Best Carry-On Suitcases for Budget Airlines - Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 & Wizz Air

Airline baggage allowances are set and enforced by individual airlines and can change over time. While this blog reflects current information as of January 2026, we always recommend checking your airline’s latest baggage rules before you travel.

Choosing the right carry-on for budget airlines can feel unnecessarily complicated. With each airline using slightly different sizes and allowances, it’s easy to wonder whether the case you’re looking at will actually be accepted at the gate.

If you’ve ever found yourself checking a suitcase against your hallway doorframe or googling airline dimensions at the last minute, you’re not the only one. It’s one of the most frequent questions we get, and it’s exactly why we’ve pulled together this guide.

We measure, check and quality-test every suitcase in our own warehouse, so when we match a case to an airline allowance, it’s because we’ve confirmed it first-hand. Our aim is simple, to help you choose confidently, pack easily, and travel without the “will it fit?” worry.

Let’s walk through everything step by step.

Airline Carry-On Rules At A Glance

Here’s a clear comparison of the main budget airlines, covering both the free underseat bag and the paid-for cabin bag.

All sizes refer to maximum external dimensions (height × width × depth), including wheels and handles where applicable. Airline allowances can change and are always applied at the airline’s discretion, so we recommend checking your airline’s latest guidelines before you travel.

Different rules don’t need to mean confusion. Once you know whether your airline is expecting an underseat bag or a full cabin bag, the decision becomes much simpler.

What Matters Most in a Budget Airline Carry-On

When you’re travelling light (by choice or by airline policy), the right suitcase should make the whole journey feel easier from the moment you start packing.

Here’s what genuinely matters:

Exact, airline-approved sizing

Airlines measure the external size, wheels and handles included. A suitcase that fits properly removes all uncertainty.

Lightweight construction

The lighter the case, the more you can pack without worrying about weight limits.

Durability that holds up trip after trip

Your suitcase should protect your belongings without you needing to think about it.

Smooth, reliable wheels

Navigating busy terminals is far easier with wheels that glide instead of drag.

Useful interior organisation

Good pockets, straps and dividers help you stay organised, especially when you’re travelling with minimal luggage.

Hard shell vs soft shell, knowing the difference

• Hard shell: best for overhead storage and protection.
• Soft shell: often better for underseat bags thanks to flexibility.

With these points in mind, here are the suitcases that offer the best fit, function and reliability for budget airline travel.

Our Recommended Carry-On Suitcases

a2b “Odyssey”- Extra-Small

Ideal for: Overhead cabin baggage for EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air (Priority). Not suitable for Ryanair overhead due to depth.

The Odyssey Extra Small measures 50 × 34 × 23 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a compact overhead cabin suitcase, rather than an underseat bag. While its soft-sided construction offers some flexibility when packing, its 23cm depth exceeds Ryanair’s 20cm cabin limit, meaning it should not be used for Ryanair flights.

For airlines with slightly more generous cabin allowances, Odyssey offers a lightweight, easy-to-handle alternative to a hard shell case.

Key benefits:

• Compact 50cm height suited to overhead cabin use
• Lightweight design, making it easy to lift into overhead lockers
• Soft-sided construction with a little flexibility when packing
• Front pocket for quick-access essentials
• Smooth wheels and telescopic handle for easy movement through the airport

If you’re flying with EasyJet, Jet2 or Wizz Air Priority and want a lighter, more flexible cabin case, the Odyssey Extra Small is a practical and reliable choice.

Gino Ferrari “Biella” - Underseat Case

Ideal for: Underseat travel on EasyJet and Wizz Air Not suitable for Ryanair underseat due to width.

Biella measures 35 × 35.5 × 18 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a compact underseat case for airlines with slightly more generous personal-item allowances. Its 35.5cm width exceeds Ryanair’s 30cm underseat limit, but it fits comfortably within EasyJet and Wizz Air requirements.

More style-forward than a traditional underseat bag, Biella’s soft-sided design gives it a sleek, contemporary profile that looks considered rather than purely functional, ideal for modern weekend breaks or short work trips.

