40×30×20 cm bag
Travel light and skip the extra bag fees with a 40x30x20 cm bag that slides neatly under the seat in front of you. This is the size of the free personal item on Ryanair and Wizz Air, so getting it right means boarding without paying for extra luggage. Choose from laptop-ready backpacks, a 2-in-1 backpack that adapts to easyJet, or a foldable duffle for minimal packers. Whichever you pick, everything you need stays within reach for the whole flight.
A 40x30x20 cm bag is the size that matters most when you fly with low-cost airlines. Ryanair and Wizz Air both include one free under-seat bag up to these dimensions on every fare, so a bag that fits gets you on board without paying for extra luggage. This selection brings together backpacks and bags designed around that limit, from laptop-ready business backpacks to a lightweight foldable duffle.
Which 40x30x20 cm bag suits the way you travel?
Every bag here works within the same outside dimensions, so your choice comes down to how you like to carry your things and what you need to bring along.
Backpacks for hands-free travel
Most of this range is made up of backpacks, and for good reason. A backpack keeps your hands free for your boarding pass, phone and coffee, and it slides easily under the seat in front of you. Many models include a dedicated laptop compartment for devices up to 14.1" or 15.6", depending on the design, so one bag can take you from your daily commute to the departure gate. Explore the full range of underseat carry-on backpacks, or browse our laptop backpacks if work travels with you.
2-in-1 backpacks for more than one airline
If you switch between airlines, a 2-in-1 underseat backpack gives you room to adapt. Zipped closed, it stays within 40x30x20 cm. Opened up, it extends to 45x36x20 cm, which matches easyJet's free under-seat allowance. You get one bag for two allowances, and no need to own a different backpack for every booking.
Foldable duffles for light packers
A foldable duffle weighs very little and folds away when you don't need it. Use it as your free bag on a short city break, or tuck it into your suitcase as a spare for the souvenirs you pick up along the way. For more holdall styles, take a look at our cabin duffle bags.
Backpack, soft bag or hard case: what fits best under the seat?
Soft backpacks and duffles have a little give, so they settle into an airline's bag sizer more easily, even when packed full. A hard case holds its exact shape, which protects what's inside but leaves no margin if you've packed right up to the limit. If you prefer wheels and a rigid structure for your under-seat bag, explore our underseat luggage and compare the external measurements carefully before you choose. Booking a larger cabin allowance as well? Our hard shell cabin luggage pairs well with a 40x30x20 cm backpack.
How do airlines measure a 40x30x20 cm bag?
Gate staff check your bag as it is, not as it was when it came out of the box. Keep these points in mind before you leave home:
- Outside dimensions count. Handles, front pockets and anything clipped to the outside are all part of the measurement.
- Measure it packed. A full front pocket can add a few centimetres to the depth, so check your bag once everything is inside.
- Expect the sizer. Many low-cost airlines use a metal frame at the gate, and your bag needs to slide in without forcing.
- Check before you fly. Allowances can change, so confirm your airline's current rules when you book.
What to look for in a 40x30x20 cm backpack
Once the size is right, these details make the biggest difference on the day:
- Laptop compartment: check the screen size on the product page, as models differ between 14.1" and 15.6".
- Weight: a lighter bag leaves more room for what you pack and is easier to lift under the seat.
- Quick-access pockets: keep your passport, phone and liquids bag within reach for security and boarding.
- Interior organisation: dividers and pockets help you use every centimetre without overpacking the depth.
Flying Ryanair, Wizz Air or easyJet?
A 40x30x20 cm bag matches the free under-seat allowance on Ryanair cabin luggage and Wizz Air flights. It also fits comfortably within the larger allowance for easyJet cabin luggage. Some airlines use a shallower personal item size, so if you fly with British Airways, check the depth of your bag first.
FAQ
Can I take a 40x30x20 cm bag on Ryanair for free?
Yes. Ryanair includes one small personal bag of up to 40x30x20 cm with every fare, and it must fit under the seat in front of you. The same size applies to the free under-seat bag on Wizz Air, so one backpack covers both airlines. Make sure your bag stays within those outside measurements once it's fully packed, including any items in the front pockets. Airlines can update their allowances, so it's always worth checking the current rules on your airline's website before you travel.
Will a laptop fit in a 40x30x20 cm backpack?
In most cases, yes. Many of the backpacks in this range have a dedicated laptop compartment, with some designed for devices up to 14.1" and others for up to 15.6". The screen size is listed in the product name and on each product page, so you can match it to your laptop before you buy. A padded sleeve keeps your device separate from the rest of your packing, which also makes it quicker to remove at security. If you carry a larger laptop, check the compartment size carefully, as the outside dimensions of the bag leave limited room to spare.
Do straps, handles and pockets count towards the 40x30x20 cm limit?
Yes. Airlines measure the outside of your bag, so handles, front pockets and anything attached to the exterior all count. Shoulder straps usually flatten against the back and rarely cause problems, but a bulging front pocket can push the depth over 20 cm. The easiest way to be sure is to pack your bag as you would for the trip and then measure it. If it feels tight, move bulky items into the main compartment and keep the outer pockets for flat essentials like your passport and boarding pass.
Is a backpack or a hard case better for a 40x30x20 cm limit?
It depends on what matters most to you. A soft backpack or duffle has a little flexibility, so it slides into an airline's bag sizer more easily, even when packed right to the limit. It also keeps your hands free and is simple to stow under the seat. A hard case keeps its exact shape and gives your belongings more protection, but there's no give if it's slightly oversized. If you choose a hard case, measure its outside dimensions carefully, including wheels and handles, before you fly.
Can I use a 40x30x20 cm bag on easyJet or British Airways?
On easyJet, yes. Its free under-seat bag allowance is larger, at 45x36x20 cm, so a 40x30x20 cm bag fits with room to spare. If you'd like to use more of that space, a 2-in-1 backpack that expands to 45x36x20 cm lets you make the most of both allowances. British Airways lists a shallower size for its personal item, so a bag that is 20 cm deep may not qualify. If you fly with British Airways regularly, check the depth of your bag against their current rules before you travel.