Most airlines allow a “personal item” – that’s airline-speak for your handbag, laptop bag, or that cute backpack you bought on a whim. The hand luggage itself is the larger roller bag or duffel. So technically, you’re allowed two items: a big one in the overhead bin, and a small one under the seat in front of you. Rise and shine, you’re officially a two-item human.
But here’s the catch: that handbag must fit under the seat and not be mistaken for a small dog or a piece of furniture. I once saw a woman try to board with a purse the size of a small ottoman. The flight attendant gave her a look that could curdle milk. Don’t be that starfish.
The Looong, Confusing Rules
Ryanair famously hates your handbag with a fiery passion. Their policy used to be “no second bag, buy a new ticket if you sneeze wrong.” Now they allow a small personal item (like a handbag) but only if it’s smaller than a loaf of bread (40x20x25 cm, roughly). Meanwhile, British Airways lets you bring a handbag plus a cabin bag, as long as your handbag isn’t a literal beach tote. Confused? You’re not alone.
Here’s a surprising fact: EasyJet used to allow a handbag and a cabin bag for free… until they secretly changed the rules in 2026. Now only the small personal item fits under the seat, and the larger bag costs extra unless you have priority boarding. It’s like they’re playing a prank on your packing pride.
Does A Handbag Count As Hand Luggage Easyjet | semashow.com
