Hand luggage sizes 2026 by airline + tips

12 February 2026 · Updated on 12 November 2026, by Miquell Hellings
8 min read

How big can your hand luggage be on the plane? That depends on the airline and sometimes on your ticket type. Pick the wrong size or go over the weight limit and you often pay extra on the spot. Below you'll find a clear overview of hand luggage sizes per airline, what the IATA guideline does and doesn't mean, the rules for liquids and quick product picks that suit popular airlines. Looking for a trolley that fits right away? Take a look at our hand luggage suitcases.

Go straight to the collection: Carry-on suitcase

IATA size vs the rules of each airline

You often hear about the IATA size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm. Treat it as a guideline, not a standard that applies worldwide. In practice, every airline sets its own sizes, weights and exceptions. One allows 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 55 x 40 x 20 cm as the maximum for your cabin suitcase, while others focus mainly on a free personal item under the seat, such as 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Always keep in mind that the sizes include wheels and handles. Weight varies too: some airlines strictly check 7-10 kg, others use a combined weight for your suitcase plus accessory, or have no hard limit but do require that you can lift the bag into the overhead locker yourself. Flying out and back with different airlines, or booking light/basic tickets? Then always check the conditions again. The smallest size and the lowest weight on your route decide what really works. Prefer to travel with a softer bag or backpack that gives a little in the overhead locker? Take a look at our hand luggage backpacks.

Hand luggage sizes per airline

The sizes below are a guide and can differ by fare or route. Always check your airline's current conditions shortly before you fly. Want to know exactly which airlines allow 40 x 30 x 20 cm for the free item? See the overview of hand luggage rules per airline (40 x 30 x 20).

Airline	Free item (under the seat)	Cabin trolley	Max. weight
KLM	40 x 30 x 15 cm	55 x 35 x 25 cm	12 kg Economy, 18 kg Business (total)
Transavia	40 x 30 x 20 cm	55 x 40 x 25 cm (paid/priority)	No fixed limit, you must be able to lift it yourself
Ryanair	40 x 30 x 20 cm	55 x 40 x 20 cm (Priority or 10 kg option)	10 kg for the trolley
easyJet	45 x 36 x 20 cm	56 x 45 x 25 cm (paid)	Up to 15 kg for large cabin bags
TUI fly	40 x 30 x 20 cm	55 x 40 x 20 cm	Usually up to 10 kg, depending on the ticket
Wizz Air	40 x 30 x 20 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm (Wizz Priority)	10 kg for the trolley

Tip: travelling with several airlines on one ticket? Go by the smallest size and the strictest weight. Not sure your suitcase fits? Measure it at home including the wheels and weigh it with a luggage scale.

Rules for liquids in hand luggage

The well-known 100 ml rule still applies at many airports: liquids, gels and creams in containers of up to 100 ml, together in one resealable 1 litre bag per person. Remember that liquid make-up, pastes and spreads count too. There are exceptions for baby food, medicines and dietary food, often with documentation or a prescription. You can take tax-free liquids with you in the sealed shop bag with the receipt.

Important in 2026: more and more airports use advanced scanners, so the rules can be more relaxed. That isn't the case everywhere and can differ by airport and country. Bear in mind that you may get more generous limits on the outbound flight than on the way back, or the other way round. The safest choice is still to pack according to the 100 ml rule, unless both your departure and your return airport clearly state a more relaxed policy.

Practical tips: put your liquids and electronics at the top so you can move quickly at security. Water bottles are allowed, but they need to be empty when you go through the check. Use 100 ml refill bottles and choose solid cosmetics where you can to save space. Want extra order in your bag or suitcase? Use packing cubes for hand luggage. Handy extras include TSA locks, luggage tags and compression bags.

Choose the right size: quick product guide

Free under-seat size 40 x 30 x 20 cm: choose a compact bag within 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Ideal for Transavia, Ryanair, TUI, Vueling and Wizz Air as free hand luggage. See our selection of hand luggage 40 x 30 x 20.
Standard cabin suitcase size 55 x 40 x 20-23 cm: a hard or soft trolley within these sizes suits many European airlines; an expander gives you extra room for the trip home.
Flexible travel with a backpack of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, expandable to 55 x 40 x 25 cm: ideal if you want cabin suitcase dimensions with just a little extra room to spare.

Prefer a safe bet within the most widely accepted 55 cm size? Take a look at our selection of 55 x 40 x 20 cm hand luggage, including Samsonite.

Need personal advice on suitcase sizes or the right cabin suitcase size for your airline and ticket? Our customer service will help you straight away via info@bymetz.nl. Order online and you benefit from fast, insured shipping and a 30-day cooling-off period.

Guides per airline and per size

The rules differ per airline and per size. Below are our detailed guides; each guide gives the exact dimensions, the weight and what it costs if your bag turns out to be too big.

By airline

Ryanair hand luggage: free 40 x 30 x 20 cm, with Priority also 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg
Transavia hand luggage: free 40 x 30 x 20 cm, extra cabin bag 55 x 40 x 25 cm, 10 kg combined
Vueling hand luggage: 40 x 30 x 20 cm under the seat, cabin bag 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg depending on the bundle
Wizz Air hand luggage: 40 x 30 x 20 cm free under the seat
KLM hand luggage: 55 x 35 x 25 cm plus a small bag of 40 x 30 x 15 cm, 12 kg combined
Brussels Airlines hand luggage: 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 8 kg, with Economy Basic only 40 x 30 x 15 cm
TUI fly hand luggage: since 1 May 2026 only 40 x 30 x 20 cm included

By size and standard

What does 40x30x20 mean for hand luggage? The free size under the seat.
Hand luggage 55x40x20: the complete guide. The standard cabin suitcase size.
The IATA standard: guideline or rule?

Which type of bag?

Go straight to the right collection: hand luggage 40x30x20, hand luggage 55x40x20, hand luggage 55x35x25, underseaters, hand luggage suitcases and hand luggage backpacks.

Frequently asked questions

How big can your hand luggage be on the plane?

There is no single hand luggage size for all airlines. Common sizes for a trolley are 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 55 x 40 x 20 cm. The free personal item under the seat is often 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Always check the current hand luggage sizes of your airline.

What are the maximum hand luggage dimensions in 2026?

Maximum dimensions differ per airline and sometimes per fare. Aim for 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 55 x 40 x 20 cm for a cabin suitcase, and 40 x 30 x 20 cm for an under-seat bag. Watch out for exceptions on light/basic tickets and check the conditions shortly before you fly.

Does 55 cm count as hand luggage?

Yes, as long as the total dimensions are within the requirements, such as 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Many airlines allow 55 cm as the longest side, provided the width and depth also comply and the weight stays within the limit.

Is a backpack also hand luggage?

Yes. A backpack counts as hand luggage or as a personal item, depending on its size. A compact backpack of 40 x 30 x 20 cm fits under the seat. A larger backpack of 55 x 40 x 20 cm counts as cabin baggage. Looking for a bag that is guaranteed to fit under the seat? Take a look at our underseaters (fit under the seat).