Key benefits:

• Fashion-led, soft-sided design with a modern silhouette
• Underseat-friendly dimensions for major budget airlines
• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Smooth-glide wheels and telescopic handle
• Fully lined interior with zipped compartments and packing straps

If you’re travelling with EasyJet or Wizz Air and want an underseat cabin bag that balances style with everyday practicality, Biella is a confident, well-designed option.

a2b “Exodus” - Small Suitcase

Ideal for: Overhead cabin baggage for EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air. Not suitable for Ryanair cabin baggage due to depth.

Exodus measures 55 × 36 × 23 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a robust overhead cabin suitcase for airlines with more generous depth allowances. While it fits comfortably within EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air cabin limits, its 23cm depth exceeds Ryanair’s 20cm restriction, meaning it shouldn’t be used on Ryanair flights.

Built for travellers who want a strong, dependable hard shell case, Exodus offers reassurance and durability without sacrificing ease of movement through busy terminals.

Key benefits:

• SATRA tested quality assured hard shell, built to withstand the demands of frequent travel
• Smooth 360° spinner wheels for effortless movement
• Interlocking zips for easy padlock access, helping keep your belongings secure
• Practical, well-laid-out interior for organised packing
• Available in bright, easy-to-spot colours

A solid, confidence-building option for cabin travel on EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air.

a2b “Sojourn” - Extra Small Suitcase

Ideal for: EasyJet underseat travel, or overhead cabin baggage for Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air

The Sojourn Extra Small measures 45 × 36 × 20 cm (H × W × D) and is the most compact case in the range. Its proportions make it a particularly strong option when airline sizing is tight, offering flexibility across multiple airlines without feeling restrictive.

It fits exactly within EasyJet’s underseat allowance, while also working comfortably as an overhead cabin bag on Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air. The structured hard shell design keeps packing straightforward and organised, even in a smaller format.

Key benefits:

• Compact, airline-friendly dimensions
• Lightweight hard shell
• Smooth spinner wheels
• Fully lined interior with packing straps
• Simple, versatile design

A great all-round option if you want a smaller suitcase that still feels robust, organised and airline-compliant.

a2b “Sojourn” - Small Suitcase

Ideal for: Overhead cabin baggage for EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air. Not suitable for Ryanair cabin baggage due to depth.

The Sojourn Small measures 55 × 36 × 23 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a practical, easy-to-use overhead cabin suitcase for airlines with more generous depth allowances. While it fits comfortably within EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air cabin limits, its 23cm depth exceeds Ryanair’s 20cm restriction, meaning it shouldn’t be used on Ryanair flights.

Lightweight, sturdy and thoughtfully designed, Sojourn is built for travellers who want a reliable cabin case that’s easy to live with, doing everything you need it to do without unnecessary weight or complexity.

Key benefits:

• Lightweight hard shell that’s easy to lift into overhead lockers
• Four smooth spinner wheels for effortless movement through the airport
• Fully lined interior to keep belongings organised
• Secure interlocking zips for added peace of mind
• Available in a wide range of colours to suit your travel style

A dependable partner for short breaks and efficient city trips on EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air.

Pierre Cardin “Soleil” - Small Cabin Suitcase

Ideal for: Overhead cabin baggage for EasyJet and Jet2. Not suitable for Ryanair or Wizz Air cabin baggage due to height.

Soleil measures 56 × 35 × 23 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a dependable overhead cabin suitcase for airlines with more generous size allowances. It fits comfortably within EasyJet and Jet2 cabin limits, but exceeds the height restrictions set by Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Built for travellers who want a cabin case that feels solid, secure and easy to move with, Soleil combines Pierre Cardin’s clean, contemporary styling with practical features that make frequent travel feel more straightforward and reassuring.

Key benefits:

• TSA-approved locking system, allowing secure travel and smoother security checks
• SATRA-tested self-repairing zips, designed to realign and strengthen over time
• Smooth 360° spinner wheels for effortless movement
• Strong yet lightweight hard shell construction
• Backed by a 5-year quality warranty for added peace of mind

A well-rounded cabin suitcase that offers durability, ease of use and reassurance, ideal for regular flyers and short-haul trips on EasyJet and Jet2.

Pierre Cardin “Voyage” - Small Hard Shell Suitcase 

Ideal for: Overhead cabin baggage for EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air. Not suitable for Ryanair cabin baggage due to depth.

Voyage measures 54.5 × 36 × 23 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a design-led overhead cabin suitcase for airlines with more generous depth allowances. While it fits comfortably within EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air cabin limits, its 23cm depth exceeds Ryanair’s 20cm restriction, meaning it shouldn’t be used on Ryanair flights.

