Difference Between Underseat and Hand Luggage | Tips
- , by Miquell Hellings
- 6 min read
Not sure whether to choose an underseater or a larger hand luggage suitcase? Below you’ll find the real differences at a glance, current guideline sizes by airline, and a practical decision guide so you can travel without extra costs and stress.
Underseater vs. hand luggage: terms, sizes and costs
An underseater is the small piece of luggage that fits under the seat in front of you. Airlines often call this a personal item, such as a compact backpack, laptop bag or small trolley. Guideline sizes vary by airline from 40 x 30 x 20 cm to 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Capacity is usually around 12 to 25 liters. The big advantage: this item is included free with many tickets and you keep everything within easy reach. View all Underseaters if you’re looking for this size.
A regular hand luggage suitcase or cabin bag is larger and goes in the overhead locker. Common sizes are 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 55 x 40 x 20 cm, like the models in Hand luggage 55x40x20. With budget airlines you often pay extra for this, while with full-service airlines it depends on your fare. Always check the maximum weight allowed by airline and ticket type. A cabin bag lets you bring more, but you’re also more likely to face extra charges or a gate check when flights are busy.
In short: an underseater is smaller, usually free and fast. A hand luggage suitcase offers more space for trips lasting several days, but may involve extra costs or stricter checks. Choose what fits your trip length, packing style and preferred airline.
Why the rules are so confusing
There is no universal standard. Dimensions, weights and the number of allowed items differ by airline and sometimes even by fare type. Budget airlines often charge for the larger cabin bag, while an underseater is usually free. On top of that, rules change regularly and gate checks become stricter when the cabin is full. A practical example: with Ryanair, a small personal item is free, while a 10 kg cabin bag is only included with Priority or as an extra. EasyJet allows a relatively generous underseater, but a larger cabin bag is paid. KLM generally allows a cabin bag plus a personal item, depending on your ticket. Transavia usually offers a free underseater and often charges extra for larger cabin bags. Want everything in one place? See the complete guide to hand luggage dimensions.
Decision guide: when should you choose an underseater and when hand luggage?
- Short city break or business day trip with a light packing style: choose an underseater. You avoid fees, move through the airport faster and keep your essentials close.
- Working on the go with a laptop and charger: an underseat backpack sized 40 x 30 x 20 cm (see Hand luggage 40x30x20) with a laptop compartment is ideal. You keep everything under the seat and avoid overhead bin hassle.
- Going away for 3 to 5 days or want room for an extra pair of shoes and toiletries: choose a cabin bag sized 55 x 40 x 20 cm or 55 x 35 x 25 cm and watch the permitted weight.
- Flying with Ryanair without Priority and want to avoid extra costs: use an underseater measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm. A 10 kg cabin bag must be 55 x 40 x 20 cm and requires Priority or an added option.
- Traveling with EasyJet on a standard seat: under the seat you can fit 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Want to bring more? Book a large cabin bag.
- Traveling with a child or lots of liquids: compare the cost of a larger cabin bag or possibly checked luggage with smart packing in an underseater.
Useful overview: free underseater sizes by airline
Always check the latest rules with your airline and ticket. This is a practical starting point for the most common free under-the-seat sizes.
| Airline | Free underseater/personal item | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg cabin bag 55 x 40 x 20 cm only with Priority or as an extra |
| Transavia | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Larger cabin bag usually paid extra, availability depends on flight |
| KLM | Personal item 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Cabin bag 55 x 35 x 25 cm depending on ticket, watch total weight |
| EasyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | Large cabin bag 56 x 45 x 25 cm for an extra fee, limited spaces |
Smart packing for strict hand luggage rules
- Choose a soft underseater or flexible backpack where possible, as it adapts a little more easily.
- Use packing cubes and roll your clothes to save space and stay organized.
- Wear your heaviest layer and put small items in jacket pockets to keep your bag lighter.
- Liquids should be in containers of up to 100 ml inside a resealable 1-liter bag.
- Limit shoes to the pair you wear plus at most one extra lightweight pair.
- Keep electronics and documents at the top for faster security checks.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as hand luggage?
Hand luggage is all luggage you take into the cabin with you. That can be a larger cabin bag for the overhead locker and/or a smaller personal item for under the seat. What is allowed and how many items you can bring depends on the airline and ticket. So always check dimensions, weight and number of items on your booking confirmation.
Does the space under the seat count as hand luggage?
Yes. The item that fits under the seat is often called an underseater or personal item and it counts as part of your hand luggage. With many budget airlines this is included for free. An extra, larger cabin bag for the overhead locker is then often only allowed for an additional fee or with a specific fare.
What bag can go under the seat on a plane?
A compact backpack, laptop bag or small trolley that stays within your airline’s underseat dimensions. Guideline sizes vary, but common formats are 40 x 30 x 20 cm and 45 x 36 x 20 cm. The bag must fit fully under the seat without blocking the aisle. Ideally choose a lightweight, flexible bag for a bit of extra leeway.
What are the dimensions of an underseater?
That differs by airline. Many airlines use 40 x 30 x 20 cm as the free personal item size. KLM uses 40 x 30 x 15 cm for the personal item alongside a cabin bag, depending on your ticket. EasyJet allows 45 x 36 x 20 cm under the seat. With Ryanair, the free small personal item is 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Always check the latest rules before departure. Want more context? Read: What does 40x30x20 mean for hand luggage?.
Ready to choose?
ByMetz offers functional, durable travel solutions for both options: from compact underseat bags to spacious cabin suitcases. Discover our collection of hand luggage suitcases and choose the size that matches your favorite airline and travel style so you can set off without worries.