Flying Smart

Flying Smart: Personal-Item Rules for Budget and Major Airlines

If you prefer to travel with only a backpack or small under-seat bag, understanding personal-item size rules is essential. Budget airlines have strict limits, and being even slightly over can lead to unexpected fees. Below is a clear breakdown of personal-item size regulations for Flair, Ryanair, easyJet, Spirit, Frontier, and Air Canada.

Flair Airlines (Canada)

Flair is one of Canada’s strictest low-cost airlines regarding baggage limits.

Free personal item size:
15 cm × 33 cm × 43 cm
(6 in × 13 in × 17 in)

Maximum weight:
7 kg (15.5 lb)

Anything larger is considered a paid carry-on.

Tip: Flair frequently checks bag sizes at the gate. Use a soft backpack and avoid overpacking.

Ryanair (Europe)

Ryanair allows a single small under-seat bag. Anything larger requires an upgrade.

Free personal item size:
40 × 30 × 20 cm
(15.7 in × 11.8 in × 7.9 in)

To bring a cabin suitcase, you must purchase the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option.

Tip: Ryanair’s bag sizers are small and strictly enforced.

easyJet (Europe)

easyJet offers slightly more room for personal items compared to Ryanair.

Free personal item size:
45 × 36 × 20 cm
(17.7 in × 14.2 in × 7.9 in)

Larger cabin bags require an upgraded fare or add-on.

Tip: This size is generous enough for most compact travel backpacks.

Spirit Airlines (United States)

Spirit allows one free personal item per passenger. Carry-ons require an additional fee.

Personal item size:
18 in × 14 in × 8 in
(45 × 35 × 20 cm)

Tip: Bags must fit the sizer exactly. Spirit checks frequently.

Frontier Airlines (United States)

Frontier has strict limits similar to Spirit but with slightly different dimensions.

Personal item size:
14 in × 18 in × 8 in
(35.6 × 45.7 × 20.3 cm)

Tip: Height is more restrictive, so avoid tall backpacks.

Air Canada (Canada)

Air Canada offers more flexibility, but Basic fares may limit you to a personal item only.

Personal item size:
33 cm × 43 cm × 16 cm
(13 in × 17 in × 6 in)

Tip: While enforcement is looser than budget airlines, oversize under-seat bags can still be flagged.

Why These Rules Matter

Budget airlines depend heavily on baggage fees and enforce strict size limits. Even a few centimeters over the allowed size, or a bag that looks overfilled, can lead to last-minute charges. Knowing your airline’s exact personal-item dimensions helps you choose a travel backpack that fits without issues.

Packing Smart: Quick Checklist

  • Choose a backpack that fits the smallest airline limit you plan to fly with.

  • Use soft-sided materials that compress easily.

  • Avoid overfilling your bag to prevent bulging.

  • Measure your bag including handles, straps, and side pockets.

  • A safe “universal” size for global travel is around 40 × 30 × 20 cm.