Cabin baggage dimensions: what you need to know before you leave

Even before choosing a suitcase or backpack, it is necessary to distinguish between two types of luggage.

The small personal luggage

This is the small bag that you can usually place inside. under the seat in front of you.

This could be:

• of a small backpack; ;
• of a handbag; ;
• of a laptop bag; ;
• of a small travel bag.

It is often the case the only luggage included in the cheapest tickets of low-cost airlines.

The dimensions usually range around 40 × 30 × 20 cm, But some companies allow a little more or a little less.

The real cabin baggage

It’s the suitcase or large bag that goes in the compartment located above the seats.

Often dimensions are found around:

55 × 40 × 20/23/25 cm.

But again, there is no universal dimension.

And above all, The fact that a piece of baggage is called «cabin baggage» does not mean that it is automatically included in your ticket.

This is really something to check before traveling.

Table of cabin baggage dimensions in 2026

Here are the main companies used to travel from France and their current dimensions indicated.

Attention: This table provides the reference dimensions, but the inclusion of oversized cabin baggage depends on the fare, the travel class, and sometimes the flight.

Air France: What dimensions should a cabin baggage be?

At Chez Air France, The carry-on luggage can measure up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm, Including wheels, handles and pockets.

In Economy and Premium, the total weight of luggage in the cabin is limited to 12 kg.

The number of permitted bags then depends on the fare and the cabin chosen.

👉 For a trip with Air France, I advise you to check your excess directly in your booking.

Ryanair: the small bag of 40 × 30 × 20 cm

Ryanair is one of the airlines that you really need to be careful with.

All rates currently include a Small personal luggage of 40 × 30 × 20 cm, To be placed under the seat.

If you have chosen a fare that allows two cabin bags, you can also bring one carry-on bag. 55 × 40 × 20 cm, With a maximum weight of 10 kg.

My advice

If you travel regularly with Ryanair and want to avoid an additional option, choose a backpack that respects 40 × 30 × 20 cm.

This is clearly the kind of detail to check before filling your bag to the brim!

easyJet: a small bag measuring 45 × 36 × 20 cm

At easyJet, the free carry-on luggage can be up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm, Includes handles and casters.

It must be able to be placed under the seat in front of you and can weigh up to 15 kg, provided that you can actually wear it and store it.

The large cabin baggage measure 56 × 45 × 25 cm and depends on the option or tariff chosen.

So it’s an interesting company to know if you’re traveling with a backpack rather than a suitcase.

Wizz Air: Beware of the 40 × 30 × 20 cm format

Wizz Air allows one free bag of luggage 40 × 30 × 20 cm, Up to 10 kg.

It must be able to be placed under the seat.

With WIZZ Priority, you can add a trolley to your booking. 55 × 40 × 23 cm, Also up to 10 kg.

The small backpack of 40 × 30 × 20 cm is therefore particularly convenient for travelers who regularly use this airline.

Transavia: free small bag, cabin luggage according to the fare

Transavia also operates with two formats.

Each passenger may take one carry-on bag free of charge:

40 × 30 × 20 cm

It must be placed under the seat and can weigh up to 10 kg.

The actual cabin baggage measure:

55 × 40 × 25 cm

but its inclusion depends on the tariff or an option purchased. With the Smart and Max tariffs, it is included.

And be careful: Transavia indicates that non-compliant luggage can be placed in the hold at an additional cost at the airport.

Vueling: 40 × 30 × 20 cm for the small bag

Vueling allows a small piece of luggage of:

40 × 30 × 20 cm

to be placed under the seat.

Depending on the fare or option chosen, a second bag can be placed in the upper compartment. In that case, it measures: 55 × 40 × 20 cm and can weigh up to 10 kg.

Volotea: 40 × 30 × 20 cm

At Volotea, the small bag placed under the seat can measure a maximum of:

40 × 30 × 20 cm.

With priority boarding, a second piece of baggage 55 × 40 × 25 cm Can be placed in the upper compartment.

The total weight of the two bags must not exceed 10 kg.

Lufthansa: 55 × 40 × 23 cm

Lufthansa allows a small personal item from:

40 × 30 × 15 cm

and, depending on the fare, one cabin bag of:

55 × 40 × 23 cm, with a maximum weight of 8 kg.

The Economy Basic fare on some European flights may, in particular, only include the small bag under the seat.

KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm

At KLM, the smallest bag must measure a maximum of:

40 × 30 × 15 cm.

The carry-on luggage can measure:

55 × 35 × 25 cm, Including handles and wheels.

In Economy, the combined weight of the small bag and cabin baggage must not exceed 12 kg. With a Basic ticket, hand luggage is not included.

