Cabin Luggage Size Guide 2026
Cabin baggage rules keep changing in 2026, and every airline has its own size and weight limits. Whether you fly from Lisbon, Porto or anywhere in Europe, knowing exactly what you can bring on board saves you from gate fees and unnecessary stress.
In this guide we have gathered the latest cabin baggage dimensions for the most popular European airlines, including the new A4E standard, and recommend carry-on luggage that fits every airline.
The A4E standard: what changed in Europe
Airlines for Europe (A4E), whose members include TAP, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, IAG (British Airways, Iberia, Vueling) and Air France-KLM, has established a standard size for the free personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm. This is the bag, backpack or small case that goes under the seat in front of you.
The decision follows a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union stating that hand baggage transport cannot be subject to a surcharge, as long as it meets reasonable weight and size requirements. Airlines are currently transitioning to this unified size.
The overhead cabin bag, however, still has no universal size and varies by airline and fare type.
Cabin luggage sizes by airline in 2026
| Airline | Personal item (free) | Cabin bag (overhead) | Max. weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAP Air Portugal | 40 × 30 × 15 cm (2 kg) | 55 × 40 × 25 cm | 10 kg |
| Ryanair | 40 × 25 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (Priority only) | 10 kg |
| easyJet | 45 × 36 × 20 cm (15 kg) | 56 × 45 × 25 cm (paid) | 15 kg |
| Wizz Air | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (Priority only) | 10 kg |
| Vueling | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (paid) | 10 kg |
| Lufthansa | 40 × 30 × 10 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 8 kg |
| British Airways | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 23 kg |
| Air France | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 12 kg |
Note: all dimensions include wheels, handles and outer pockets. Always check the airline's official website before travelling, as rules may be updated.
The universal size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
If you are looking for a carry-on that works on virtually every European airline, 55 × 40 × 20 cm is the safest bet in 2026. It fits in TAP, Ryanair (with Priority), Wizz Air, Vueling and Lufthansa overhead compartments. For British Airways and easyJet, you will have room to spare.
For travellers who also fly to the US, a suitcase with a depth of 20 to 23 cm will work well on most major American carriers too.
Which carry-on to choose? Our recommendations
We have selected the best cabin luggage from our store that meets the size limits of all major airlines. Every suitcase below fits the universal 55 × 40 × 20 cm standard.
Bric's B|Y Ulisse Expandable Carry-On Trolley
A hard shell carry-on made from polypropylene with an urban design and built-in USB port. Lightweight, expandable and equipped with four spinner wheels, it is ideal for short trips of 2 to 4 days. Compatible with TAP, Ryanair Priority, Wizz Air Priority and Vueling.
Dimensions: 55 × 37 × 20 cm | Weight: 2.5 kg
Bric's B|Y Expandable Carry-On Trolley with Pocket
A variant with a quick-access front pocket for your laptop or documents, perfect for business travellers who need to remove their laptop without opening the suitcase at the security checkpoint. Same lightweight quality from the B|Y Ulisse collection.
Dimensions: 55 × 37 × 20 cm | Weight: 2.7 kg
Victorinox Mythic Frequent Flyer Carry-On
Built with SORPLAS, a recycled plastic developed by Sony, this suitcase combines sustainability with Swiss engineering. It features an integrated TSA lock, organised interior with dividers, and is one of the lightest hard shell carry-ons in its class. Designed specifically for frequent travellers.
Dimensions: 55 × 38 × 23 cm | Weight: 2.8 kg
Porsche Design Roadster Aluminum Trolley S
For those seeking the very best, this aluminium suitcase with Porsche-inspired design is the benchmark in luxury cabin luggage. Clean lines, TSA lock and a resilient build that ages with character. Compatible with most European and American airlines.
Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm | Weight: 4.4 kg
What about your personal item? The underseat solution
If you fly low-cost airlines without Priority, the personal item that fits under the seat is your only free baggage. The good news is that there are backpacks designed to maximise every centimetre allowed.
