“I cannot believe how much this seemingly normal bag holds – it’s a bit like the Tardis or the magic porridge pot”
Laura McKenna Audience Writer
06:03, 13 Mar 2026
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The bargain bag is a good choice for passengers flying on budget airlines (Image: Getty Images)
Air travel rules for cabin bags can be a real headache these days. While some airlines’ allowances include bags that can be stashed in the overhead locker, many budget carriers now insist your bag fits neatly under the seat in front of you, and boarding with the wrong size baggage can lead to extra fees.
Unbeaten by the shrinking baggage rules, Amazon shoppers have found a ‘Tardis-like’ cabin bag that is compact enough to squeeze into even the strictest under-seat requirements. Better still, the Hayayu Expandable Cabin Bag is currently 49% off on Amazon, taking the price down from £23.99 to just £12.98.
Designed to maximise packing power, the tote bag – which buys say ‘looks like a designer handbag’ – has a clever zippered bottom that allows it to transform between different airline requirements. When empty, the bag measures approximately 40 x 20 x 32 cm, but it is designed to compress to 40 x 20 x 28 cm once filled to remain flight-friendly.
This adaptable design makes it perfectly suitable for the free cabin allowances on Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and more. This should give travellers peace of mind that their bag will fit without worrying about extra charges at the check in gate.
The bag features a large main compartment for clothing and a specialised wet-and-dry separation pocket for storing toiletries securely. It also includes an internal zippered pocket for small essentials and an external anti-theft strap to keep your most important items safe during transit.
Save up to 50% on the Hayayu Ryanair Expandable Cabin Bag
£23.99
From £11.90
Amazon
The bag has lots of storage space and stylish good looks, while still meeting the strict size requirements of Ryanair, easyJet and more
Designed for maximum portability, the bag includes a trolley sleeve that slides over suitcase handles to free your shoulders in the terminal. It is a highly versatile piece of luggage that can be used as a crossbody bag, shoulder bag, or handbag thanks to the adjustable and detachable straps.
This budget-friendly bag has been lauded as being ‘perfect for cabin baggage’. Available in a choice of black, cream, dark grey, light grey, light pink and olive green, it lets travellers stay stylish on the go.
The handy bag has grab handles and a detachable shoulder strap (Image: Amazon)
If the Hayayu Cabin bag isn’t quite right, Dunelm is selling the Constellation Cabin Holdall, which is a budget-friendly choice priced at only £12.00. This bag offers a similar 40 x 20 x 25 cm footprint but features a simple, lightweight holdall design without the Amazon bag’s padded tech storage and structured backpack straps.
Elsewhere at Next, the Cabin Max Vela 20L Tote Bag is another compact option that has been designed for use when storage space is at a premium. Available in a variety of colours and designs, the £35 bag has been called ‘spacious’ and ‘practical’ by passengers.
For flyers with deeper pockets, the Icon Overnight Bag from Antler is a high-end alternative that currenlty has 30% off selected colours. This bag is significantly more expensive at £98 but uses luxury water-resistant nylon and leather trims, as well as Antler’s iconic name tag and design.
The cabin bag has been described as being ‘like a Tardis’ on the inside(Image: Amazon)
Travellers who have already snapped up the Cabin Bag from Amazon have been leaving glowing reviews, giving it a 4.6 out of five-star rating. One delighted buyer said: “I should get paid by this company and Amazon as I keep recommending this bag to everyone. It’s so ingenious, expanded option fits easyJet and smaller zipped up way is the perfect fit for Ryanair and Wizzair even with their skint personal item allowance. Washes beautifully, lots of convenient little pockets with zips and without.”
Another added: “I cannot believe how much this seemingly normal bag holds – it’s a bit like the Tardis or the magic porridge pot… it just keeps giving. Without undoing the bottom layer, it was perfect for Ryanair, and I look forward to using it for future trips.”
A third explained: “This was an amazing money saver with enough compartments to put more precious items in while still being able to find them easily. I honestly couldn’t believe how much I was able to take with me, I 100% recommend!”
One buyer was less impressed however, leaving a three-star review that noted: “The design of the bag was great with ample zips and pockets and I love the extendable base. However, the zip on the extendable base is a little awkward and gets easily caught up with the man base of the bag above.”
The collapsible bag is versatile enough to be used as free luggage on nearly all UK airlines(Image: Amazon)
A more detailed five-star review added: “This bag was perfect for my cabin baggage. We flew TUI and had no issues with the size. The fact it expands meant it was perfect for fitting all my bits and pieces in for the flight. It fit perfectly over the handle for my suitcase and was secure. The zip pocket on the outside meant my passport was handy for checking in.
“The bag was also perfect as a beach bag and for using on day trips whilst we were on holiday. It’s got a great key clip in and two zipable pockets inside. Easily fit my towel, change of clothes, sun creams, kindle, phone, water bottle when not expanded.”Another shopper added: “Really lovely colour. Looks more like a designer handbag. 10/10 recommend for holidays and day trips.”