Updated: August 2026 · We checked Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair and easyJet on the airline websites on 25.08.2026; the remaining entries date from April 2026. Airline policies are updated regularly: always check the dimensions and weight allowance with your airline shortly before you fly.
In short
The most common cabin baggage size is 55 × 40 × 23 cm (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Wizz Air Priority). Ryanair allows only 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 personal item bag measures between 40 × 30 × 15 cm and 45 × 36 × 20 cm, depending on the airline.
Cabin luggage saves you time at the airport, baggage fees, and stress at the carousel. But every airline has its own rules – 55×40×20 cm for Ryanair, 55×40×23 cm for Lufthansa, 56×45×25 cm for Swiss. Buy the wrong size and you'll pay extra at the gate. This guide covers the key dimensions, weight limits, and how to find the right cabin case.
The test winners among cabin cases
In the latest cabin luggage test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 was the test winner, rated "Good" (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also received a "Good" rating (2.0) – our value-for-money pick.
View & compare test winners »Airline comparison 2026: cabin baggage dimensions and weight
| Airline | Dimensions (cm) | Weight | Additional allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa (Economy Light and above) | 55×40×23 | 8 kg | + small personal item |
| Lufthansa (Economy Basic) | — | — | small personal item only, 40×30×15 |
| Eurowings (Basic) | — | — | small personal item only, 40×30×25 |
| Eurowings (Smart+) | 55×40×23 | 8 kg | + small personal item |
| Ryanair Basic | — | — | 40×30×20 under the seat in front |
| Ryanair Priority | 55×40×20 | 10 kg | + small personal item |
| Wizz Air Priority | 55×40×23 | 10 kg | + small personal item |
| Swiss (Economy Classic) | 55×40×23 | 8 kg | + small personal item |
| British Airways | 56×45×25 | 23 kg | + laptop bag 40×30×15 |
| KLM / Air France | 55×35×25 | 12 kg | + small personal item |
| easyJet (Basic) | 45×36×20 | 15 kg | — small personal item only |
| easyJet (Plus) | 56×45×25 | 15 kg | + small personal item |
Tip: You'll find detailed information on the main carriers in our dedicated guides: Lufthansa hand luggage, Ryanair hand luggage and Eurowings hand luggage.
The 4 most important cabin luggage sizes
The strictest size – essential for budget airlines.
The most common size – fits with most airlines.
More volume – only permitted with airlines offering a more generous limit.
Small bag that fits under the seat in front – often free of charge.
Important when buying: the dimensions listed are external measurements, including wheels and handles. At the gate, your case is checked against a sizer – if it doesn't fit, you risk a fee of between £40 and £65.
55×40×20 or 55×40×23 – which size should you buy?
If you fly with Ryanair Priority or Wizz Air Priority, you need a case with a maximum external size of 55×40×20 cm. It will also fit easily into the larger sizers used by other airlines. The more flexible 55×40×23 cm option offers 3–5 litres more capacity, but doesn't comply with Ryanair's rules.
- Frequent Ryanair flyers: buy 55×40×20 cm – it fits everywhere
- Lufthansa / Eurowings / Swiss: 55×40×23 cm is sufficient
- Short business trips only: an underseat model measuring 40×30×20 cm works as a "personal item"
Browse our 55×40×20 cabin luggage category for Ryanair-compliant models. For the standard size, visit our cabin luggage range.
Weight: why 2 kg makes all the difference
Weight is often underestimated when it comes to cabin luggage. An empty hard-shell suitcase weighs 2.5–3.2 kg on its own – so with an 8 kg limit, that leaves only 4.8–5.5 kg for your actual belongings. Lightweight polycarbonate models can save you 0.7–1.2 kg.
- Ultra-lightweight models: from 1.8 kg empty weight
- Standard 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 suits you best depends on how you'll use the case. Find out more in our hard shell vs soft shell material comparison.
