easyJet is making a big change to its cabin bag allowance for 2021 - and it means there will be a much smaller bag allowance for passengers.

The new policy, which applies to flights from February 10 2021, will mean passengers can still bring one bag free of charge onboard, but it must fit under the seat in front, and be no larger than 45x36x20cm including any handles or wheels.

Under the current policy, passengers can bring one bag free of charge onboard, but this can be up to 56x45x25cm and fit into the overhead locker.

In terms of volume, that means that the new rules nearly halve the allowance. That's because the average 56x45x25cm bag has a volume of approximately 63 litres, while the new 45x36x20cm restriction is approximately 32 litres.

It's worth noting that under both policies easyJet doesn't have a weight limit for bags, although the airline does ask that passengers be able to lift the bag and carry it by themselves.

easyJet is changing its cabin bag policy in 2021 (

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According to easyJet, the smaller bag allowance is still large enough for passengers to "bring all the essentials for their journey or enough for a short trip".

There are some cases where passengers will be able to bring a larger bag (56x45x25cm) on board under the new rules.

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If you book an Up front or Extra legroom seat, you will be able to bring your small cabin bag as well as a second larger bag (56x45x25cm) onboard. The airline says that there are usually between 42-63 seats of this nature available to book, depending on the aircraft type.

There are no changes for easyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare customers who will continue to have an additional large cabin bag included in their booking - although if there is no space they may need to place these in the hold.

easyJet is still allowing one bag on board - it's just a smaller allowance (

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easyJet says that it has made the change in a bid to manage the limited overhead locker space on aircraft. It also claims the new policy can help reduce queue times and other delays caused by putting excess cabin bags in the hold.

For those who try and chance it with a second bag, the airline has warned that "if you bring a large cabin bag to the departure gate without the correct seat selection, it can't go in the cabin and we'll have to check it into the aircraft hold for a charge". The same goes for a bag that exceeds the maximum size available with your booking.

Passengers who already have a flight booked due to depart after February 10 will be offered the 'Hands Free' package at no extra cost, which allows them to bring a large overhead cabin bag which will be placed into the hold free of charge at bag drop.

A woman walks through an airport with a suitcase (

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Alternatively, they will be offered the option to buy an Up front or Extra legroom seat.

You can find more information about the cabin bag rules on the easyJet website here.

easyJet isn't the only airline to offer a cabin bag policy of this nature. For example, Ryanair only allows passengers to bring one small bag on board - those who want to bring a larger cabin bag will need to opt for priority boarding, or alternatively can pay extra for a second 10kg Check-in Bag.

Wizz Air also allows one free small bag on board - passengers who want to bring an extra bag will need to add WIZZ Priority to their booking.