Joybuy Insights

Choosing a hand luggage bag for flying: dimensions, pitfalls and practical advice

A hand luggage bag for flying seems easy to choose, until you reach the gate and discover it won’t fit under the seat. Budget travellers in particular can face extra charges if a bag is larger or heavier than the permitted dimensions. Even a roomy weekend bag can prove impractical if it’s difficult to organise or its shoulder strap becomes uncomfortable after a few trips.

Look out for these common pitfalls:

  • Only checking the outside dimensions: the stated measurements don’t tell you how much space is left inside once you account for seams, zips and pockets.
  • Confusing “cabin size” with free underseat baggage: airlines have different limits for bags placed under the seat and bags stored in the overhead locker.
  • Confusing water-resistant with waterproof: water-repellent fabric may help protect against light rain or spilled liquids, but it won’t necessarily keep your belongings dry in prolonged rain.
  • Ignoring the empty weight: a heavier bag leaves you with less room within the airline’s weight limit.

What size should a hand luggage bag for flying be?

Always check the baggage rules of the airline you’re flying with. Rules can vary by ticket type, route and cabin. The following sizes are common:

Ryanair hand luggage 40x20x25 cm

Many travellers look for Ryanair hand luggage 40x20x25 cm when choosing a free underseat bag. A bag of these dimensions is compact enough for short trips, but its capacity is limited. Don’t overfill it: soft materials are easier to fit under a seat than a bulging bag.

An underseat bag is particularly useful for:

  • a laptop or tablet;
  • documents, a charger and headphones;
  • a change of clothes;
  • toiletries that comply with the applicable liquids rules;
  • small travel essentials.

Hand luggage 55x35x25 cm

A 55x35x25 cm hand luggage bag offers considerably more space, but this size isn’t automatically permitted by every airline or on every ticket. Check the permitted weight as well as the length, width and depth. A soft cabin holdall may be a little more flexible than a hard suitcase, but it shouldn’t be packed so tightly that it loses its shape.

Three technical points to check before you buy

1. Dimensions and usable capacity

Compare the bag’s dimensions with your airline’s limits. Also consider its shape: a wide base or protruding handle could stop it fitting properly into a baggage sizer.

For example, a small hand luggage bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25 cm serves a different purpose from a weekend bag measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Choose the former for a short flight without checked baggage, and the latter only if your cabin baggage allowance permits it.

2. Weight, carrying options and attachment

A lightweight travel bag is useful if you have a lot of walking or connecting flights. Check its empty weight and how it can be carried. An adjustable shoulder strap is practical, while sturdy handles come in handy when boarding and leaving the aircraft.

A hand luggage bag with a trolley sleeve can also slide over a suitcase’s telescopic handle. This means you have fewer separate bags to manage when changing flights at the airport.

3. Material, zips and protection

Oxford fabric, polyester and ABS all have different properties. Soft fabric is often lightweight and flexible, while ABS provides a hard outer shell that holds its shape. Check whether the product information describes the bag as water-resistant or simply as being made from easy-care fabric.

A hand luggage suitcase with a TSA lock may suit travellers looking for a lockable hard case. A TSA lock won’t prevent a bag from being opened, but it is designed to allow authorised inspection without forcing the lock. Keep the combination somewhere safe and test the lock before you travel.

Our recommendations for different types of travellers

The options below are based on verifiable details such as size, weight, capacity, material and carrying options. Check the airline’s current requirements before every flight.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Kono 40x20x25cm Cabin Holdall for Ryanair

Kono 40x20x25cm Cabin Holdall for Ryanair

Why it suits this type of traveller: This compact bag is designed for short flights and weekend breaks when you want to take a bag under the seat. It has a capacity of 20 litres and a stated weight of 0.36 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its 40 x 20 x 25 cm dimensions make it an easy choice for travellers specifically looking for a Ryanair underseat bag. Do check your ticket conditions and airline’s requirements.

Key benefits and features

20-litre capacity, adjustable shoulder strap, handles and trolley sleeve. The product information specifies Oxford fabric but doesn’t mention water resistance.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Kono 55x35x25cm Cabin Hand Luggage Holdall 48L

Kono 55x35x25cm Cabin Hand Luggage Holdall 48L

Why it suits this type of traveller: This spacious holdall is designed for weekend breaks, overnight stays and business trips when you need to pack more clothes and accessories.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifically advises checking airline rules. This makes it clear that 55 x 35 x 25 cm isn’t permitted everywhere.

Key benefits and features

Around 48 litres of capacity, a weight of 0.7 kg, multiple compartments and three carrying options. The product description says the Oxford fabric is water-resistant.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent travellers
JOYFURNOS 24-Inch Hard Shell Suitcase

JOYFURNOS 24-Inch Hard Shell Suitcase

Why it suits this type of traveller: This hard-shell suitcase is a good choice for travellers who prefer a lockable case with wheels that holds its shape, whether for short trips or as cabin baggage, depending on the airline’s requirements.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated dimensions are 55 x 36 x 20 cm and the empty weight is 2.8 kg. Check these against your ticket, as a hard suitcase is less flexible than a soft bag.

Key benefits and features

ABS outer shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA lock and a stated maximum static load of 8 kg.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about hand luggage bags for flying

Can I take a 40 x 20 x 25 cm hand luggage bag on any airline?

No. This size is often used for a small bag that fits under the seat, but requirements vary by airline and ticket. Check the dimensions, weight and placement rules before you travel.

Is a weekend bag suitable as hand luggage?

A weekend bag for flying may be suitable if its size and weight fall within the cabin baggage allowance. A model measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm offers more space, but it won’t automatically be accepted as free underseat baggage.

How long will a travel bag or suitcase last?

How long it lasts depends on how it’s used, as well as the zips, wheels, seams and how well it’s maintained. Avoid overpacking, distribute heavy items evenly and follow the care instructions. Oxford fabric can be wiped with a soft, damp cloth; don’t use harsh cleaners. For a hard-shell suitcase, it’s a good idea to check the lock and wheels before every trip.