40 × 20 × 25 cm – the classic free cabin size
The 40x20x25 cm format earned its popularity as Ryanair's free under-seat bag, and it remains one of the most searched-for hand-luggage sizes in Europe. Good news if you already own one: it still flies free. In summer 2025 Ryanair actually increased its free allowance to 40 × 30 × 20 cm — a slightly larger box that a 40 × 20 × 25 cm bag fits inside with room to spare. So a bag in this size continues to travel free on Ryanair, and it comes well within the personal-item allowances of carriers like Norwegian too.
At around 20 litres it's a neat, upright shape that slots easily under the seat in front of you — enough for a couple of days away without checking a bag. For a weekend in Milan or a quick city break to Vilnius, it keeps you light, mobile and fee-free.
Perfect for
- Weekend city breaks and short getaways
- Free under-seat hand luggage on Ryanair and Norwegian
- Minimalist packers who like a compact, upright bag
- A structured personal item that's easy to store under the seat
Our selection of 40x20x25 cm bags
Compact backpacks — Upright daypacks shaped to sit tidily under the seat, with a laptop pocket and room for a few days' essentials.
Small holdalls & duffels — Soft bags that flex into the under-seat space and make the most of every litre.
Underseat cabin cases — Small wheeled cases built to this slim footprint for travellers who prefer structure and a telescopic handle.
Important about airline baggage rules
Although 40 × 20 × 25 cm has a strong low-cost heritage, baggage rules and weight limits vary between airlines and change over time — Ryanair's own free size, for instance, is now defined as 40 × 30 × 20 cm. Always check your airline's current baggage policy before departure to be sure your bag qualifies as free hand luggage.
Travel smarter with a compact cabin bag
A 40x20x25 cm bag is the definition of travelling light: quick through the gate, easy under the seat, and fee-free on the airlines that made this size famous. Pack smart and it's all you need for a short escape.
FAQ
- Is 40x20x25 cm still free on Ryanair? Ryanair's free bag is now defined as 40 × 30 × 20 cm (increased in summer 2025), and a 40 × 20 × 25 cm bag fits inside that limit — so yes, it still flies free.
- Should I choose 40x20x25 or 40x30x20? Both fly free on Ryanair. Pick 40 × 20 × 25 cm for a slimmer, upright bag; choose 40 × 30 × 20 cm if you want to use the full free allowance and pack a little more.
- Does a 40x20x25 cm bag fit under the seat? Yes — its compact footprint is designed to fit under the seat in front of you on most airlines.
