Hand luggage: how to choose between TAP, Ryanair, and easyJet
1) Before you buy: "carry-on bag" and "personal item" are not the same thing.
In many companies, you are entitled to two different pieces of clothing :
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carry-on bag / hand luggage (goes in the overhead compartment, when included)
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personal item (goes under the seat )
At TAP, for example, hand luggage and personal items have separate limits (dimensions and weight).
At Ryanair, all fares include a personal bag , and only some options include the 10kg carry-on bag.
On easyJet, everyone can take a small bag under their seat for free; the large carry-on bag depends on the fare/seat.
2) Measures (practical summary) — always confirm before the flight.
TAP (carry-on baggage + personal item)
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Hand luggage: 55 × 40 × 25 cm , 10 kg
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Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm , 2 kg
Ryanair (personal bag included; 10 kg bag with Priority)
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Personal bag: 40 × 30 × 20 cm (under the seat)
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With “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags”: + suitcase 10 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm
easyJet (free small bag; large option available)
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Small bag: 45 × 36 × 20 cm (includes handles/wheels), under the seat.
Pay attention to the detail "including handles and wheels" — this is where many people go wrong, especially with strollers.
3) Which bag should you buy if you travel mostly for… (purchase scenarios)
A) “Very Ryanair flight” (Portugal–Europe, low-cost)
The golden rule is: buy the bag thinking about the personal 40x30x20 tote bag , because that's what you always have included.
If you also frequently purchase Priority, then a 55x40x20 cart is the safest "standard" size for the second item.
Ideal product: compact backpack 40×30×20 + trolley 55×40×20.
B) "Very TAP flight"
TAP allows more leeway in the depth of hand luggage (up to 25 cm), but the personal item is shorter (40×30×15).
If your "personal item" is a laptop backpack, choose one that doesn't exceed 15 cm in thickness when full (that's what usually exceeds the measurement limit).
Ideal product: 55×40×25 stroller + 40×30×15 slim backpack.
C) “easyJet flight”
If you want to guarantee a free small bag, choose a model that's actually made for 45×36×20 .
If you buy a large bag, aim for 56×45×25 (when applicable) and don't choose a "thick" (25 cm) trolley for the small bag — it almost never fits.
4) Rigid bag vs. fabric bag: what makes the difference in 2026?
DECO PROteste reminds us that the choice should consider durability and comfort , and highlights practical organizational differences: hard-shell suitcases open "in the middle" (two halves), while semi-rigid/fabric suitcases tend to have a "lid" and may be less practical for storage.
Rigid choice if:
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You want protection (equipment, fragile mementos).
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Do you like storage by halves and internal straps?
You choose fabric/semi-rigid if:
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You need exterior pockets.
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Do you prefer some "flexibility" in terms of volume (car + transport)?
5) Wheels, handle and locks: where durability is key.
On frequent trips, the "weak point" is rarely the material of the hull — it's:
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wheels and axles
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telescopic handle
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closures/sliders
DECO recommends paying attention to details such as locks and security solutions (e.g., integrated padlock).
Practical tip: if you notice that the bag wobbles a lot with the strap extended, it's a sign of a weak structure (it will get worse).
6) TSA Lock: Is it worth it in Portugal?
If you are traveling to the U.S. (or routes where there may be inspection by authorities using the system), a TSA/Travel Sentry lock allows you to open and close it again without breaking the lock, because there is a "master" key for inspection.
For flights within the EU, it's not "mandatory," but it can be useful if you want to standardize your travel kit.
Quick checklist (error-free purchase)
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Which airline do I use most often? (TAP / Ryanair / easyJet)
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Do I want 1 package (personal item) or 2 packages (personal item + suitcase)?
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Does the measurement include wheels and handles? (easyJet: yes)
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Rigid (protection) or fabric (pockets/flexibility)?
FAQ
What is the most universal cabin bag?
If you want maximum compatibility with low-cost carriers when buying 2 pieces of luggage: 55×40×20 (the standard 10 kg Ryanair baggage allowance).
Can I use a laptop backpack as a personal item?
Yes, as long as it meets the dimensions of your airline's "personal bag/personal item". Ryanair, for example, includes a personal bag measuring 40x30x20.