Backpack or trolley as hand luggage? What you need to know
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 10 min read
Not sure whether to take a backpack or a trolley as hand luggage? In practice both are allowed, as long as your bag or suitcase stays within the airline's rules. The main difference isn't just the size but also how easy it is to use: a backpack is flexible and light, while a trolley offers more structure and rolling comfort. Which choice makes sense depends on your flight, your destination and whether you travel with hand luggage only or also bring a personal item.
Can you take a backpack or trolley as hand luggage?
Yes, a backpack or trolley is usually allowed as hand luggage, provided it meets the permitted dimensions and maximum weight of the airline you fly with. Many airlines also let you bring an extra small bag next to your main hand luggage, such as a small backpack, laptop bag or handbag that fits under the seat.
That also quickly answers searches like "suitcase and backpack as hand luggage" or "backpack and trolley as hand luggage": the combination is often allowed, but only if your ticket and airline permit it. Especially with budget airlines, the difference between free hand luggage and paid extra cabin baggage matters.
Backpack or trolley as hand luggage: what's the difference?
The biggest difference lies in flexibility, layout and comfort on the go. A hand luggage backpack is often more practical if you walk a lot, take stairs or want to board quickly. A trolley is pleasant when the terminals are flat and you want to keep your things neatly organised.
- Backpack as hand luggage: light, flexible, easy to slide under a seat and handy for city trips or short journeys.
- Trolley as hand luggage: sturdy, easy to pack in an organised way and comfortable at airports with smooth floors.
- Hybrid models: there are also hand luggage solutions that combine features of both, such as a backpack with wheels.
If you often fly with low-cost airlines, a soft backpack tends to be a little more forgiving when it has to fit into a baggage sizer. If you travel for business or carry fragile items, a trolley usually gives more protection and structure. Not sure about wheels or no wheels? Read the guide travel bag with wheels or without.
When does a backpack count as a personal item?
A small backpack often counts as a personal item when it fits under the seat in front of you. Think of a compact backpack for your laptop, documents, charger, snacks and travel essentials. A larger backpack is usually treated as your main hand luggage.
That distinction matters, because many travellers search for "backpack as hand luggage" when they actually want to know whether their backpack can come along for free next to a trolley. Sometimes it can, but only if the backpack is small enough under your airline's rules.
Also keep in mind that protruding pockets, handles and stuffed outer pockets count towards the final size. A half-empty bag fits more easily than a backpack that is bursting at the seams.
Common hand luggage dimensions
There is no universal size that always applies. Still, in practice you often come across these categories:
- Small personal bag: around 40 x 30 x 15 cm or 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Standard cabin size: around 55 x 35 x 25 cm, 55 x 40 x 20 cm or 56 x 45 x 25 cm
- Maximum weight: often between 7 and 12 kg, depending on the airline
Always check not only the dimensions but also the number of pieces allowed. One airline accepts a cabin suitcase plus a small bag, while another only allows a small personal item for free. Want to check the current requirements per airline? Have a look at Hand luggage dimensions: complete guide.
Backpack and trolley as hand luggage per airline
The rules clearly differ from airline to airline. That's why it's smart to always check your ticket type and route before you leave. The overview below helps you understand the most common differences more quickly.
| Airline | Free personal item | Extra cabin baggage | Important to watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLM | Often possible, for example around 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Hand luggage often allowed, such as 55 x 35 x 25 cm | Check the total weight and ticket conditions |
| Transavia | Free small item of luggage, often 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Extra cabin baggage depends on your ticket or an add-on booking | Not every larger bag is allowed in the cabin by default |
| easyJet | Free small bag, usually under the seat | Larger hand luggage depends on the seat type or an extra option | Weight and size can be checked strictly |
| Ryanair | Free small personal bag: 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Make a clear distinction between the free personal bag and paid cabin baggage |
| TUI | Small bag often allowed next to hand luggage, depending on the conditions | Cabin baggage possible under the ticket rules | Cabin space can be limited on busy flights |
With Ryanair it's especially important to use the right category. A free small bag has different dimensions than the 10 kg cabin bag. Mix them up and you're more likely to pay extra at the gate.
Which choice is smarter for your trip?
Choose a backpack if you mainly want to travel flexibly
A hand luggage backpack is ideal if you want to move quickly, often change flights or are going on a city trip. You keep your hands free, get over stairs and cobblestones more easily, and a soft bag is often easier to place under the seat. Especially if you travel with only a personal item, a compact backpack is often the smartest choice.
