Last updated: 28 October 2026 · We checked all rows on the airlines' own websites on 28/10/2026. Airline rules are updated regularly: always check the dimensions and weight directly with your airline shortly before your flight.
In short
The most common cabin baggage size is 55 × 40 × 23 cm (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Wizz Air Priority). Ryanair only allows 55 × 40 × 20 cm and 10 kg, while KLM and Air France allow 55 × 35 × 25 cm and 12 kg. A suitcase measuring 55 × 40 × 20 cm fits with most airlines. The free small bag measures between 40 × 30 × 15 and 45 × 36 × 20 cm, depending on the airline.
Cabin suitcases save you time at the airport, baggage fees and stress at the baggage carousel. However, every airline has its own rules – 55×40×20 cm with Ryanair, 55×40×23 cm with Lufthansa, 56×45×25 cm with British Airways. If you buy the wrong size, you'll end up paying extra at the gate. This guide shows you the most important dimensions, weight limits and how to find the right suitcase.
The test winners among cabin suitcases
In the latest cabin suitcase test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 was named test winner with a "Good" rating (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also received a "Good" rating (2.0) – the best-value pick.
View & compare test winners »Airline comparison 2026: cabin baggage dimensions and weight
| Airline | Dimensions (cm) | Weight | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa (from Economy Light) | 55×40×23 | 8 kg | + small bag |
| Lufthansa (Economy Basic) | — | — | small bag only 40×30×15 |
| Eurowings (Basic) | — | — | small bag only 40×30×25 |
| Eurowings (SMART) | 55×40×23 | 8 kg | + small bag |
| Ryanair Basic | — | — | 40×30×20 under the seat in front |
| Ryanair Priority | 55×40×20 | 10 kg | + small bag |
| Wizz Air Priority | 55×40×23 | 10 kg | + small bag |
| Swiss (from Economy Light) | 55×40×23 | 8 kg | + small bag |
| British Airways | 56×45×25 | must be able to lift it into the overhead locker yourself | + handbag/backpack 40×30×15 |
| KLM / Air France | 55×35×25 | 12 kg together with small bag | + small bag 40×30×15 |
| easyJet (Standard) | 45×36×20 | 15 kg | — small bag only |
| easyJet (Inclusive Plus / Up-Front seat) | 56×45×25 | 15 kg | + small bag |
Tip: You'll find detailed information on the most important carriers in our guides: Lufthansa cabin baggage, Ryanair cabin baggage and Eurowings cabin baggage.
The 4 most important cabin baggage sizes
The strictest size – essential for budget airlines.
The most common size – fits with most airlines.
More volume – only for airlines with a more generous limit.
Small cabin bag that fits under the seat in front – often free of charge.
Important when buying: The dimensions given are outer dimensions including wheels and handles (exception: Wizz Air, where handles don't count and wheels may protrude up to 5 cm). At the gate, the suitcase is checked in a sizer box – if it doesn't fit, you'll pay around 60 to 110 euros, depending on the airline.
55×40×20 or 55×40×23 – which size should you buy?
If you're flying with Ryanair Priority, you need a suitcase with a maximum outer size of 55×40×20 cm (Wizz Air Priority allows 55×40×23 cm). It also fits easily into the larger sizer boxes of other airlines. The more flexible 55×40×23 cm version offers 3–5 litres more volume, but doesn't comply with Ryanair's rules.
- Frequent flyers with Ryanair: buy 55×40×20 – fits everywhere
- Lufthansa / Eurowings / Swiss: 55×40×23 is sufficient
- Short business trips only: underseat model 40×30×20 as a "personal item"
In our 55×40×20 cabin baggage category, you'll find Ryanair-compliant models. For the standard size, visit cabin suitcases.
Weight: why 2 kg makes a difference
Weight is often underestimated when it comes to cabin baggage. An empty hard-shell suitcase weighs 2.5–3.2 kg – with an 8 kg limit, that leaves only 4.8–5.5 kg for your actual belongings. Lightweight polycarbonate models save 0.7–1.2 kg.
- Ultra-lightweight models: from 1.8 kg empty weight
- Common hard-shell cases: 2.5–3.2 kg
- Sturdy aluminium suitcases: 3.8–4.5 kg (less capacity for your belongings)
- Soft-shell models: 2.3–3.0 kg (more flexible)
Which material is better depends on how you intend to use it. You'll find more details in our hard shell vs. soft shell material comparison.
