Can Women Carry Handbags on EasyJet or Ryanair Flights?

Why do we love handbags?

What is the thing with women and handbags? We don’t know if you’ve ever tried, but it is not easy to separate a woman from her favorite handbag. It is because women identify with their handbags in a profound way. Handbags keep secrets, they catch dreams, and they tell the world who we are – all without words.

And if we must use words, we’ll say that used designer handbags in UK are a mix of style, function, and enchantment. They are not just ‘carrier bags.’ They add glamour to our everyday lives.

Screenshot 2024 04 01 At 11.38.04 — **Used Loro Piana Large Bale Navy Blue Bag from SehaBags**

When a woman gets a new handbag, it transforms her. As she stands before the mirror, there is a gleam in her eyes. Something new is about to happen!

With every carefully chosen handbag, she reinvents herself. The mirror becomes a stage where she flaunts her confidence. ‘This is me!’ And if she gets attention, it is not just about the new bag. It is about self-confidence and who she is.

Our handbags become even more incredible when we’re getting ready to hop on a plane and explore the world. Your trusty handbag tells your story. It shows the world who you are, what you love and something about where you are headed.

Handbag Travel.

What is handbag travel?

Budget-friendly airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair, often have strict rules about cabin baggage size. They allow bags with certain dimensions, and only one bag is allowed.

However, your trusty handbag can be your secret weapon. ‘Handbag travel’ is when you don’t carry any additional bags or cabin luggage, but you make do with your handbag. An extra bonus is that most handbags will fit neatly under the seat in front of you. If you carry only a handbag, it also allows for easier walking through airports and a quicker way to board and get settled in your seat.

In this article, we explore the two giants in the low-cost airline industry: EasyJet and Ryanair. All budget-conscious travelers know about them.

Let’s see how your handbag can serve as your cabin luggage with these two airlines.
What are the rules and what do you need to know? We think handbag travel is not just a good idea. It is brilliant!

Low-cost airlines: a short review.

Ryanair was founded in 1985 by Tony Ryan, a Dubliner. Today, this airline is Europe’s largest low-cost carrier. Interestingly, EasyJet was founded ten years later by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, a Greek entrepreneur. The airline is based in London, England. It is the second-largest low-cost carrier in Europe.

Both these airlines are known for their no-frills service and affordable rates. They offer various add-on services, such as checked luggage and seat selection.

Here are some additional fun facts about Ryanair and EasyJet:

Ryanair’s motto is ‘Always Getting Better.’ EasyJet tells you they are ‘The best way to fly.’
Ryanair’s fleet comprises over 400 aircraft. EasyJet has 300 airplanes.
Ryanair flies to over 200 destinations and EasyJet to about 150.

Mastering handbag travel with Ryanair

Ryanair Is Europe’s Largest Low-Cost Carrier — Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost carrier.

The Baggage Policy Shuffle

Ryanair recently had a cabin baggage policy makeover in 2018.

You’re in for VIP treatment if you’ve got a priority boarding pass. Keep a small (hand) bag by your side while your larger cabin sidekick chills in the overhead bin. Their specifications for a small bag are 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. The larger bag can be 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, maxing out at 10kg.

Ryanair’s ‘small bag’ can include a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack.

If you’re not part of the priority posse, don’t fret. You’re still invited to the party!

Non-priority passengers can glide in with the one small bag that must shimmy into the sizer without a fuss. For a little more groove, you can purchase the 10kg check-in bag online or at the airport.

The rules remain the same whether you fly domestically or internationally. Yes, Ryanair’s keeping it consistent. So, whether you’re pirouetting through London or salsa-ing through Spain, you only have to remember one set of cabin baggage rules.

Elevating your Handbag Game with EasyJet.

Easyjet - The Best Way To Fly — ‘The best way to fly.’

Flexibility with EasyJet.

EasyJet believes that your baggage should dance to your tune. Cue the confetti cannons!

Everyone’s invited to bring one small cabin bag for the ride, absolutely free. The maximum size of the bag is 45 x 36 x 20 cm (handles and wheels included), as long as it can nestle snugly beneath the seat in front of you.

Your bag can weigh up to 15kg. The only thing EasyJet asks is that you should be able to lift and carry your bag yourself. A cabin bag, says EasyJet, can be a small trolley case, a handbag, a backpack, or a laptop bag.

Should you require a larger bag or more space (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including any handles and wheels), it can be booked as an additional extra. EasyJet then offers you speedy boarding as part of the package. It is a sweet deal!

International flights.

Just like Ryanair, EasyJet’s regulations stay the same, whether you book a domestic flight or an international one. A bag is a bag, they say.

Which airline is best?

Ryanair and EasyJet are both low-cost airlines that have strict carry-on luggage restrictions. However, some critical differences between the two airlines may make one a better choice for you, depending on your needs.

EasyJet’s carry-on luggage allowance allows for a slightly bigger bag.
Ryanair’s fee for an additional bag can be as low as €/£6, depending on where you’re going.
Ryanair is stricter in enforcing the rules, whereas one can get away with more at EasyJet. However, you may still be charged a fee if your bag is too big or heavy.

Also, consider this:

How long are you flying? If it is a short trip, a handbag can be more than suitable for your needs, and you can choose Ryanair.
Your type of clothing. If you bring bulkier winter clothes, you’ll need a larger bag, so EasyJet might be a better bet.

