The 2026 easyJet Baggage Hack: How to Avoid the £48 Gate Fee
By Dan Kowalski
The 2026 easyJet Reality: “Small” is the New Standard
If you haven’t flown easyJet since 2025, the rules have tightened. As of April 2026, the “Small Underseat Cabin Bag” is the only thing included in your base fare. If your bag doesn’t fit the 45 x 36 x 20 cm sizer, you aren’t just paying a upgrade—you are paying a £48 “Gate Baggage Fee.”
But don’t panic. After testing 12 different “viral” cabin bags this season at Gatwick and Luton, I’ve found the loophole that keeps your money in your pocket.
1. The 45x36x20cm “Goldilocks” Bag
Most “Standard” backpacks are slightly too long (usually 48cm or 50cm). easyJet ground crews at Gatwick North have been particularly strict this spring with the metal sizers.
The Hack: Use a soft-sided “holdall” rather than a hard shell. If your bag is 47cm but half-empty, you can squish it into the 45cm sizer. A hard-shell case will fail every time.
2. The “Duty Free” Expansion Trick
This is a classic that still works in 2026. easyJet allows you to bring one bag of duty-free shopping on board alongside your small cabin bag.
- The Move: If your backpack is bursting at the seams, wear your heavy hoodie/jacket through security, then put it in a large duty-free carrier bag after you buy a bottle of water.
3. easyJet vs. Jet2: The Hidden Cost Comparison
If you are still deciding between airlines for your Summer 2026 break, look at the “Total Cost of Carry.”
| Feature | easyJet (Basic) | Jet2 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Underseat Bag | FREE (Max 45x36x20) | FREE (Max 45x36x20) |
| Overhead 10kg Bag | £18 - £42 Extra | FREE |
| Checked 22kg Bag | From £24 | From £22 |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
The Verdict: If you need an overhead bag, Jet2 is almost always cheaper in 2026 once you reach the final checkout page.
Flying from Gatwick? Remember that easyJet is mostly in the North Terminal, while Jet2 has moved to the South. Don’t get caught on the wrong monorail! Read our Gatwick South Survival Guide for more.
4. Use “Hands-Free” (When Available)
For £7-£10, easyJet sometimes offers a “Hands-Free” option where you drop your cabin bag at the desk and they put it in the hold. This is significantly cheaper than paying for a “Large Cabin Bag” and guarantees you won’t get caught out at the gate.
5. The “Layering” Method
The 2026 “Viral Travel Vest” trend is real for a reason. Wearing a gilet with deep pockets can easily hold 2kg of electronics, chargers, and heavy items that would otherwise bulk out your bag. Once you’re past the gate, just take it off and put it under your seat.
Dan’s Final Word for April 2026
easyJet is still the king of £29 flights, but they make their profit on your lack of preparation. If you measure your bag before you leave for Luton or Gatwick, you’re already ahead of 90% of the passengers in the queue.