Travel bag as hand luggage: sizes, tips & best picks | ByMetz
- , by Miquell Hellings
- 5 min read
A travel bag as hand luggage is lightweight, flexible, and often fits more easily in crowded overhead bins or under the seat than a suitcase. With the right dimensions, you can get through security smoothly, keep your essentials within reach, and avoid extra charges at the gate. Discover the right sizes below, which type of bag suits your trip, and practical buying tips - including concrete ByMetz recommendations.
Hand luggage dimensions on a plane: what is allowed and what isn’t?
Allowed dimensions differ by airline. Always measure the external size of your travel bag - including handles, shoulder straps, and any wheels. Common underseat formats include bags of 40 x 30 x 20 cm and 45 x 36 x 20 cm. For larger cabin bags, the limit is often around 55 x 40 x 20 cm bags (sometimes 23 cm deep), depending on your ticket/fare. Always check your airline’s current rules before departure.
For Ryanair specifically, these categories and dimensions apply:
| Category | Maximum size/dimensions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Free small personal bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Must fit under the seat |
| 10 kg cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Cabin - often with Priority |
| 20 kg check-in bag | Max. 80 x 120 x 120 cm | Checked luggage |
| 23 kg check-in bag | Max. 80 x 120 x 120 cm | Checked luggage |
Also pay attention to capacity (litres) versus dimensions in cm: litres say something about volume, but the airline checks the external size. So choose a bag that fits exactly within the limits and check the product specifications on the product page.
Not sure whether 40 x 30 x 20 cm is enough? Read: Hand luggage 40x30x20: what fits inside?.
What types of travel bags can you use as hand luggage?
Depending on your travel style and airline, you can choose from different types of hand luggage bags:
- Duffel without wheels - ultra-light, foldable, and easy to slide under the seat. Ideal as an underseater or for short trips with limited weight.
- Duffel with wheels - rolls comfortably through terminals. Pay attention to the total size including wheels. Useful for heavier loads on city trips or weekend breaks.
- Backpack-duffel/3-in-1 - carry it as a backpack, shoulder bag, or handbag. Maximum flexibility on trains, public transport, and stairs, plus efficient organisation.
- Boarding bag/laptop bag - compact, often with a 13-15.6 inch laptop compartment and smart organisation. Perfect for business travellers and minimal packers.
- Underseater - specifically designed to fit under the seat. Works well as a free personal bag with airlines that allow it.
Travelling with a duffel as hand luggage and want to be sure which sizes fit? Read: Duffel as hand luggage: which sizes?
Buying tips: how to find the best hand luggage travel bag
- Size first - match the external dimensions to your airline and ticket. Underseat? Aim for 40 x 30 x 20 cm or 45 x 36 x 20 cm, depending on the airline.
- Weight and capacity - lighter is easier. For a weekend trip, 20-30 litres is often enough; for minimalists, 15-20 litres may be sufficient.
- Organisation - separate compartments for a laptop/tablet, documents, and liquids speed up security and keep your bag tidy.
- Material - durable polyester/nylon is light and strong. A water-repellent coating or rain cover is a plus.
- Carry options - adjustable shoulder strap, backpack straps, or handles for different situations. A smart sleeve for your suitcase is useful.
- Security - sturdy zips, a lockable main zip, and discreet pockets for travel documents.
Pack smart for hand luggage
- Use packing cubes for clothes and keep liquids together.
- Liquid rules: containers of max. 100 ml in one transparent 1-litre bag.
- Wear your heaviest items and layers on board to save space.
- Keep essentials (passport, phone, medication) in a quick-access pocket.
ByMetz recommendations by size
- ByMetz 3-in-1 Reistas 40 x 30 x 20 - underseater, can be carried as a backpack/shoulder bag/handbag, ideal for stricter underseat rules.
- ByMetz Classic Handbagage Tas 40 x 30 x 20 - compact, smartly organised, and designed to fit under the seat.
- Travelite Crosslite 5.0 Boarding Bag - lightweight, 25-31 litres, and a 15.6 inch laptop compartment for business and weekend travel.
- American Tourister Urban Track S Duffle - compact wheeled duffel, practical for longer walking distances.
- Eastpak Duffel Pack S - hybrid duffel backpack, robust and versatile for short trips.
Order on working days before 21:00 and, in the Netherlands, your bag will usually arrive the next day. Prefer to see and compare first? Visit our store in Eindhoven.
Frequently asked questions about using a travel bag as hand luggage
What is the ideal travel bag for hand luggage on a plane?
The ideal travel bag fits exactly within your airline’s dimensions, is lightweight, has smart organisation with quick-access compartments, and offers comfortable carry options. For maximum flexibility, choose an underseater (for example 40 x 30 x 20 cm) or a 3-in-1 bag that you can carry as a backpack, shoulder bag, and handbag.
Can a sports bag be used as hand luggage?
Yes, as long as the sports bag stays within the allowed external dimensions and complies with your ticket rules. Keep in mind that soft sports bags can bulge when overpacked - pack compactly and keep the size under control. Remove loose straps or tuck them away to prevent snagging.
Which bags are allowed as hand luggage?
Allowed bags are those that do not exceed the airline limits, such as underseat bags, boarding bags, laptop bags, compact duffels, and small backpacks. With Ryanair, the free small personal bag is a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Separate categories and fees apply for larger cabin bags or extra checked luggage.