easyJet Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

easyJet Overview

easyJet is the UK's largest airline and Europe's second-largest low-cost carrier by passenger numbers (behind Ryanair). It offers a slightly more passenger-friendly experience than Ryanair, notably by including a small cabin bag in every fare — though overhead bin space still costs extra.

easyJet Baggage Policy

easyJet's baggage allowance structure is as follows:

Small cabin bag (all fares, free): One small cabin bag that fits under the seat (45 cm × 36 cm × 20 cm). This is included with every ticket at no extra charge. Importantly, this is larger than Ryanair's free personal item.

Large cabin bag (overhead bin access): One overhead bin bag (56 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm, up to 15 kg) is included in FLEXI fares and can be purchased for standard fares. Purchasing in advance online typically costs £7–£25 per flight. Buying at the airport or gate costs more, often £45+.

Checked baggage:

• 15 kg checked bag: £15–£35 per flight (online)
• 23 kg checked bag: £25–£45 per flight (online)
• 26 kg checked bag: £35–£55 per flight (online)
• At-airport prices are significantly higher

Note: easyJet uses a unique 'large cabin bag' tier that allows overhead bin access on the plane rather than checking the bag. This is different from Ryanair's Priority boarding model.

Cancellation and Change Policy

easyJet allows flight changes but not cash refunds on standard fares:

• Standard fare: Changes permitted for £30–£75 per person per flight plus any fare difference. No cash refund — cancellations result in easyJet credit (valid 12 months).
• FLEXI fare: One free flight change per booking (same route). No cancellation fee — credit issued.

Under EU/UK Regulation 261, if easyJet cancels your flight or delays it 3+ hours, you're entitled to a full refund or rebooking regardless of fare type, and potentially compensation.

Seat Selection

easyJet charges for advance seat selection on standard fares. Seats cost £4–£20 per person per flight depending on route and seat type. Standard seats toward the back are cheapest; front rows (more legroom, Speedy Boarding access) cost more. FLEXI fare passengers receive complimentary seat selection. 'Up Front' seats in row 1–5 include extra legroom and priority boarding.

easyJet Plus and easyJet FLEXI

easyJet Plus is an annual subscription (around £220/year in the UK) that provides complimentary seat selection, a large cabin bag, and Speedy Boarding on every flight — good value for 10+ return trips per year. easyJet FLEXI is a per-booking upgrade that adds a large cabin bag, free seat selection, and one free flight change.

Pro Tips for Flying easyJet

• Pre-purchase any bags at booking — the price difference vs. airport check-in is significant (often 2–3x more).
• The free small cabin bag (45 × 36 × 20 cm) is larger than it sounds — a well-packed daypack or weekend bag can fit within these dimensions.
• easyJet FLEXI fare often provides better value than buying add-ons separately when you need a large cabin bag + seat selection.
• easyJet flies to major airports more often than Ryanair — compare routes as the airport convenience factor may offset any price difference.
• Download the easyJet app for mobile boarding passes and real-time gate notifications — the app is reliable and faster than paper alternatives.