The personal item – your secret weapon
Almost every airline allows a personal item in addition to your cabin baggage – a small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical dimensions range from 40×30×15 cm (Lufthansa) to 40×30×20 cm (Ryanair) to 45×36×20 cm (easyJet). This is ideal for:
- Laptop backpack: ideal for business trips
- Small shoulder bag: wallet, book, snacks, camera
- Shopper or handbag: practical for female travellers
- Underseat trolley: mini trolley with wheels
With Ryanair Basic (without Priority), the personal item is actually the only free baggage allowance – everything else costs extra. In these cases, a specially designed underseat shopper is worthwhile.
What's allowed in cabin baggage – and what isn't?
Allowed (with restrictions)
- Liquids: max. 100 ml per container, all in a 1-litre clear resealable bag – see details in the article liquids in cabin baggage
- Electronics: laptop, tablet, smartphone, camera – may need to be unpacked at security
- Medication: larger quantities allowed with a prescription, insulin pens are permitted
- Baby food: baby milk and purée over 100 ml allowed when travelling with an infant
Prohibited
- Knives, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, tools
- Weapons, fireworks, pepper spray
- Liquids over 100 ml (without a medical certificate)
- E-cigarettes in checked baggage – allowed in cabin baggage
Buying a cabin suitcase: 3 factors
Exact-fit dimensions
Pay attention to the specific airline dimensions, not just "cabin baggage". Millimetres make the difference at the gate.
Low empty weight
Lightweight models under 2.5 kg give you more capacity for your belongings when airline limits are tight.
TSA lock
With a TSA lock, US security staff can open the suitcase without damaging it. Recommended for trips to the USA.
Our top brands for cabin suitcases: Samsonite, Titan, Travelite and American Tourister.
Frequently asked questions about cabin suitcases
What dimensions are allowed for a cabin suitcase?
Standard dimensions are 55×40×23 cm (Lufthansa, Eurowings, IATA) or 55×40×20 cm (Ryanair). Without an additional booking, easyJet only allows 45×36×20 cm. Dimensions usually include wheels and handles (with Wizz Air, handles don't count).
How heavy can cabin baggage be?
The common weight limits are: Lufthansa / Eurowings / Swiss 8 kg, Ryanair Priority 10 kg, Wizz Air Priority 10 kg, KLM / Air France 12 kg (together with the small bag), easyJet 15 kg. British Airways doesn't specify a fixed weight: you must be able to lift the suitcase into the overhead locker yourself. Weight is checked at the gate during spot checks.
Which cabin baggage size is the safest choice?
With a suitcase measuring 55×40×20 cm, you're on the safe side with almost all airlines – it's Ryanair-compliant and also fits into the sizer boxes of all more generous airlines. If you never fly with budget airlines, you can choose 55×40×23.
Can I bring an extra bag as well?
Yes, most airlines allow a "personal item" in addition to your cabin baggage – a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you (usually 40×30×15 cm to 45×36×20 cm). With Ryanair Basic, this is the only free baggage allowance.
What liquids are allowed in cabin baggage?
A maximum of 100 ml per container, and all containers together must fit into a 1-litre clear resealable bag. Exceptions: prescription medication, baby food. More details in the article liquids in cabin baggage.
What happens if the suitcase is too big?
The suitcase is checked in a sizer box at the gate. If it doesn't fit, you'll have to check it in – depending on the airline, this costs around 60 to 110 euros at the gate (more expensive than booking in advance), for example €70 with easyJet and €70 to €75 with Ryanair.
Hard shell or soft shell for cabin baggage?
Hard shell protects electronics and fragile items better and looks more premium. Soft shell offers outer pockets for newspapers or a laptop and, thanks to its slight flexibility, often fits more easily into tight sizer boxes. Decide based on what you're packing. More on this in our material comparison.
Conclusion: choosing the right cabin suitcase in 2026
The most important thing when buying cabin baggage is knowing your main airline. With a model measuring 55×40×20 cm, you'll be able to fly with almost any airline without any trouble. Look for low empty weight (under 2.5 kg) for more capacity and a TSA lock for trips to the USA. If you fly several times a year, the extra cost of a higher-quality model is worthwhile – it will last more than ten years and save you money in the long run.
- Budget airline fan: 55×40×20 cm + underseat shopper
- Standard travel: 55×40×23 cm hard shell with TSA lock
- Business: 55×40×23 cm soft shell with laptop compartment
- Premium: 56×45×25 cm for British Airways or the large easyJet cabin baggage allowance
You'll find the right models in our cabin suitcases category. Not sure which size you need for your next trip? Our suitcase size overview can help.
