What travel bag size should you choose? Handy guide + size chart
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 6 min read
Choosing the right travel bag size starts with your trip length, airline and packing style. As a practical guideline, ByMetz recommends: weekend 30-50 litres, 1 week 60-90 litres and 2-3 weeks 100-120 litres. If you are flying with hand luggage only, always check the exact dimensions required by your airline. On this page, you will find specific litre capacities for each scenario, allowed hand luggage sizes and examples of travel bags that let you set off without stress.
Quick guide by trip length
- Weekend 1-3 days: 30-50 litres. Compact and lightweight, ideal as a sports bag or duffel with shoulder strap.
- City trip 3-5 days: 40-55 litres. Choose a soft duffel or cabin duffel that fits in the luggage compartment.
- Holiday 6-8 days: 60-90 litres. Extra room for shoes and toiletries, preferably with separate compartments.
- Round trip 2-3 weeks: 100-120 litres. Useful with changing weather or if you want to do little washing while travelling.
- Hand luggage only: aim for a maximum of 55 x 40 x 20-23 cm, depending on the airline. Under the seat, the usual size is 40 x 30 x 20 cm. View suitable Hand luggage travel bags (all sizes).
Hand luggage or checked baggage: how to choose the size
If you are flying with hand luggage, the outer dimensions of your travel bag are decisive. Many airlines use approximately 55 x 40 x 20-23 cm for a cabin bag and around 40 x 30 x 20 cm for a small bag under the seat. Please note that requirements differ by airline and ticket type and are regularly updated. Read the Travel bag dimensions: complete guide for exact size details.
Flying with a duffel as cabin baggage? Duffel as hand luggage: which sizes? lists the permitted dimensions for each airline.
These categories apply specifically to Ryanair. Make sure you do not mix up the dimensions:
- Small personal bag - free: 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Fits under the seat.
- 10 kg cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Access to the luggage compartment, often as a Priority option.
- 20 kg check-in bag: maximum 80 x 120 x 120 cm.
- 23 kg check-in bag: maximum 80 x 120 x 120 cm.
Looking for the maximum cabin size? View Hand luggage 55x40x20.
Travelling with another airline such as Transavia or KLM? Follow their current page with baggage rules. Preferably choose a travel bag that is slightly under the limit, so the zips and handles also fit within the dimensions. Use soft duffels for a little more flexibility in the luggage compartment and take packing cubes to control the volume.
How many litres do you really need?
Litres indicate how much you can pack and how bulky your items are. This is how you can quickly make a realistic choice. How many litres should my travel bag be?
- Season and destination: summer clothing packs more compactly than winter layers. Allow 10-20 extra litres for colder weather.
- Washing while travelling: if you can do laundry halfway through your trip, you can often choose one size smaller.
- Shoes and gear: extra trainers, hiking shoes or sports equipment require 10-15 extra litres.
- Layout and opening: a U-shaped suitcase opening or separate compartments use the available litres more efficiently than one large compartment.
- Carrying comfort: for longer walking distances, a wheeled duffel or backpack hybrid is more practical than a standard shoulder bag.
ByMetz guideline by trip length: weekend 30-50 litres, 1 week 60-90 litres, 2-3 weeks 100-120 litres. Minimalist travel allows you to choose a smaller bag, but choose more space for winter trips, when travelling with children or if you are taking souvenirs home. Unsure between two sizes? Choose the larger one if you are travelling with checked baggage and the smaller one if you are limited to hand luggage dimensions.
Size guide at a glance
Choose based on trip length, airline requirements and your preferred layout. Here are some suitable bags from the ByMetz range:
| Travel scenario | Recommended litres | Suitable as hand luggage | Example bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend 2-3 days | 30-50 L | Yes, depending on dimensions | Eastpak Duffel Pack M |
| 1-week beach holiday | 60-90 L | Usually checked baggage | Samsonite Ecodiver Duffle M - 60 L |
| 2-3-week round trip | 100-120 L | Checked baggage | American Tourister Urban Track Duffle L |
| Under the seat only | n/a | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Compact underseat duffel or backpack |
Frequently asked questions about travel bag sizes
What is hand luggage measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm?
This size refers to a small personal bag that fits under the seat. With Ryanair, this is the free small personal bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm. It is useful for a weekend set, a laptop with a roll of clothing or your essentials. Please note: larger cabin bags that go in the luggage compartment belong to another category with different dimensions and conditions. Want to see suitable bags straight away? View Hand luggage bags 40x30x20.
How large can a travel bag be with Transavia?
Transavia publishes the current hand luggage requirements on its website. As a practical guideline, approximately 55 x 40 x 25 cm is often used for cabin baggage. Rules and included weight may change by ticket type. Therefore, always check the latest conditions shortly before departure and choose a travel bag that stays just within the stated dimensions.
How many litres should a backpack be for a woman travelling for 3 weeks?
For 3 weeks, 50-70 litres is common if you travel light and can do laundry along the way. Choose around 70-80 litres for winter clothing or extra shoes. For a duffel or travel bag without a backpack carrying system, we recommend more space: 100-120 litres according to the ByMetz guideline for 2-3 weeks, especially if you do not pack minimally.
What size bag can I take as hand luggage?
This differs by airline. A common size is approximately 55 x 40 x 20-23 cm for cabin baggage and 40 x 30 x 20 cm for a small bag under the seat. Ryanair has clear categories: 40 x 30 x 20 cm for the free small personal bag and 55 x 40 x 20 cm for the 10 kg cabin bag. Always check your booking conditions.
Need advice about size, layout or airline requirements? With more than 50 years of experience, ByMetz is happy to help. Online. Discover quality brands such as Samsonite, American Tourister, Travelite and Eastpak and set off with exactly the right travel bag size.