40x30x20 hand luggage: rules, tips and best bags
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 7 min read
With a 40x30x20 hand luggage bag you travel light, avoid paying extra at the gate and still have enough room for a short trip. This under-seat size equals roughly 24 litres of capacity and fits under the seat with many airlines. In this guide you'll find out exactly what 40x30x20 means, how strict popular airlines are, which bag works best for you and how to pack smartly. You'll also find concrete product tips for a 40x30x20 hand luggage bag, a 40x30x20 hand luggage backpack and compact underseaters.
What exactly does 40x30x20 mean?
The size 40x30x20 cm refers to the length x width x height of your bag or backpack. Multiply these dimensions and you end up with about 24 litres of capacity. This size is designed to fit under the aircraft seat, and many airlines treat it as a small cabin bag or basic bag. Keep in mind that bags with the same outer dimensions can turn out differently per brand because of their shape and material. Tip: measure your bag when it's packed and include protruding parts such as zips, handles and wheels.
Hand luggage rules per airline at a glance
Rules change regularly and differ per ticket type. Use the table below as a practical guideline. Always check the latest requirements of your airline before you leave. Want to see quickly which airlines use 40x30x20? Take a look at the overview of airline rules for 40x30x20.
| Airline | Under-seat guide size | Does 40x30x20 fit? | Brief explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | approx. 40x30x20 cm | Yes | Choose Priority or a paid cabin bag if you want to bring something bigger. |
| Wizz Air | approx. 40x30x20 cm | Yes | Fits as a free under-seat item. Bigger is possible with WIZZ Priority or a paid extra piece. |
| Transavia | small item under the seat | Usually | A compact 40x30x20 cabin bag usually fits under the seat. Rules vary per fare and flight. |
| Vueling | small under-seat item | Usually | Under-seat luggage is allowed. Larger cabin luggage often comes at an extra cost or with a premium fare. |
| Corendon | small under-seat item | Usually | 40x30x20 is generally suitable as a personal bag. Check your ticket conditions. |
| TUI | small under-seat item | Usually | A compact 40x30x20 bag usually fits under the seat. Larger luggage depends on your fare. |
| easyJet | approx. 45x36x20 cm | Yes, within the margin | 40x30x20 falls within the under-seat size. An extra or larger piece is possible depending on your seat choice or fare. |
| KLM | personal item under the seat | Usually | A compact 40x30x20 usually counts as a personal item. Check your fare for extras. |
How to read the table: find your airline, check whether 40x30x20 fits for free as an under-seat item, and decide whether you need an additional piece. Flying with Ryanair or switching between budget airlines? Then choose a bag that stays well within the stated limit of that airline, or upgrade your ticket.
Which type of 40x30x20 bag should you choose?
Backpack 40x30x20
Comfortable to carry, both hands free and often with a laptop and tablet compartment. Ideal for city trips and business travel. Look for a padded back panel and a smart sleeve to slide it over a trolley handle. Browse our selection of hand luggage backpacks that fit within this under-seat size.
Travel bag or boarding bag 40x30x20
Maximum packing space thanks to the rectangular shape. Quick access to documents via a front pocket. Fits under the seat and is handy in narrow aisles. Discover our hand luggage travel bags in 40x30x20.
Underseater with wheels
Rolls smoothly through the terminal and stays compact. Nice if you want to spare your back. Always check the total size including wheels and handle. Prefer a more flexible suitcase that gives a little more easily in tight sizers? Then go for a soft model.
Expandable model
A flexible bag that can grow from, for example, 40x30x15 to 40x30x20. Handy if you take less with you on the way out and want some extra space on the way back without breaking the rules.
Capacity and packing checklist for 24 litres
With 24 litres you can take a surprising amount for 1 to 3 days. Use packing cubes and put heavy items at the bottom, close to your back or the base.
- 1 pair of trousers or a skirt, 2 tops, underwear and socks
- Compact toiletry bag with liquids in 100 ml containers in a 1 litre bag
- 15.6 inch laptop or 13 inch tablet, plus chargers and cables
- Travel documents, wallet, keys and medication
- Foldable rain jacket or jumper
- Snacks and an empty water bottle to fill up after security
Tip: wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on board. Put liquids and electronics at the top for quick security checks.
Can you bring an extra item besides your 40x30x20?
That depends on your airline and ticket. Sometimes you can bring an extra hand luggage suitcase on top of your under-seat item, often for an extra charge or with priority. With budget airlines, 1 piece under the seat is often the standard. Flying with a strict airline or on a Basic fare? Then assume you can only bring a 40x30x20 under-seat bag, and upgrade if you need more volume. Always check the current conditions so you don't have to pay extra at the gate.
Recommended 40x30x20 bags from ByMetz
Looking for a reliable 40x30x20 cabin bag or a 40x30x20 hand luggage backpack? These models are designed for maximum space within the under-seat size.
- ByMetz 40x30x20 Classic Hand Luggage Bag: Sleek boarding bag with front and back pockets, two side pockets and a reinforced main compartment. 600D polyester with metal details. Available at ByMetz.
- ByMetz 3-in-1 Travel Bag: Carry it as a backpack, shoulder bag or handbag. Four external compartments, waterproof 900D tarpaulin and super practical on board. Available at ByMetz.
- ByMetz Backpack 40x30x20 cm: Padded 15.6 inch laptop compartment, separate 13 inch tablet compartment, three spacious front pockets and a smart sleeve. Water-repellent 600D polyester. Available at ByMetz.
- Expandable Hand Luggage Backpack: From 40x30x15 to 40x30x20, with a padded laptop compartment and a smart layout. Available at ByMetz.
Prefer an underseater with wheels or a different brand? Then take a look at the Travelite Jetpack Easy 2 Underseater or the compact Skyline Orlando Boarding Bag.
Frequently asked questions about 40x30x20 hand luggage
What kind of bag is 40x30x20?
A 40x30x20 is a compact under-seat bag or hand luggage backpack that fits under the aircraft seat. With about 24 litres of capacity, this size is ideal for short trips or as a personal item next to a larger cabin suitcase, depending on your ticket. You'll also see this size called a basic bag or small cabin bag in the conditions of various airlines.
How strict is Ryanair with hand luggage?
Ryanair strictly checks the size and number of pieces. The free small cabin bag must stay within 40x30x20 cm. Want to bring more? Then choose Priority with an extra cabin suitcase, or pick a bag that fits exactly within the Ryanair small bag limit. Read more in our guide to Ryanair hand luggage dimensions and rules.
How strict is Transavia about hand luggage?
Transavia has clear rules and checks at the gate, but how much leeway you get depends on your fare and how busy the flight is. A compact 40x30x20 cabin bag usually fits under the seat. Want guaranteed extra space in the overhead bin? Then choose a fare or extra option that lets you bring a larger cabin item. Always check the current conditions when you book.
Does a 15.6 inch laptop fit in a 40x30x20?
Yes, many 40x30x20 hand luggage backpacks hold a 15.6 inch laptop, provided there's a dedicated compartment. Preferably choose a padded laptop compartment and keep chargers and your mouse in a separate pocket for quick security checks. The ByMetz Backpack 40x30x20 cm has a suitable padded compartment for this.
Ready to travel carefree with 40x30x20 hand luggage? Discover all models at ByMetz and choose the bag that suits your airline and travel style.