Collection: 40x30x20 Cabin bags

Why a 40x30x20 cabin bag is the new travel standard

What the 40x30x20 size actually means

A 40x30x20 cabin bag measures 40 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth. This format has become the practical standard for personal items across multiple European low-cost carriers, replacing older sizing conventions that varied by airline. The dimensions always include handles, wheels, and any external pockets, so what you see is what the sizer measures.

Why underseat cabin bags are preferred in 2026

Choosing an underseat-sized bag removes uncertainty from the boarding process. You skip the overhead locker scramble, keep essentials accessible throughout the flight, and avoid gate fees entirely. For short trips across Europe, this size offers enough space for two to three days while ensuring smooth passage through even the strictest airline checks.

wizz air cabin bag 40x30x20 rules explained

What fits under the seat on Wizz Air

Wizz Air allows one free underseat cabin bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm. This bag must slide completely under the seat in front of you, and the airline uses physical sizers at the gate to verify compliance. The key is ensuring your bag stays within these dimensions even when packed handles and any protruding features count toward the total measurement.

How to pack without exceeding depth

The 20 cm depth is the most restrictive dimension. Avoid packing rigid items that push the bag beyond this limit, and distribute weight so the bag doesn't bulge. Soft-sided bags with some compression work better than hard-shell designs if you're packing close to capacity. Roll clothing tightly and use internal compartments to maintain the bag's shape rather than forcing everything into the main section.

ryanair cabin bag 40x30x20  new regulation in 2026

What changed from 40x20x25 to 40x30x20

Ryanair now aligns its free personal item with a 40x30x20 cm format, replacing the older 40x20x25 reference seen in outdated guides. The shift brings Ryanair in line with other European carriers and simplifies sizing for travellers who fly multiple airlines. The new dimensions offer slightly more width (30 cm instead of 20 cm) but reduce depth from 25 cm to 20 cm.

Why this update matters for travellers

This standardisation means you can now use the same underseat bag across Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other budget carriers without worrying about conflicting size requirements. If you've been using an older 40x20x25 bag, check that it doesn't exceed the new 20 cm depth limit before your next flight depth is where most bags fail sizer checks.

Choosing an under seat cabin bag 40x30x20

Soft vs structured bags for sizer checks

Soft-sided cabin bags 40x30x20 have an advantage at the gate because they can compress slightly if needed, making them more forgiving if you've packed to the limit. Structured bags protect electronics and fragile items better, but they won't flex if you're even 1 cm over. Match your choice to how confident you are about staying within exact dimensions and how much protection your contents need.

Handles, wheels, and external pockets

Airlines measure the complete external footprint, so telescopic handles, wheels, and front pockets all count. Retractable handles are fine as long as they sit flush when collapsed. Avoid bags with bulky external features that push beyond the 40x30x20 envelope clean, minimal designs are safest for consistent compliance.

Airlines that accept 40x30x20 cabin bags

The 40x30x20 cm cabin bag format is designed to fit underseat on multiple European carriers. Airlines that accept this size include:

• Ryanair (personal item – underseat)
• Wizz Air (free underseat cabin bag)
• Transavia (small cabin / personal item formats)
• Vueling (underseat personal item)
• Volotea (personal item size category)
• easyJet (as a compact underseat option, not max size)

Important: Dimensions must include handles and external pockets. Always verify your specific airline's current rules before travel, as policies can change.

Looking for more flexibility? Explore our small cabin bags

When to choose a slightly larger underseat format

If you're flying exclusively with easyJet or other airlines that allow up to 45×36×20 cm, our small cabin bags collection offers more packing room while still fitting under the seat. The trade-off is reduced compatibility across different carriers 40x30x20 remains the safest universal option if you fly with multiple airlines.

Matching your trip length to the right cabin size

A 40x30x20 cm cabin bag works well for two to three day trips with efficient packing. For longer weekends or trips where you need extra clothing layers, consider whether the slightly larger formats in our small cabin bags  range might better suit your needs just verify they'll work with your specific carrier before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of cabin luggage for 40x30x20?

A 40x30x20 cabin bag measures 40 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth. It is designed to fit under the airplane seat as a personal item on many European airlines.

Can a 40x30x20cm bag fit under an airplane seat?

Yes. A 40x30x20 cm cabin bag is specifically intended for underseat storage, provided it is not overpacked and includes handles and pockets within the stated dimensions.

What does 40x30x20 mean?

It refers to the external dimensions of the bag in centimeters: height × width × depth. Airlines measure the full outer size, including handles, wheels, and external pockets.

Is easyJet strict with a small cabin bag?

easyJet allows one small underseat cabin bag. While enforcement varies, bags that exceed the sizer or appear overfilled may be flagged at the gate.

What if my cabin bag is 1cm bigger?

Even 1 cm over the limit can cause issues if the bag does not fit the sizer. Depth is the most common problem, especially with rigid or fully packed bags.

How strict are cabin bag sizes?

Cabin bag rules are enforced using physical sizers, especially on busy flights. Bags that look oversized or rigid are more likely to be checked.

What is the largest bag to fit under a plane seat?

The largest commonly accepted underseat size in Europe in 2026 is 45x36x20 cm, but 40x30x20 cm remains the safest universal option across multiple airlines.