Collection: Small cabin bags

Choosing a small cabin bag for stress-free boarding

What "small" means in real travel

A small cabin bag is designed to slip under the seat in front of you, giving you quick access to essentials without waiting for overhead locker space. This underseat approach keeps your boarding smooth and your valuables close throughout the flight ideal for city breaks, weekend trips, and frequent commuters who want to move through the airport quickly.

Who this collection is for

This range is built for travellers who prioritise convenience over maximum capacity. If you're heading away for two to four days and want to avoid gate fees, skip the overhead scramble, and keep your hands free, an underseat-sized cabin bag is the practical choice. It's also the safest option if you're flying with carriers that enforce strict personal item limits.

easyjet small cabin bag size: what to aim for

Why the sizer matters

easyJet allows a free small underseat cabin bag up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm (including handles and wheels). The key is ensuring your bag fits the sizer at the gate handles, wheels, and any bulging from overpacking all count toward those dimensions. Choosing a bag that sits comfortably within this limit means you won't face unexpected charges or delays.

How to pack so the bag keeps its shape

Avoid overstuffing. Pack heavier items flat against the back panel, use internal pockets to distribute weight evenly, and close all zips fully before measuring. A well-packed bag retains its shape and slides into the sizer without force, reducing the risk of being flagged at boarding.

ryanair small cabin bag size explained (and how strict it can be)

What typically gets flagged at the gate

Ryanair's small personal bag allowance is 40 × 30 × 20 cm, and it must fit under the seat in front of you. The most common issue is depth bags that bulge or have rigid frames often don't compress enough to pass the sizer. Staff check more closely on busy flights, so if your bag looks overfilled or has external pockets that push it beyond the limit, expect scrutiny.

Choosing flexible vs structured bags

Soft-sided bags with some give are generally safer for strict airline checks, as they can compress slightly if needed. Structured bags offer better protection for electronics or fragile items, but they won't flex if you're a centimetre over. Match your choice to how confident you are about staying within the exact dimensions.

Why small cabin bags 45×36×20 are a popular sweet spot

Best for easyjet small cabin bag travel

The 45 × 36 × 20 cm size is the maximum allowed by easyJet for a free underseat cabin bag, making it a popular choice for travellers who want as much space as possible without paying extra. It's roomy enough for a long weekend, with space for folded clothing, toiletries, a tablet, and a change of shoes while still fitting comfortably under most short-haul aircraft seats.

The layout that makes 2–4 day trips work

Look for bags with a main compartment that opens wide, a front quick-access pocket for boarding passes and cables, and an interior sleeve for a laptop or tablet. This layout lets you pack efficiently without rummaging, and keeps everything accessible during the flight. The extra depth compared to smaller sizes means you can layer clothing without excessive compression.

small cabin bag 40x20x25: legacy size, what to know in 2026

Why people still search it

The 40×20×25 dimension appears in older travel guides and forum posts, often as shorthand for "small cabin bag." It doesn't match current official limits from major UK/EU carriers, but it persists in search because travellers assume it's a universal standard.

Safer rule: always match the airline's current sizer

Ryanair currently lists 40 × 30 × 20 cm as the rule for small personal bags. A bag measuring 40×20×25 may not pass if it doesn't fit the sizer, especially if the 25 cm depth is rigid. To avoid issues, always check your specific airline's published dimensions before you travel, and measure your packed bag at home including all external features.

Want the safest option? Explore our Underseat cabin bags collection

When underseat-first beats "max size" chasing

If you fly with multiple carriers or want the lowest-risk choice across different airlines, our Underseat cabin bags collection focuses on designs that prioritise guaranteed underseat fit over pushing size limits. These bags are engineered to slide smoothly into tight spaces, with features like reinforced bases and compact profiles that work across the board.

Quick checklist before you buy

Before you commit, check: dimensions (measure including handles and wheels), opening style (does it allow easy packing and access?), carrying comfort (padded straps or handles for airport walks), and internal pockets (organisation that keeps essentials separate). A well-designed small cabin bag should feel intuitive to pack and carry, not like a puzzle you're forcing closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a small cabin bag?

A small cabin bag usually refers to an underseat bag designed to fit within an airline's "personal item" limits. Common benchmarks include 40×30×20 cm (Ryanair/Wizz Air) and 45×36×20 cm (easyJet). Always measure including handles and avoid overpacking so it still fits the sizer.

How big is a Ryanair small cabin bag?

Ryanair's small personal bag allowance is 40 × 30 × 20 cm, and it must fit under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't fit the baggage sizer at the gate, you may be charged and required to place it in the hold.

How strict is easyJet on cabin bag size?

easyJet states the free small underseat cabin bag can be up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm (including handles and wheels) and must fit under the seat. In practice, enforcement can depend on the flight, but the safest approach is to stay within the stated dimensions and avoid bulging from overpacking.

Is a Trunki a small cabin bag Ryanair?

Ryanair's free small personal item must be 40 × 30 × 20 cm and fit under the seat. Whether a Trunki qualifies depends on its exact dimensions and whether it fits the sizer. If it exceeds any side or doesn't slide in easily, it's safer to treat it as non-compliant.

What if my cabin bag is 2cm bigger?

If your bag is even 2 cm bigger, the risk is that it may not fit the baggage sizer especially if it's rigid or overpacked. Many issues come from depth (bulging). If you're close to the limit, choose a softer bag, don't overfill it, and measure including handles and external pockets.

Can I take a small cabin bag and a handbag?

It depends on the airline and your fare. Some carriers allow one small underseat bag only, while others allow a cabin bag plus a small personal item depending on ticket type or add-ons. To avoid fees, treat your "handbag" as the personal item and keep it within the airline's stated dimensions.

How strict are cabin bag sizes?

Cabin bag rules can be enforced strictly at boarding gates using luggage sizers, especially on busy flights. The biggest red flags are oversized depth, rigid frames, and bags that look overfilled. If you want the lowest-risk choice, aim for underseat-first sizes and pack so the bag stays within shape.

Can I take a handbag as well as a small cabin bag on easyJet?

easyJet's free allowance is one small underseat cabin bag per person (up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm). If you also carry a handbag, it may need to fit inside that main bag unless your booking includes extra cabin baggage. The safest approach is to combine essentials into one compliant underseat bag.