The personal item – your secret weapon
Almost every airline allows an additional personal item alongside your cabin luggage – a small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical sizes range from 40×30×15 cm (Lufthansa) to 40×30×20 cm (Ryanair) up to 45×36×20 cm (easyJet). Good options include:
- Laptop backpack: ideal for business travel
- Small shoulder bag: wallet, book, snacks, camera
- Shopper or handbag: practical for many travellers
- Underseat trolley: a mini trolley with wheels
With Ryanair Basic (no Priority), the personal item is actually the only free baggage allowance – everything else costs extra. In this case, a specially designed underseat shopper bag is well worth it.
What's allowed in your cabin luggage – and what isn't?
Allowed (with restrictions)
- Liquids: max. 100 ml per container, all in a single 1-litre clear resealable bag – see our article liquids in hand luggage for full details
- Electronics: laptop, tablet, smartphone, camera – may need to be removed at security
- Medication: larger quantities allowed with a prescription; insulin syringes are permitted
- Baby food: baby milk and purée over 100 ml permitted when travelling with an infant
Prohibited
- Knives, scissors with blades over 6 cm, tools
- Weapons, fireworks, pepper spray
- Liquids over 100 ml (without a medical certificate)
- E-cigarettes in checked baggage – allowed in cabin luggage
Buying cabin luggage: 3 key factors
Precise dimensions
Check the exact airline requirements, not just the general term "cabin baggage". Millimetres matter at the gate.
Low empty weight
Lightweight models under 2.5 kg give you more room within strict airline weight limits.
TSA lock
A TSA lock allows US security staff to open your case without causing damage. Essential for trips to the USA.
Our top cabin luggage brands: Samsonite, Titan, Travelite and American Tourister.
Frequently asked questions about cabin luggage
What dimensions are allowed for cabin luggage?
Standard sizes are 55×40×23 cm (Lufthansa, Eurowings, IATA) or 55×40×20 cm (Ryanair, Wizz Air). easyJet Basic allows only 45×36×20 cm. These dimensions include wheels and handles.
How heavy can hand luggage be?
Common weight limits: Lufthansa / Eurowings / Swiss 8 kg, Ryanair Priority 10 kg, Wizz Air Priority 10 kg, KLM / Air France 12 kg, British Airways 23 kg, easyJet 15 kg. Weight may be spot-checked at the gate.
Which cabin luggage size is the safest bet?
A suitcase measuring 55×40×20 cm keeps you on the safe side with nearly every airline – it's Ryanair-compliant and also fits the sizers of more generous airlines. If you never fly with budget airlines, 55×40×23 cm is a good choice.
Can I also bring an extra bag?
Yes, most airlines allow a "personal item" in addition to your cabin luggage – a small bag that fits under the seat in front (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 hand luggage?
A maximum of 100 ml per container, with all containers fitting together into a single 1-litre clear resealable bag. Exceptions apply for prescribed medication and baby food. See our article on liquids in hand luggage for more details.
What happens if my suitcase is too big?
At the gate, your case is checked against a sizer. If it doesn't fit, you'll have to check it in – depending on the airline, this can cost £40–£65 at the gate (more expensive than booking in advance). Some low-cost airlines charge up to £85 for a gate check.
Hard shell or soft shell for cabin luggage?
Hard shells offer better protection for electronics and fragile items and look more premium. Soft shells offer external pockets for a newspaper or laptop and, thanks to some give, often squeeze more easily into tight sizers. Choose based on what you're packing. Find out more in our material comparison.
Conclusion: choosing the right cabin luggage in 2026
The most important step when buying cabin luggage is knowing the requirements of your main airline. With a case measuring 55×40×20 cm, you'll fly almost anywhere without issues. Look for a low empty weight (under 2.5 kg) to maximise your packing allowance, and choose a TSA lock for trips to the USA. If you fly several times a year, investing in a higher-quality model pays off – they last more than ten years and save you money in the long run.
- Budget airline flyer: 55×40×20 cm + underseat shopper
- Standard travel: 55×40×23 cm hard shell with TSA lock
- Business travel: 55×40×23 cm soft shell with laptop compartment
- Premium travel: 56×45×25 cm for Swiss or British Airways
Find the right models in our cabin luggage category. Not sure which size you need for your next trip? Our suitcase size guide can help.
