bag that looks good and just makes life easier.
Which airlines charge extra for overhead luggage and what is included for free?
Aer Lingus: Some customers will have a larger, 10kg cabin bag included with their ticket; check your booking confirmation for details. For everyone else, it’s one ‘small personal item per passenger’ such as a ‘small handbag, laptop bag or baby changing bag’ up to 25 x 33 x 20 cm.
easyJet: One ‘small, under seat cabin bag per person’ is included with the cost of your booking, weighing up to 15kg and measuring no more than 45 x 36 x 20cm (including handles and wheels). Larger cabin bags must be booked in advance or paid for at the airport.
Ryanair: A ‘small, personal bag’ measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25cm is free providing it fits under the seat in front of you. This can be a ‘handbag, laptop bag or backpack’ and has no weight limit. Anything bigger must be paid for as cabin baggage or checked baggage depending on size and weight.
Vueling: Depending on your ticket type, you may have a larger cabin bag included in your booking (see details here). For everyone else, to avoid extra fees you’ll need an underseat cabin bag measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 20cam. This is in addition to anything purchased at the airport; you’ll just need to make sure it all fits neatly under the seat in front.
Wizz Air: For no extra charge you can take a ‘carry on bag’ weighing up to 10kg and measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm plus handles or wheels. This should be a ‘laptop bag, woman’s purse or small backpack’ but wheels are allowed (provided they add no more than 5cm in extra length).
Topics: Life, Life Hacks, Travel
Unity Blott