Choose a trolley if you want overview and convenience
A trolley is handy if you'd rather not lift and want to bring your things neatly organised. For business trips, smart clothes or short trips with a fixed base, a trolley is often comfortable. Do keep in mind that a hard suitcase gives less than a backpack and can therefore end up over the limit sooner if its size is already borderline. If you're looking specifically for compact trolleys, take a look at the hand luggage suitcases.
Choose a combination if your ticket allows two pieces
If you can bring a small bag and main hand luggage, a suitcase plus a backpack is often the most practical combination. Use your trolley for clothes and shoes, and your backpack for the things you need right away during the flight, such as your passport, laptop, charger and water bottle.
What should you look for when choosing hand luggage?
- Dimensions: choose a bag that suits the airline you fly with most often.
- Empty weight: the lighter the bag, the more kilos you have left for your things.
- Layout: extra compartments are handy, but they sometimes make a bag thicker too.
- Material: soft materials give more flexibility, hard shells more protection.
- Use: a laptop, a business trip or a weekend away each call for a different layout.
- Under the seat or in the overhead bin: decide in advance whether your bag should serve as a personal item or as main hand luggage.
Practical packing tips for travelling with hand luggage only
If you travel without checked baggage, smart packing makes a big difference. This helps you bring more without going over the limits:
- Wear your heaviest clothes on the flight: think sneakers, a jacket or a jumper.
- Roll up your clothes: it saves space and keeps your luggage organised.
- Use packing cubes: especially handy in a backpack without rigid dividers.
- Keep important items at the top: such as travel documents, electronics and liquids.
- Check your bag in advance: measure and weigh it at home to avoid surprises at the airport.
- Only bring the toiletries you really need: that way you save weight and space.
What works better under the seat?
For under the seat, a compact backpack or soft travel bag is usually handier than a trolley. A trolley is often meant for the overhead bin, while a small backpack is easier to squeeze and stays closer to the permitted dimensions of a personal item.
If you want quick access to your things during the flight, a small backpack with a separate laptop compartment, front pocket and bottle pocket is often the most practical solution. Underseaters are an interesting alternative for this as well.
Choosing hand luggage at ByMetz
At ByMetz you'll find backpacks and trolleys that are tailored to different airline requirements. Handy if you often switch between airlines or want to travel exactly within common hand luggage sizes. Think of compact backpacks for under the seat, expandable models for different dimensions and bags designed specifically for efficient travel.
Examples from the range include an expandable hand luggage backpack that goes from 40 x 30 x 15 cm to 40 x 30 x 20 cm, a backpack of 55 x 35 x 25 cm for KLM and Transavia among others, and multifunctional bags such as travel bags with wheels. Looking for the comfort of a trolley with the flexibility of a backpack? Models with wheels are available too.
Frequently asked questions about a backpack or trolley as hand luggage
Is a trolley also hand luggage?
Yes, a trolley counts as hand luggage if it stays within the permitted dimensions and maximum weight of the airline. It's usually about cabin sizes of around 55 cm high, but that varies by airline.
Is a rucksack also hand luggage?
Yes, a rucksack is usually allowed as hand luggage. A small backpack can sometimes even count as a personal item. Larger backpacks generally fall under regular cabin baggage.
Which backpack is allowed as hand luggage?
That depends on the airline. For a free personal item you often see sizes of around 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Larger hand luggage often comes with more generous dimensions, such as 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
Which bags are allowed as hand luggage?
These can be backpacks, trolleys, travel bags, laptop bags and handbags, as long as they fit within the rules of your ticket and airline. The type of bag matters less than the dimensions, the weight and the number of pieces allowed.
Can you take a backpack and a trolley as hand luggage?
Yes, taking a backpack and a trolley as hand luggage is often possible if your ticket allows both main hand luggage and a personal item. The backpack then usually has to be small enough to fit under the seat.
What happens if my bag is too big?
Then you may still have to check the bag in and sometimes pay extra fees. Especially with budget airlines, those fees at the gate can add up quickly.
Is a soft backpack better than a hard trolley?
Not necessarily better, but different. A soft backpack is more flexible and often handier for personal use under the seat. A hard trolley protects your things better and offers more structure when you pack.