Which size hand luggage backpack do you need?

Airlines apply different limits. The most common sizes are 40x30x20 cm and 55x40x20 cm, sometimes 40x25x20 cm as a compact option. Traveling strictly within 40x30x20? See our Hand luggage 40x30x20. Need your bag to fit under the seat? Choose one of our Underseaters. If you fly with multiple airlines, pick a model that can expand or compress in volume. Note: rules change per airline and fare type, always check your airline’s current information before departure. Also consult our overview of airline rules 40x30x20 for the most requested sizes per carrier. If you prefer a suitcase instead of a backpack, check our carry-on suitcases.

The table below helps you choose quickly. Per airline you’ll see the commonly used size and the recommended ByMetz model.

Recommended sizes and models

There’s a suitable travel backpack for every travel style. Choose your size and functionality.

• ByMetz Ryanair & Transavia Backpack 40x30x20 cm – ideal as a compact cabin bag with a 15.6" laptop compartment, 13" tablet pocket and quick-access pockets for passport and tickets.
• ByMetz Hand Luggage Backpack 55x40x20 cm (expandable to 55x40x25) – combines the overview of a trolley with the comfort of a backpack, including a padded 18.3" laptop compartment.
• ByMetz Expandable Backpack 40x30x15 cm (to 40x30x20) – perfect when you sometimes need to travel more compactly and other times need extra space.
• ByMetz 3-in-1 Travel Bag 40x25x20 cm – wear as a backpack, shoulder bag or handbag. Handy as a personal item alongside your main luggage.

Looking for a size like a CabinMax Metz travel bag or backpack trolley? With our 40x30x20 cm and 55x40x20 cm options, ByMetz covers popular CabinMax sizes in ~20L, 30L and up toward 44L-equivalents. You get similar capacity with better organization and robust materials.

Buying a hand luggage backpack: what to watch for

Start with size: 40x30x20 cm is great for short trips and strict rules; 55x40x20 cm gives you the maximum carry-on when you book a larger fare. Next, choose the opening: a clamshell or front-loader opens like a suitcase and packs faster than a top-loader, ideal for efficient boarding. Look for a padded laptop compartment sized to your device and a separate tablet pocket. If you mainly travel with a laptop, pick a model from our laptop backpacks. Useful extras are compression straps to keep the bag compact, a trolley strap to attach the backpack to a suitcase and hidden pockets for documents and valuables.

Material and comfort matter just as much. Water-repellent or waterproof fabrics keep your gear dry in sudden rain. Adjustable padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel make long walks through airports and cities noticeably more comfortable. If you travel for business often, organized compartments and flat zippers are handy at security checks. Use packing cubes to separate clothing and keep your hand luggage backpack compact. That way you assemble a travel backpack that fits your route, airline and travel rhythm.

Light and strong materials for heavy use

ByMetz uses high-quality, travel-proof materials such as waterproof 900D tarpaulin and water-repellent polyester. These fabrics are abrasion-resistant, pack well into luggage meters and stay lightweight so you have room for contents. Sturdy zips, grab points and a stable back panel ensure your bag carries safely and comfortably even when fully loaded. In variable weather, backpack rain covers offer additional protection.

If you travel a lot by public transport or on foot, look for reinforced bases and protected corners. If you travel mainly by plane, choose a model with structured compartments so you can reach laptop, liquids and documents quickly at security without reorganizing your entire bag.

Travel pack or trekking backpack as hand luggage?

A travel pack is designed for flying: rectangular, clamshell opening and multiple organization pockets. Ideal as a carry-on when you travel compact and want to pack and unpack quickly. A trekking backpack is usually taller and rounder, with top-loading and external straps. That shape is great on the trail but less efficient in a luggage meter. If you mostly travel by plane or city trips, choose a travel pack. Combine it with the 3-in-1 travel bag as a personal item for maximum flexibility.

If you also use your backpack for light hikes, watch for a hip belt and adjustable back panel. That keeps your trekking backpack carry-on worthy and comfortable on the move. With compression and packing cubes you can also make any model more compact, helping with airlines that enforce strict dimensions.

Frequently asked questions

Which backpack is allowed as hand luggage?

That depends on your airline and ticket. Common sizes are 40x30x20 cm for a free or smaller item, and 55x40x20 cm for paid or larger fares. Choose a backpack that matches your route. An expandable model keeps you flexible across carriers and fare types.

How big can a hand luggage backpack be?

There is no universal standard. IATA guidelines are often used, but airlines vary. Popular limits are 40x30x20 cm, 40x25x20 cm and 55x40x20 cm. Check your airline’s current permitted dimensions and weight just before departure.

Which bags are allowed as hand luggage?

Usually a backpack or small travel bag is allowed as a cabin bag and sometimes an extra personal item (for example a 40x25x20 cm bag). Examples include a 40x30x20 cm backpack or a 3-in-1 boarding bag as a second item. Exact number and size depend on your ticket type.

What is absolutely not allowed in your hand luggage?

Forbidden items include sharp objects, large quantities of liquids over 100 ml per container and hazardous materials like flammable aerosols. Always carry power banks and lithium batteries in hand luggage, not in hold baggage. Check your airline and airport for the full list before departure.

Ready to go? Order easily online

Choose your ByMetz hand luggage backpack, select the size and order in minutes. Benefit from free shipping from €29 in NL and BE, insured shipping with PostNL or DHL Express and 14 days return. Need help choosing between 40x30x20, 55x40x20 or an expandable model? Check product pages for specs or contact our team.