British Airways: 56 × 45 × 25 cm

British Airways allows:

40 × 30 × 15 cm for the small personal luggage.

Cabin baggage dimensions may be:

56 × 45 × 25 cm, Includes casters and handles.

Iberia: 56 × 40 × 25 cm

Iberia allows cabin luggage of:

56 × 40 × 25 cm

and up to 10 kg in Economy and Premium Economy.

A small personal accessory from 30 × 40 × 15 cm is also authorized.

Why I sometimes prefer a backpack to the cabin luggage

When I go away for a few days, I find that one travel backpack It can be much more convenient than a small suitcase.

It is:

• lighter; ;
• easier to transport; ;
• usually more flexible; ;
• practice in transport; ;
• easy to slide under a seat; ;
• perfect for a short stay.

And especially when I travel with the children, it’s much easier for me.

Everyone can have their own bag with their essential belongings.

Which backpack to choose for the plane?

If you are looking for a bag to use as a small personal luggage, I recommend you to prioritize a model:

✔ Maximum size 40 × 30 × 20 cm

It’s a particularly interesting format if you’re traveling with several low-cost airlines.

✔️ Flexible

A soft bag is much easier to slide under a seat than a rigid suitcase.

✔️ With several compartments

I find it indispensable for separating clothes, computer, chargers, papers and small items.

✔️ With a suitcase-type opening

It’s much more pleasant to organize your clothes this way.

✔️ Lightweight

The heavier the bag is empty, the less weight you have left for your belongings.

My choice: Eastpak bags for traveling

I am quite a fan of Eastpak bags for travel because they are practical, durable, and easy to use on a daily basis.

For a flight trip, I would look at the models in the range in particular. Eastpak Travel.

The advantage of a typical Eastpak travel bag is that it can also serve a purpose once you arrive at your destination: for a day of sightseeing, a day out, or even as an extra bag during a road trip.

👉 See the Eastpak travel bags on Amazon – affiliate link

💡 Good to know : Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy a product through one of my links, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep Travel Me Happy alive and continue to share my travel advice.

Backpack or Cabin Suitcase: Which one to choose?

It really depends on your trip.

I would choose a backpack if:

• I leave for 2 or 3 days; ;
• I travel with a low-cost airline; ;
• I am only allowed a small amount of luggage; ;
• I want to avoid paying an option; ;
• I take a lot of public transport; ;
• I travel with the children.

I would choose a cabin suitcase if:

• I am entitled to the large cabin baggage allowance; ;
• I’m leaving for a week or more; ;
• I want to be able to store more clothes; ;
• I transport fragile items; ;
• I mostly stay in a hotel.

Personally, I think that The backpack is unbeatable for short stays.

How to measure your cabin baggage?

It’s a point that one doesn’t necessarily think about.

When measuring your luggage, please take into account:

• the height; ;
• the width; ;
• the depth; ;
• the handles; ;
• the casters; ;
• the outer pockets.

Some airlines explicitly state that the handles and wheels are included in the dimensions. This is the case for Air France, easyJet, Transavia and KLM, among others.

My trick

Always measure your bag once filled.

A soft bag can maintain its dimensions when empty and become much thicker once filled with clothes.

Which format should I choose if I want one bag for several airlines?

If you travel mainly in Europe and want to buy a versatile bag, I would prioritize the format:

40 × 30 × 20 cm

This format currently applies to the small personal luggage allowance offered by several airlines, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Transavia, Vueling and Volotea.

It is compact enough to be placed under a seat while still allowing you to carry quite a bit of luggage for a short stay.

👉 [See the 40×30×20 cm travel backpacks on Amazon – affiliate link]

[INSERT AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK]

What to put in your small backpack?

For a weekend, I recommend staying quite minimalist.

In my bag I can put:

• a small camera; ;
• my phone; ;
• my loaders; ;
• an external battery; ;
• my headphones; ;
• my papers; ;
• a toiletry kit; ;
• a sweater; ;
• a change; ;
• some underwear; ;
• my glasses; ;
• a small empty bottle to be filled after the security checks.

And if I'm traveling with the children, each one can have their own little bag.

It’s much easier than having to rummage through a huge suitcase every time someone looks for their headphones!

Cabin baggage: beware of the weight

Dimensions are not the only element to monitor.

The maximum weight can vary greatly from one company to another.

For example:

• easyJet: up to 15 kg for small luggage; ;
• Ryanair: 10 kg for the large cabin baggage; ;
• Wizz Air: 10 kg ;
• Lufthansa: 8 kg ;
• KLM: 12 kg combined in Economy; ;
• Transavia: 10 kg combined for small and large luggage; ;
• Volotea: 10 kg combined.

