40 × 30 × 20 cm – the ideal size for free hand luggage
The 40x30x20 cm format has become one of the most sought-after sizes in cabin luggage — and for good reason. In summer 2025 Ryanair increased its free under-seat bag to exactly 40 × 30 × 20 cm (around 24 litres), matching the size Wizz Air already allows free of charge. That means a single bag in this format now travels free, stored under the seat in front of you, on Europe's two biggest low-cost airlines. No Priority, no gate fee, no checked-baggage queue.
Whether you're flying Ryanair, Wizz Air or another European low-cost carrier, compact luggage has become a key part of modern trip planning. With a bag in 40x30x20 cm you'll often avoid extra baggage fees and travel more flexibly — perfect for a weekend in Barcelona, a city break to Riga, or a couple of days in Tallinn with hand luggage only.
Perfect for short trips and weekend breaks
A bag or backpack in 40 × 30 × 20 cm is ideal for:
- City breaks and weekend getaways
- Business trips with light packing
- Use as an extra personal item under the seat
- Short holidays where minimal packing is enough
The size gives you room for the essentials — a couple of days' clothes, a toiletry bag, electronics and your travel basics — without ever needing to check a bag.
Our selection of 40x30x20 cm bags
Backpacks — Compact cabin backpacks that are light and practical, designed to be used as an under-seat personal item while keeping your hands free through the airport.
Bags & duffels — Soft travel bags and duffels in this size are ideal for flexible packing; they squash easily into the cabin space or under the seat and make good use of every litre.
Trolley backpacks — Combining a backpack and a wheeled case in one, trolley backpacks give you both the flexibility of a backpack and the comfort of wheels — great when you'd rather not carry your bag the whole way.
Underseat suitcases — Wheeled cases built specifically to fit under the seat in 40x30x20 cm, perfect for a structured, organised solution that makes the journey more comfortable.
Important about airline baggage rules
While 40 × 30 × 20 cm is a very widely used size, it's important to stress that baggage rules vary from airline to airline. Some allow a free personal bag in this size, while others set specific limits on both weight and dimensions — the free bag on Ryanair and Wizz Air, for example, carries a 10 kg limit. We always recommend checking your airline's current rules before departure to avoid unexpected fees.
Travel smarter with compact hand luggage
With the right 40x30x20 cm bag you can travel more efficiently, skip unnecessary baggage and speed up the boarding process. It's a solution made for the modern traveller who wants flexibility and simplicity.
FAQ
- Which airlines accept a 40x30x20 cm bag for free? Ryanair (free under-seat bag since summer 2025) and Wizz Air both allow a 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag free on standard fares. It also fits comfortably within the larger allowances of most other airlines.
- Is 40x30x20 cm big enough for a weekend? Yes — around 24 litres holds two to three days of clothes, toiletries and a pair of shoes if you pack smart. It's the go-to size for short city breaks.
- Does the size include wheels and handles? Airlines measure the widest points, so it should. Look for bags and cases built to fit 40 × 30 × 20 cm including wheels and handles.
