Hand Luggage Size Chart 2025: Major Airlines’ Cabin Bag Limits

There’s nothing worse than turning up at the airport and being told your bag is too big. Some airlines are relaxed, while others (looking at you, Ryanair and Wizz Air) will measure every millimeter. That’s why picking the right hand luggage size can feel confusing.

I’ve made the same mistakes before. I’ve had bags that were fine with one airline but too wide for another. After lots of trips around Europe and Asia, I’ve found two suitcase sizes that work best for most travellers

Quick Guide: Hand Luggage Size Chart

• ✅ 55 × 40 × 20 cm – Best all-round size. Works on most airlines if you’ve paid for standard cabin luggage.
• ✅ 55 × 35 × 20 cm – The safest choice. A bit slimmer but almost never gets stopped, even on strict airlines.

If you want peace of mind, go for 55 × 35 × 20 cm. But if you usually fly with bigger airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, or Emirates, the roomier 55 × 40 × 20 cm will give you more space without much risk.

We’ve all been there — standing at the boarding gate, hoping the cabin bag fits in that metal sizer. Some airlines are easy-going, but others will make you pay extra if your case is even a centimetre too big. Choosing the right size carry-on saves money, stress, and hassle.

After many flights (and a few painful extra fees), I’ve learnt which suitcase sizes work best.

Here’s a breakdown so you can pack smart and fly without worry.

Most airlines permit passengers to bring one main carry-on bag and one personal item data-preserver-spaces=”true”>. The carry-on, typically a small suitcase, is stored in the overhead bin.

A personal item—such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack—must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. It’s important to note that some airlines, especially budget carriers, may charge an extra fee for the main carry-on.

55x35x20 vs. 55x40x20  

Hand luggage rules can vary quite a bit between airlines, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all bag. A 55x40x20 cm bag is usually the safest choice, as most airlines will accept it.

If you prefer something a little smaller and easier to carry, 55x35x20 cm works well too. The best option really depends on the airlines you fly with most often. Let’s have a closer look at both sizes.

Aer Lingus | Aeroflot | Aeroméxico | Air Baltic | Air Canada | Air China | Air Dolomiti | Air Malta | Air Moldova | Air Serbia | Austrian Airlines | Belavia | British Airways | Brussels Airlines | Bulgaria Air | Condor | Corendon Airlines | Croatia Airlines | Czech Airlines | easyJet | Edelweiss Air | Egyptair | Ethiopian Airlines | Eurowings | Finnair | Iberia | Icelandair (international routes) | Japan Airlines | Jet2 | Lufthansa | Luxair | Norwegian | Oman Air | Pegasus Airlines | Royal Air Maroc | Royal Jordanian | Ryanair | SAS | Singapore Airlines | Southwest Airlines | SunExpress | Swiss | TAP Portugal | Thai Airways | TUI | Tunisair | Turkish Airlines | Ukraine International Airlines | Ural Airlines | Vueling | Wizz Air

(Note: Some airlines may allow this size only with specific fare types or may charge an additional fee.)

⚠️ Heads up: With some carriers, especially budget ones, this size might only be included if you pay for it separately. Always check your ticket details before flying.

My take: I’ve used this size on dozens of flights, and it’s rarely been a problem. But with stricter budget airlines, I had to pay for “priority boarding” to bring it on board.

Aerolineas Argentinas | Air Algerie | Air France | American Airlines | ASL Airlines France | Cathay Pacific | Copa Airlines | Delta | Emirates | Etihad | EVA Air | ITA Airways | KLM | LATAM | Malaysia Airlines | Qantas | Qatar Airways | South African Airways | Transavia | United Airlines | Vietnam Airlines

👉 Keep in mind: on certain ticket types — especially basic or light fares — the larger cabin bag may not be included by default and could require an additional fee.

My take: I use this size when I know I’ll be flying Ryanair or other budget carriers. It keeps things simple and avoids nasty surprise charges.

Every airline has its own rules. Here are some quick examples:

• Ryanair / Wizz Air – Only allow a small personal bag for free. To bring a carry-on, you need “priority boarding.”
• EasyJet – Basic tickets allow only a small under-seat bag. Larger cabin cases require an upgrade.
• British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa – More generous, often allowing bigger cabin cases and even an extra personal item.

Tip: Always check your airline’s website before you fly. A quick 2-minute check can save you £50 at the gate.