That is why I really recommend that you Weigh your bag before leaving.

A small luggage scale can save you from a bad surprise at the airport.

What happens if my luggage is too big?

If your luggage exceeds the allowed dimensions, the airline may ask you to place it in the hold.

And when that happens at the boarding gate, it can cost much more than an option booked in advance.

For example, Transavia indicates that fees of 70 € or more They can be applied for luggage that does not comply with the airport regulations.

At easyJet, luggage that exceeds the allowed dimensions or is not paid for can also be placed in the hold at a fee at the gate.

In short: Measuring your bag at home takes two minutes. Having it checked at the airport can cost much more.

Traveling with carry-on luggage as a family

It’s even more important when you’re traveling with children.

When we go on a family trip, I prefer to divide up the things rather than putting everything into just one suitcase.

Children can have their own bag with:

• their headphones; ;
• a tablet or a console; ;
• a book; ;
• a sweater; ;
• a few little games; ;
• their personal affairs.

This also allows us to keep important items with us during the flight.

And above all, if a suitcase has to be carried on board, we always have the essentials with us in the cabin.

My tips to avoid baggage fees

1. Check your ticket

Don't just look at the company.

Look the tariff you actually purchased.

2. Measure your bag

Even if it is sold as a «cabin», check its dimensions.

3. Weigh it

Some companies are much stricter on weight than others.

4. Choose a lightweight bag

A heavy bag full of air makes you lose precious kilos.

5. Keep heavy objects close to your back

In a backpack, this also allows for better distribution of weight.

6. Do not fill the outer pockets

A bulging pocket can change the depth of the bag.

7. Check the rules before each trip

That’s my most important advice.

Companies can change their conditions, and the rules can also depend on your fare.

And the liquids in the cabin baggage?

The dimensions of the bag are obviously not the only rule to be followed.

For liquids, the general rule remains to use containers of Maximum 100 ml, with the presentation modalities requested by the airport.

However, procedures can vary depending on the airport and evolve with the control equipment.

I advise you, therefore, to check the instructions your departure airport before you prepare your toiletry bag.

My favorite travel bags

If I were to plan a trip today, I would prioritize the following:

🎒 A backpack 40 × 30 × 20 cm

It’s my choice for low-cost airlines when only a small amount of luggage is included.

👉 See the 40 × 30 × 20 cm backpacks on Amazon

🧳 A travel Eastpak bag

For a weekend or short stay, the Eastpak travel bags are a good option to consider.

👉 See the Eastpak bags on Amazon

🧳 A cabin suitcase

If your ticket includes a real carry-on bag, a small suitcase with wheels may be more comfortable.

👉 See the cabin luggage on Amazon

FAQ – Cabin baggage dimensions

What is the standard size of a cabin baggage?

There is no universal dimension. The formats around 55 × 40 × 20/23/25 cm They are common, but each company applies its own rules.

What size bag is allowed for Ryanair?

The small personal luggage measure of Ryanair 40 × 30 × 20 cm. A cabin baggage 55 × 40 × 20 cm and 10 kg is possible with the relevant options or rates.

What size bag is allowed for Wizz Air?

The free small luggage measure 40 × 30 × 20 cm and can weigh up to 10 kg. The trolley with WIZZ Priority can measure 55 × 40 × 23 cm.

What size bag is allowed on Transavia flights?

The free small luggage measure 40 × 30 × 20 cm. The cabin baggage measure 55 × 40 × 25 cm and depends on the tariff or an option.

What size bag is required for easyJet?

The free small luggage measure 45 × 36 × 20 cm. The large cabin baggage measure 56 × 45 × 25 cm.

Is it possible to take a backpack on board?

Yes. A backpack can be used as carry-on luggage or as cabin luggage provided that the dimensions and weight allowed by the airline are respected.

Does a 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag fit everywhere?

No. It’s a very convenient format that is accepted by several airlines, but you should always check the rules of the airline you’re traveling with.

Should I choose a rigid or a flexible bag?

For a small bag placed under the seat, I personally prefer one soft bag. It is easier to slide under the seat and allows for optimal space optimization.

Cabin baggage dimensions: my advice before you leave

If you travel by plane regularly, I really recommend that you don’t buy a bag just because it’s presented as «cabin format».

What matters are the dimensions indicated by Your airline and your fare.

For a small, versatile bag for low-cost airlines, the format 40 × 30 × 20 cm is particularly interesting.

For a real cabin suitcase, the dimensions around 55 × 40 × 20/23/25 cm They are very common, but again, you need to check with the company.

And above all, remember to check the dimensions AND the weight before leaving.

It’s a small trick that can save you a lot of stress… and sometimes a hefty bill at the airport!