Flying with a budget airline and want to board without paying extra? With our 40x30x20 hand luggage you take exactly what you need and slide your bag under the seat with ease. Choose from smart 40x30x20 bags, backpacks and underseaters (fit under the seat) with a laptop compartment, water-repellent material and a handy smart sleeve. Our 40x30x20 carry-on travel bags come in various layouts and materials. Since 1974, ByMetz has been a family business in bags and suitcases, choosing luggage that meets the requirements of Transavia, Ryanair, TUI, Vueling, Wizz Air and Corendon, among others.
40x30x20 hand luggage: what is it and why choose it?
40x30x20 hand luggage refers to a compact cabin bag or underseater with maximum external dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. This size is popular because many airlines allow a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. With 40x30x20 you make the most of that space, so your essentials come along without paying extra for an overhead trolley. Would you rather travel with a suitcase and does your airline allow 55x40x20? Then take a look at our 55x40x20 hand luggage suitcases.
If you often travel with just a small bag, 40x30x20 is ideal: light, easy to manoeuvre in the aisle and quick through security. Whether you choose a 40x30x20 hand luggage bag, a 40x30x20 hand luggage backpack or a compact underseater, everything stays within reach. Going for a suitcase after all? Then hand luggage suitcases (40x30x20) are an option, but keep in mind that hard-shell cases are less flexible in the space under the seat at this size. A soft hand luggage suitcase gives a little more room and often fits more neatly under the seat. With the smart layout of ByMetz you combine maximum packing space with comfort on board.
Does 40x30x20 fit your airline?
40x30x20 is designed to fit under the seat as a personal item. Rules differ per airline and per fare, so always check the current conditions. The overview below is indicative. Want to be sure? See the complete, up-to-date overview per airline in our Airline rules 40x30x20: overview.
| Airline | Free small item | Does 40x30x20 fit? | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | Personal item under the seat | Suitable in practice | Priority may allow an extra trolley |
| Transavia | Depends on the fare | Suitable in practice | Basic bag customers should mind the under-seat placement |
| Wizz Air | Personal item with the basic fare | Suitable in practice | Wizz Priority gives extra options |
| Vueling | Personal item under the seat | Suitable in practice | Check the fare conditions |
| TUI and Corendon | Varies per ticket type | Suitable in practice | Check the current dimensions |
How do you choose the right 40x30x20 bag or backpack?
Match your choice to your travel style and what you take along. Pay attention to the following points:
- Carrying style: 40x30x20 hand luggage backpacks for hands-free comfort, a shoulder bag or handbag for quick packing. A 3-in-1 combines both.
- Layout: separate compartments for clothes, documents and toiletries. A front loader opens like a suitcase and packs faster.
- Laptop and tablet compartment: a reinforced 15.6 inch compartment keeps your device safe and speeds up security checks.
- Smart sleeve: slide your bag over your trolley handle for smooth transfers.
- Carrying comfort: adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap keep the weight stable.
- Material: water-repellent, hard-wearing fabric such as 900D tarpaulin or technical polyester for everyday use.
- Details that count: sturdy zips, hidden pockets for your passport and lockable main compartments.
Popular 40x30x20 choices at ByMetz
Our bestsellers are designed for maximum packing space within 40x30x20 and match the rules of popular airlines. Choose what suits you:
- ByMetz 40x30x20 Classic Hand Luggage Bag: compact, with front and back pockets, two side pockets, a reinforced main compartment and a smart sleeve. Ideal as an underseater.
- ByMetz Expandable Hand Luggage Travel Bag: switch from 40x30x15 to 40x30x20 and adapt your bag to your ticket. With a 15.6 inch laptop compartment and several organiser pockets.
- ByMetz Ryanair & Transavia Hand Luggage Backpack: backpack with a 15.6 inch laptop compartment, 13 inch tablet compartment, three front pockets, smart sleeve and chest strap for extra carrying comfort.
- ByMetz 3-in-1 Travel Bag: carry it as a backpack, shoulder bag or handbag. Made of 600D polyester, light and hard-wearing for intensive use.
- ByMetz Expandable Hand Luggage Backpack: from 40x30x15 to 40x30x20 with a 15.6 inch laptop compartment, three front pockets and smart sleeve.
Packing and usage tips for 40x30x20
- Roll instead of fold: roll clothes up tightly and use packing cubes for hand luggage for extra compression.
- Liquids at the front: a clear bag with 100 ml bottles in the front pocket speeds up security.
- Heavy items at the back: place heavier items close to your back or at the bottom for better carrying comfort.
- Planeside essentials: keep your passport, phone, cables and earbuds in a quick-access top pocket. One of our passport holders keeps your travel documents together.
- Under the seat first: hold the bag upright and press the soft sides in slightly for a snug fit.
- Work or weekend: use the laptop compartment as a divider between work items and clothes.
Materials and specifications
- Size: external dimensions of 40x30x20 cm for optimal under-seat use.
- Volume: a well-thought-out layout gives surprisingly much packing space within the limit.
- Material: water-repellent technical polyester or 900D tarpaulin for extra durability.
- Protection: reinforced panels and padded compartments for laptop and tablet.
- Organisation: several zip pockets, side pockets for a bottle or umbrella and internal mesh pockets.
- Travel comfort: smart sleeve, comfortable shoulder straps and chest strap on selected models.
Service and delivery from ByMetz
Ordering from ByMetz is worry-free. You benefit from 30 days to change your mind. Our specialists are happy to help you choose the right 40x30x20 bag or backpack for your airline and travel style. Looking for a budget-friendly option? Choose an affordable hand luggage suitcase.
Frequently asked questions
What is 40x30x20 hand luggage?
It is a compact under-seat bag or backpack with maximum external dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. The size is meant to fit under the seat as a personal item, so you can take your most important things without extra costs. Think of an outfit, toiletries, chargers and a laptop or tablet. At ByMetz you will find 40x30x20 bags and backpacks with smart compartments, so you make the most of the available space.
How strict is Transavia on hand luggage?
Transavia applies different hand luggage rules per fare. A small bag that fits under the seat usually gives you the smoothest journey, especially with a Basic bag ticket. 40x30x20 is practically tailored to this and helps you avoid discussions at the gate. Always check the latest baggage conditions of Transavia, though, because dimensions, weights and allowances can change per ticket type and period.
How strict are hand luggage size checks?
On busy flights the checks can be stricter and your bag has to fit in the sizer. A soft 40x30x20 bag or backpack then has an advantage, because you can shape the fabric slightly for a neat fit under the seat. Besides the dimensions, also watch out for protruding parts such as handles and zips. Keep the weight down and store heavy items close to your back for comfort and stability.
What can you take in a 40x30x20 bag?
In principle anything that falls within the general security rules: clothing, electronics, documents and small toiletries. Liquids are usually allowed in containers of up to 100 ml, together in one clear 1-litre bag. Sharp objects and hazardous substances are prohibited. Always check the current regulations of your airline and airport before you leave, so you get through security smoothly.