Here is a handy table where we’ve put all the essential information together:

Ryanair Vs. Easyjet – A Comparison — Ryanair vs. EasyJet – a comparison.

‘Can I take a handbag and another carry-on such as a backpack?

Both these airlines will only allow one piece as cabin luggage. So, you can either pack a handbag as a cabin bag or fit it inside your backpack. (You can then carry your purse as usual once you’re through security on the other side.)

Remember, it is only one piece of carry-on per person!

Pack A Small Handbag Inside Your Backpack — Pack a small handbag inside your backpack. (Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash)

Tips for optimized packing your handbag.

So, you’ve decided that your handbag is your carry-on luggage. Here are our tips on how to pack a handbag strategically for airline travel:

Be sure to choose a handbag that is the right size. Keep the dimensions that we’ve provided for the different airlines in mind. Remember, width, height, and depth are all important. Your bag should be within the parameters for all these measurements.
Consider using a soft bag instead of a rigid one. Soft bags are great for squeezing in a last-minute essential item. Expandable bags are also a good idea. You can always make them bigger once you’ve landed at your destination. If you’re looking for a designer option, the Prada Re-Edition 2005 is a classic nylon bag with a practical zippered pouch that can be attached or removed, giving you extra room when needed.
Make sure your handbag is sturdy and can withstand being tossed around.
Slip your name and contact information in somewhere. If your handbag gets lost, you may be reunited soon if you remember this tip.
Start with packing the essentials. This includes your passport, boarding pass, credit card, necessary visas, cash, lip ice, breath mints, and all the other items you cannot live without. Many handbags have an easy-to-reach zipped pocket that is ideal for storing essentials. Consider a Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote for luxury and practicality. This iconic handbag features a secure interior pocket with a zipper, perfect for safeguarding your essential travel documents and valuables.
Health Essentials: Include prescription medications, a small first-aid kit, and personal hygiene items like hand sanitizer and tissues.
Think carefully about what to add next. A book or a magazine? A snack? Refrain from overloading your bag with non-essentials. There’s nothing worse than having to unpack everything to get to your boarding pass.
Bag Inserts: Consider using bag inserts or organizers with multiple pockets to categorize and classify your items.
Cut down on the electronics. Can you perhaps share charging cables between items? Do you really need a phone, a laptop, and a tablet for your trip?
A change of underwear (or clothes, if your handbag is big enough.) It is always good to be prepared. You’ll never know when a flight might be delayed or when you might get caught in the rain. Be sure to roll your clothes – it saves space (and wrinkles!) and will make it easier to fit everything in.
When your packing plans hit a snag, don’t fret. On the other side of your flight, a world of shopping possibilities awaits. From clothing to toiletries, even books and shoes, it’s all just a shopping spree away. And hey, it’s still more budget-friendly than opting for a larger cabin bag!”
Regularly Reorganize: When you’re traveling, clutter can quickly build up. If you take a few minutes to rearrange your handbag from time to time, you’ll travel so much easier.

Celebrity Travel: Glamour in the Skies

When it comes to jet-setting in style, David and Victoria Beckham are a dynamic duo. Victoria, renowned as ‘Posh’ during her pop-star days, is a connoisseur of high-end luxury bags. The Beckhams are often spotted with Louis Vuitton treasures – Victoria flaunts the brand daily with handbags, while David has a collection of Monogram luggage pieces. Even their kids like Louis Vuitton and have been seen travelling with pieces from both the Monogram and Supreme collaboration lines.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid knows how to blend fashion with practicality, as evidenced by her preferred travel companion – the vintage Dior Oblique Saddle Bag. Dior’s designs are truly iconic and meant to withstand the test of time rather than be discarded after a single season. The renewed demand for Saddles, with searches online surging by a remarkable 65 percent in the past year, underscores the resilient collectors’ market for this timeless design.
Harry Styles, known for his diverse travel style, embraces the Gucci GG Marmont Bag as a signature accessory. This bag perfectly matches his distinctive and androgynous fashion sense.
Cate Blanchett’s refined travel style often includes Prada’s Galleria Bag, a timeless and practical choice for carrying essentials on the go.
In the Fall-Winter 2021 collection, Louis Vuitton unveiled a true conversation starter – a plane-shaped handbag. This eye-catching piece is not your average carry-on; it’s an homage to aviation, complete with wings, engines, a tail, and cockpit windows. Crafted from the iconic LV monogram leather, this unique handbag blends art and fashion. Its price tag screams ‘celebrity,’ and this is undeniably a statement piece.

A Plane-Shaped Handbag — A plane-shaped handbag.

Conclusion

Your handbag is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a smart choice for knowledgeable travelers. Whether you fly Ryanair or EasyJet, your bag can double as your carry-on luggage. The only requirement is that it fits under the seat in front of you.

Perhaps you love the elegance of Louis Vuitton. Perhaps your thing is the versatility of a Prada Re-Edition, or the statement-making power of a Dior Saddle Bag.

Why not grab one of these luxury bags as carry-on luggage? Ryanair and EasyJet say it is totally okay. We say you’ll definitely cause some people to do a double take.

So, choose the bag for the occasion, throw in the essentials, and let your luxury designer handbag become your reliable travel companion.

And as you take off into the skies with your chosen airline, remember that you’re not just navigating the skies. You’re traveling in style with a handbag that’s as adventurous as you are.

Bon voyage!