Combining Pierre Cardin’s fashion heritage with practical construction, Voyage offers a polished, considered look without sacrificing everyday usability. Subtle horizontal detailing and a durable hard shell give it a refined presence that still stands up well to regular travel.

Key benefits:

• Scratch-resistant hard shell with distinctive horizontal design lines
• Smooth-glide 360° wheels for easy movement
• Lightweight telescopic trolley system for comfortable handling
• Fully lined, branded interior with zipped divider and elastic packing straps
• Elegant colour options that feel timeless rather than trend-led

A refined choice for weekend breaks, short stays and travellers who value understated style with dependable performance on EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air.

London Fog Eton - Small

Ideal for: Overhead cabin baggage for EasyJet and Jet2. Not suitable for Ryanair or Wizz Air cabin baggage due to height.

Eton measures 56 × 35 × 23 cm (H × W × D) and is designed as a classic overhead cabin suitcase for airlines with more generous cabin size allowances. While it fits comfortably within EasyJet and Jet2 limits, its height exceeds the restrictions set by Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Bringing a calm, composed feel to cabin travel, Eton combines London Fog’s timeless styling with practical features that make navigating busy airports feel effortless. Its clean lines and traditional colour palette give it a more elevated look, while the durable ABS shell ensures it’s built to handle regular use.

Key benefits:

• TSA-approved lock for added security and smoother airport checks
• Eight 360° spinner wheels for stable, fluid movement across terminals
• Fully lined interior to keep belongings organised and protected
• Durable, scratch-resistant ABS hard shell
• Timeless design that suits travellers who prefer a more refined aesthetic

A dependable cabin case for travellers who value ease of movement, durability and understated style on EasyJet and Jet2.

Airline-Specific Recommendations

To make things as straightforward as possible, we’ve grouped the suitcases below by airline and allowance. Each recommendation is based on the maximum permitted external dimensions (height × width × depth) set by each airline.

EasyJet - Underseat (45 × 36 × 20 cm)

Personal item allowance

• Gino Ferrari Biella - Underseat Case
• a2b Sojourn - Extra Small Suitcase

EasyJet’s more generous underseat allowance allows for compact wheeled cases that stay within all three dimensions.

Ryanair - Overhead Cabin (55 × 40 × 20 cm)

Paid cabin bag / Priority

• a2b Sojourn - Extra Small Suitcase

Ryanair’s cabin depth limit is the tightest of all, which is why only slimmer cabin cases are suitable here.

Wizz Air - Overhead Cabin (55 × 40 × 23 cm)

Wizz Priority

• a2b Sojourn - Extra Small Suitcase
• a2b Sojourn - Small Suitcase
• Pierre Cardin Voyage - Small Hard Shell Suitcase
• a2b Exodus - Small Suitcase

Wizz Air allows slightly more depth than Ryanair, which opens up additional hard-shell cabin options.

EasyJet & Jet2 - Overhead Cabin (56 × 45 × 25 cm)

Standard cabin baggage allowance

• a2b Sojourn - Extra Small Suitcase
• a2b Sojourn - Small Suitcase
• a2b Exodus - Small Suitcase
• Pierre Cardin Soleil - Small Cabin Suitcase
• Pierre Cardin Voyage - Small Hard Shell Suitcase
• London Fog Eton - Small Cabin Suitcase

These airlines offer the most generous cabin allowances, making them suitable for a wider range of structured cabin cases.

Why Xplore Makes This Simpler

A big part of what sets Xplore apart is the flexibility and control we have through our own warehouse. It allows us to:

• check airline sizing regularly
• quality-test every case before it leaves us
• curate ranges that genuinely match traveller needs
• offer flexible bundles and multi-size sets
• maintain strong and reliable stock availability

We’re here to make travel easier, from the moment you choose your suitcase to the moment it goes into the overhead locker.

Final Thoughts

With the right carry-on, budget airline travel becomes far simpler. Clear sizing, dependable design and solid build quality remove the uncertainty, leaving you free to focus on the journey rather than the baggage rules.

If you’re ready to find a case that fits your airline and your travel style, explore our selection of airline-approved carry-on and underseat luggage.

Travel starts here, and you’re in safe hands with Xplore.