Best 40x30x20 Weekend Bag: Buying Guide & Top 3
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 6 min read
Looking for the best 40x30x20 weekend bag for worry-free flying without extra charges? With the right size, you can pack smart, slide your bag under the seat in front of you and comply with the hand luggage rules of many European airlines. In this guide, I’ll show you what to look for, which dimensions apply to each airline and which bag best suits your travel style. You’ll also find a compact top 3 with proven models from ByMetz, so you can make the right choice straight away. Want to compare all options in this size? Take a look at our 40x30x20 Hand Luggage.
What should you look for when choosing a 40x30x20 weekend bag?
The 40x30x20 cm size is an underseat format that many airlines allow as small hand luggage. Still, it’s not just about centimetres. These are the most important things to consider:
- Size and capacity - 40x30x20 is roughly equivalent to 24 litres gross capacity. Net capacity is lower because of the lining and compartments. Choose enough space for 1 to 3 days of travel.
- Weight - The lighter the bag, the more you can take with you within strict weight limits.
- Organisation - Multiple zipped pockets, a spacious main compartment and quick access to your passport, cables and liquids save time at security.
- Carrying options - A handle, shoulder strap and backpack straps provide comfort during transfers or city walks.
- Smart sleeve - With a trolley sleeve, you can slide the bag over the pull handle of your suitcase. Handy during transfers.
- Material - 600D polyester is light and strong, while 900D tarpaulin is extra hard-wearing and waterproof. Choose what suits your needs. Do you prefer a leather option? Take a look at our Leather Weekend Bag.
- Laptop or shoe compartment - Useful extras for business trips or active weekends.
- Zips and hardware - Metal zips and a reinforced base extend the bag’s lifespan.
Hand luggage rules per airline for 40x30x20
Rules change regularly, but this is the guideline for the underseat format with popular European airlines. Always check the current conditions on your airline’s website shortly before departure. Want to quickly check what is allowed with each airline? Take a look at our 40x30x20 Airline Rules Overview.
| Airline | Underseat bag included |
|---|---|
| Wizz Air | Yes, 40x30x20 |
| Vueling | Yes, 40x30x20 |
| Transavia | 40x30x20 as a personal item |
| TUI fly | 40x30x20 as a personal item |
| Corendon | 40x30x20 as a personal item |
| Ryanair | 40x30x20 as a personal item |
Flying with Ryanair without Priority? Choose a 40x30x20 bag. With Priority, you can also take a larger cabin suitcase, but the underseat bag must still be 40x30x20. For Wizz Air and Vueling, 40x30x20 is exactly the intended size. If you travel with several airlines, consider a model with a firm, compressible shape or an expandable backpack that you can keep at a depth of 15 or 20 cm when needed.
Top 3 best 40x30x20 weekend bags from ByMetz
ByMetz has been designing bags and suitcases since 1974 and specialises in underseat hand luggage. Below, you’ll find three tried-and-tested options for different uses.
- All-round city trips and short business trips - ByMetz 3-in-1 Travel Bag 40x30x20 - Carry it as a backpack, shoulder bag or handbag. Four external compartments keep documents and tech within easy reach. The waterproof 900D tarpaulin can handle a rain shower and intensive use. Thanks to the smart sleeve, you can place the bag securely on your trolley. Ideal if you walk a lot, want to pack quickly and are looking for maximum flexibility. Link: https://bymetz.nl/products/40x30x20-transavia-ryanair-3-way-boarding-bag-reistas-rugzak
- Maximum organisation and underseat confidence - ByMetz 40x30x20 Classic Hand Luggage Bag - Compact travel bag with front and back pockets, two side pockets and a reinforced base. Made from robust 600D polyester with metal finishes. Perfect if you want to stay organised without unnecessary extras. The smart sleeve makes transfers easy.
- Hybrid work and travel - ByMetz Expandable Hand Luggage Backpack - Switch from 40x30x15 to 40x30x20 for extra space on the return journey. With a padded 15.6-inch laptop compartment and well-designed front pockets, your work gear stays safe and organised. Made from water-repellent material and comfortable to carry thanks to its slim profile. Ideal if you mainly fly with Wizz Air, Vueling or Transavia and sometimes need to pack more compactly. Link: ByMetz 40x30x15/20 Backpack
Pack smart for a 40x30x20 weekend bag
With the right choices, you can fit a surprising amount into 40x30x20. Use packing cubes or zip bags to compress your belongings and find what you need faster.
- 2 to 3 outfits, 1 pair of trousers or skirt, 1 extra layer
- Underwear and socks for 2 to 3 days
- 1-litre toiletry bag with travel-size liquids
- Compact trainers or flip-flops in a shoe bag
- Laptop or tablet, plus chargers and cables, in the front pocket
- Passport, tickets and snacks within easy reach
Roll clothes tightly, put small items inside your shoes and fill the corners of the main compartment first. Keep liquids and electronics on top for a smooth security check.
Underseater, small suitcase or backpack: what suits you?
For short trips, an underseater is often more practical than a small suitcase on wheels. It is easier to lift and manoeuvre on buses, metros and stairs, and you make optimal use of the space under the seat. Take a look at our 40x30x20 Underseaters for compact options with strict airlines. A backpack offers the most freedom of movement and is ideal if you walk a lot or switch between destinations, while a duffel with a shoulder strap is easy to access when boarding and going through security. Prefer a soft duffel as a cabin bag? Take a look at our Hand Luggage Travel Bags.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good weekend bag?
A good weekend bag is light, compact and gives you quick access to your essentials. Choose a model with multiple zipped pockets, a smart sleeve for your trolley and enough structure to keep its shape under the seat. Materials such as 600D polyester are light and strong, while 900D tarpaulin is extra hard-wearing and waterproof for intensive use.
Is 40x30x20 a small suitcase?
40x30x20 is usually considered underseat hand luggage, not a “suitcase” with wheels. The size is designed to fit under the seat and is often a bag or backpack. Some brands offer small hard-shell underseaters, but a soft bag often makes more efficient use of the limited space.
How many litres is a 40x30x20 cm bag?
Gross capacity is 24 litres (40 x 30 x 20 cm = 24,000 cm³). Net capacity is lower because of the lining, compartments and zip edges. In practice, you can expect around 20 to 23 litres of usable space, depending on the design and material.
What is a good travel bag for hand luggage?
A good hand luggage travel bag meets your airline’s permitted underseat size, is light, has a smart layout and suits your travel style. Look for a model with several carrying options, sturdy zips, water-repellent or waterproof material and a smart sleeve. If you also take a laptop, choose a backpack with a padded compartment.
Ready to fly comfortably without extra costs? Compare our Weekend Bags and choose the weekend bag that suits your route and airline.