Things of huge interest to some

The current maximum size permitted, 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, will remain unchanged, but passengers with a bag of this size may find that they have to put their bag in the hold if the flight is busy.

The policy changes, which come into force on 2 July, will mean that passengers who want to ensure their hand luggage is permitted in overhead lockers, or under the seat in front of them, will need to buy a cabin bag that meets the reduced dimensions.

Check our hand luggage reviews to find which cabin cases meet the requirements for EasyJet’s new ‘Cabin Bag Guarantee’.

Hand luggage allowances

Easyjet’s new rules have been prompted by overhead locker space on aircraft becoming increasingly limited as a result of more people taking the cheaper option of flying with hand luggage only.

However the reduced dimensions are smaller than Ryanair’s much criticised maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and consumers may find it difficult to find luggage that meets the reduced allowance.

Of the 21 cabin suitcases that Which? has tested, only three would meet the reduced restrictions, guaranteeing that the case can be taken in the aircraft cabin.

Samsonite and Tesco hand luggage

An EasyJet spokeswoman said it was aware few bags would fit the new dimensions, but some manufacturers including Samsonite and Tesco were already producing bags to fit the new size.

She said new luggage measuring equipment at airports would have both sets of dimensions so passengers would know if their case would be guaranteed onboard.

Small cabin bags

Passengers with bags fitting the larger size would still be able to take them onboard if flights were not crowded. However, if space was tight, they might have to give up their bags at the gate to be put in the hold.

‘There is no change to our bag policy which means that 56cm x 45cm x 25cm bags are still permitted on board. However, the bag guarantee is a way for passengers to gain peace of mind that their bag will travel with them onboard the flight,' she said.