Last updated: April 2026 · Airline rules are updated regularly. Always check the exact dimensions and weight allowances directly on the airline's website shortly before your flight.
A hand luggage suitcase saves you time at the airport, baggage fees and stress at the carousel. But every airline has its own rules – 55x40x20 cm with Ryanair, 55x40x23 cm with Lufthansa, 56x45x25 cm with 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 for you.
The award-winning cabin luggage of 2026
In the latest cabin luggage test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 came out on top with a "Good" rating (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also scored "Good" (2.0) – the best value pick.
View & compare the winners »The 4 most important hand luggage sizes
The strictest size – essential for budget airlines.
The most common size – fits with most airlines.
More volume – only allowed with airlines that have a more generous limit.
Small bag that fits under the seat in front – usually free of charge.
Important when buying: The dimensions given are external dimensions including wheels and handles. At the gate your suitcase is checked against a sizing frame – if it doesn't fit, you risk fees of between £40 and £65.
Airline comparison 2026: hand luggage dimensions and weight
| Airline | Dimensions (cm) | Weight | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa (Economy Classic+) | 55x40x23 | 8 kg | + small bag |
| Lufthansa (Economy Light) | — | — | small bag only, 40x30x15 |
| Eurowings (Basic) | — | — | small bag only, 40x30x25 |
| Eurowings (Smart+) | 55x40x23 | 8 kg | + small bag |
| Ryanair Basic | — | — | 40x20x25 under seat only |
| Ryanair Priority | 55x40x20 | 10 kg | + small bag |
| Wizz Air Priority | 55x40x23 | 10 kg | + small bag |
| Swiss (Economy Classic) | 55x40x23 | 8 kg | + small bag |
| British Airways | 56x45x25 | 23 kg | + laptop bag 40x30x15 |
| KLM / Air France | 55x35x25 | 12 kg | + small bag |
| Easyjet (Basic) | 45x36x20 | 15 kg | — small bag only |
| Easyjet (Plus) | 56x45x25 | 15 kg | + small bag |
Tip: You'll find detailed information on the most important carriers in our guides: Lufthansa hand luggage, Ryanair hand luggage and Eurowings hand luggage.
55x40x20 or 55x40x23 – which size should you buy?
If you're flying with Ryanair Priority or Wizz Air Priority, you need a suitcase with a maximum external size of 55x40x20 cm. It also fits comfortably within the larger sizing boxes of other airlines. The more flexible 55x40x23 cm option offers 3–5 litres more capacity, but doesn't comply with Ryanair's rules.
- Frequent flyers with Ryanair: buy 55x40x20 cm – fits everywhere
- Lufthansa / Eurowings / Swiss: 55x40x23 cm is sufficient
- Short business trips only: underseat model 40x20x25 cm as a "personal item"
In our 55x40x20 hand luggage category you'll find Ryanair-compliant models. For the standard size, visit our cabin luggage collection.
Weight: why 2 kg makes all the difference
Weight is often underestimated when it comes to hand luggage. An empty hard shell suitcase can weigh 2.5–3.2 kg – so with an 8 kg limit, you're left with just 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
- 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 is best depends on how you'll use it. Find out more in our hard shell vs soft shell comparison.
The personal item – your secret weapon
Almost every airline allows you to bring a personal item in addition to your hand luggage – a small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical dimensions range from 40x30x15 cm to 40x20x25 cm. Ideal options include:
- Laptop backpack: perfect for business travel
- Small shoulder bag: for your wallet, book, snacks, camera
- Shopper or handbag: a practical choice for many travellers
- Underseat trolley: a mini trolley with wheels
With Ryanair Basic (without Priority), the personal item is actually your only free piece of luggage – everything else costs extra. For these situations, a specially designed underseat shopper bag is a great investment.
What can and can't you pack in your hand luggage?
Allowed (with restrictions)
- Liquids: max. 100 ml per container, all packed in a single 1-litre clear resealable bag – find out more in our article liquids in hand luggage
- Electronics: laptop, tablet, smartphone, camera – may need to be removed for security screening
- Medication: larger quantities allowed with a prescription; insulin syringes are permitted
- Baby food: baby milk and food over 100 ml allowed when travelling with an infant
Prohibited
- Knives, scissors with a blade longer than 6 cm, tools
- Weapons, fireworks, pepper spray
- Liquids over 100 ml (without a medical certificate)
- E-cigarettes in hold luggage – allowed in hand luggage
Buying a cabin suitcase: 3 key factors
Exact-fit dimensions
Check the specific airline's dimensions, not just a generic "hand luggage" label. Millimetres matter at the gate.
Low empty weight
Lightweight models under 2.5 kg give you more room for your belongings within strict airline weight limits.
TSA lock
A TSA lock lets US security officers open your case for inspection without any damage. Essential for travel to the USA.
Our top hand luggage brands: Samsonite, Titan, Travelite and American Tourister.
Frequently asked questions about cabin suitcases
What size can a hand luggage suitcase be?
The standard sizes are 55x40x23 cm (Lufthansa, Eurowings, IATA) or 55x40x20 cm (Ryanair, Wizz Air). Easyjet Basic only allows 45x36x20 cm. These dimensions include wheels and handles.
How much can hand luggage weigh?
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 checked at random at the gate.
Which hand luggage size is safest to buy?
A 55x40x20 cm suitcase keeps you covered with almost every airline – it's Ryanair-compliant and fits the sizing frame of any airline with more generous limits too. If you never fly with budget airlines, 55x40x23 cm is a good option.
Can I bring an extra bag along with my hand luggage?
Yes, most airlines allow a "personal item" in addition to your hand luggage – a small bag that fits under the seat in front (usually 40x30x15 cm to 40x20x25 cm). With Ryanair Basic, this is the only piece of luggage included free of charge.
What liquids are allowed in hand luggage?
A maximum of 100 ml per container, with all containers fitting together in a single 1-litre clear resealable bag. Exceptions include prescription medication and baby food. Find out more in our article liquids in hand luggage.
What happens if your suitcase is too big?
Your suitcase is checked at the gate using a sizing frame. If it doesn't fit, you'll need to check it in – costing anywhere from £40–£65 at the gate depending on the airline (more expensive than booking in advance). Some low-cost airlines charge up to £85 for gate check-ins.
Hard shell or soft shell for hand luggage?
Hard shell cases offer better protection for electronics and fragile items and tend to look more premium. Soft shell cases offer outer pockets for a newspaper or laptop, and their flexibility often helps them fit into tight sizing frames. Choose based on what you're packing. Find out more in our material comparison.
Conclusion: choosing the right hand luggage suitcase in 2026
The most important step when buying hand luggage is knowing the rules of your main airline. With a 55x40x20 cm case, you'll fly hassle-free almost anywhere. Look for a low empty weight (under 2.5 kg) to give yourself more room for your belongings, and a TSA lock if you're travelling to the USA. If you take several flights a year, it's worth paying more for a quality model – they last well over ten years and save you money in the long run.
- Budget airline flyer: 55x40x20 cm + underseat shopper bag
- Standard travel: 55x40x23 cm hard shell with TSA lock
- Business: 55x40x23 cm soft shell with laptop compartment
- Premium: 56x45x25 cm for Swiss or British Airways
You'll find the right models in our cabin luggage collection. Not sure which size you need for your next trip? Our suitcase sizes overview can help.
