Lightweight carry-on bags
Going on a city break, weekend away, business trip or short flight? With a lightweight carry-on bag, you keep more of your allowed weight for clothes, your laptop and other essentials. In this category, you can easily compare size, layout and carrying comfort, from lightweight carry-on bags with wheels to flexible models without wheels. At ByMetz, you can choose from a carefully selected range of trusted travel brands, with a focus on quality, practical convenience and options such as Waterproof carry-on bags.
Why a lightweight carry-on bag makes travelling easier
A lightweight carry-on bag is especially comfortable to travel with because you carry less weight of the bag itself. You notice this when lifting it into the overhead compartment, climbing stairs at stations and moving through busy terminals. At the same time, you have more of your permitted cabin weight available for your belongings, ideal for a weekend away, city break, business trip or flight with carry-on luggage only. Lightweight does not mean fragile, but rather smart travel with enough strength for short trips.
Which size is right for your flight?
Carry-on rules vary by airline, so the outside dimensions of your bag are always leading, especially when you are looking for Carry-on luggage 40x30x20.
| Luggage type | Popular size | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Free small personal bag | Ryanair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Must fit under the seat. This is a different luggage type from 10 kg cabin baggage. |
| 10 kg cabin baggage | Ryanair: 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Larger cabin size. Always check your airline's rules. |
Always measure the bag when packed, including wheels, handles and any other protruding parts. Even a small excess can have consequences during a check, such as having to pay extra or having to place your bag in the hold after all. Looking for an ultra-compact option that is guaranteed to fit under the seat? Take a look at our Underseaters. Would you like all airline rules and sizes in one clear overview? Read the Complete guide to carry-on dimensions.
With or without wheels: what suits your trip?
If you choose a lightweight model with wheels, you benefit from extra convenience on long walking routes, in terminals and when travelling with cabin baggage only. Carry-on travel bags without wheels are often even lighter and more flexible, handy if you want to pack compactly or combine the bag with a larger suitcase. Do you prefer travelling with a comfortable backpack? Take a look at our Carry-on backpacks. Pay attention to practical details such as sturdy handles, a shoulder strap, a sleeve for attaching the bag to a trolley handle and quick access to essentials. Some models also have extra compartments or a laptop compartment, which is useful for business trips.
What to look for when choosing
- Start with the empty weight, outside dimensions and type of trip: an overnight stay, weekend away or short business trip each calls for something slightly different.
- Look at the layout: a spacious main compartment, a practical front pocket and separate compartments for documents or a laptop can make packing more organised.
- If you want to pack flexibly, foldable carry-on bags are often ideal. If you are looking for more structure or extra protection, also compare a lightweight cabin suitcase.
- Pay attention to carrying comfort and ease of use, such as sturdy handles, a shoulder strap and, if needed, wheels that suit the way you travel.
Pack smart without losing space
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and helps reduce creases.
- Place heavier items securely at the bottom and keep sets together, so the bag remains comfortable to carry and easy to organise when opened.
- Use packing cubes or organisers to prevent items from shifting and to find what you need more quickly.
- Use outside pockets wisely for your passport, wallet, earplugs, medication or snacks, but do not overpack the bag so that it expands beyond the permitted dimensions.
Frequently asked questions about lightweight carry-on bags
Still want to check a few things before choosing or packing? These are the practical questions that often come up about weight, size and comfort during air travel.
What does 10 kg of carry-on luggage look like?
10 kg of carry-on luggage refers to the total weight of the bag and its contents, not to a fixed list of items. This often applies to a larger cabin size, such as 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and is therefore different from a small personal bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm. What fits inside depends greatly on the empty weight of your bag and how compactly you pack.
What is a good bag to take on a plane?
A good bag for air travel fits your airline's permitted dimensions and feels lightweight and easy to handle. Quick access, well-organised compartments and comfortable carrying options make a big difference at the airport and on board. If you do a lot of walking or travel with carry-on luggage only, wheels are useful. If you prefer more flexibility and less weight from the bag itself, a model without wheels is often a good choice.
What happens if your carry-on bag is 1 cm too big?
Even if your carry-on bag is only 1 cm too big, it may still be refused or have to go in the hold at an extra cost. How strictly dimensions are checked varies by airline and situation, so relying on leniency is not a smart plan. Always measure the bag when packed, including wheels, handles and the rounded sides of soft bags.
How much does a lightweight suitcase weigh?
There is no universal limit for what exactly counts as lightweight. In practice, it is about a low empty weight, leaving more of the permitted kilos for your belongings. With airlines that have limits of around 7 to 10 kg, small differences already matter a lot. That is why you should always compare the stated empty weight of each bag or suitcase, not just its capacity or size.
Ready to choose your lightweight carry-on bag?
Browse the range above and compare the models by size, empty weight, layout and whether they have wheels. Then choose the lightweight carry-on bag that suits your airline and type of trip, or go straight to Carry-on luggage 55x40x20 if you are looking for a popular cabin size, so you can order without hassle and set off well prepared.