Bric's B|Y Expandable Underseat Backpack
An expandable backpack that fits under the seat on Ryanair, Wizz Air and Vueling. With a laptop compartment, organiser pockets and padded straps, it is the smart choice for travellers who want to fly light without paying extra for cabin baggage.
Dimensions: 38 × 28 × 18 cm | Weight: 0.6 kg
Tips for choosing the right cabin luggage
Think about which airline you fly most. If you regularly fly TAP, you have more room (55 × 40 × 25 cm). If you fly low-cost, go for 55 × 40 × 20 cm to make sure you pass the gate check without issues.
Watch the weight. Even if the airline allows 10 kg, a lighter suitcase (under 3 kg empty) gives you more room for your belongings. Every carry-on we recommend weighs less than 3 kg, except for the aluminium model.
Check whether your fare includes a cabin bag. On low-cost carriers, basic fares usually only include the personal item (backpack under the seat). The overhead cabin bag requires a Priority fare or an additional payment.
Invest in quality. A well-made carry-on lasts for years and quickly pays for itself compared to cheap suitcases that break after a few trips. Every suitcase in our store comes with the manufacturer's warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum cabin luggage size in 2026?
There is no single size for all airlines. However, 55 × 40 × 20 cm is widely considered the universal measurement that works on most European carriers. This size fits in TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair (with Priority boarding), Wizz Air (with Priority), Vueling and Lufthansa overhead compartments. British Airways and easyJet allow slightly larger bags, up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm, giving you even more room. If you buy a carry-on within the 55 × 40 × 20 cm range, you can confidently use it across virtually all European airlines without worrying about gate fees.
Can I bring a carry-on for free on Ryanair?
With Ryanair's basic fare (Value or Regular), you are only entitled to a personal item measuring 40 × 25 × 20 cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you. This is typically a small backpack or handbag. To bring a full-size carry-on of 55 × 40 × 20 cm in the overhead compartment, you need to purchase Priority boarding with a cabin bag add-on, which costs between 12 and 36 euros when bought online. Buying it at the gate is significantly more expensive, often between 20 and 60 euros. If you are a frequent Ryanair flyer, investing in a quality underseat backpack that maximises the free personal item size is the most cost-effective approach.
What is the A4E standard for hand luggage?
Airlines for Europe (A4E) is the trade association representing major European airlines. In response to a ruling by the EU Court of Justice, A4E members agreed to standardise the free personal item dimensions to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. This applies to the bag, backpack or pouch that goes under the seat in front of you, not the overhead cabin bag. Members include TAP, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, Iberia, Air France, Vueling, Volotea, Norwegian, Finnair and Icelandair, among others. The goal is to eliminate confusion caused by each airline having different rules for the free item, though some airlines are still in the process of transitioning to the new standard.
Do cabin bag dimensions include wheels and handles?
Yes, all dimensions quoted by airlines include wheels, retractable handles and outer pockets. This is a common source of confusion: a suitcase advertised as "53 cm" by the manufacturer might actually measure 55 or 56 cm once you add the wheels and handle. When choosing a cabin bag, always check the total external dimensions (with wheels and handle fully retracted) rather than the interior or body-only measurements. Our product pages list the full external dimensions so you can compare directly with your airline's limits.
What is the best carry-on for frequent travellers?
For frequent travellers, we recommend three options depending on your priorities. The Victorinox Mythic Frequent Flyer (55 × 38 × 23 cm, 2.8 kg) is our top pick for its combination of lightness, sustainable SORPLAS material and Swiss engineering quality. The Bric's B|Y Ulisse (55 × 37 × 20 cm, 2.5 kg) offers the best value with Italian design, USB charging and an expandable zip for when you need extra space. For those who want the ultimate in durability and luxury, the Porsche Design Roadster Aluminum (55 × 40 × 20 cm, 4.4 kg) is heavier but built to last a lifetime and develops a unique patina over time.
What is the difference between a personal item and a cabin bag?
The personal item is a small bag (backpack, handbag or pouch) that goes under the seat in front of you. It is almost always free on every airline, with the A4E standard set at 40 × 30 × 15 cm. The cabin bag is the larger suitcase or trolley that goes in the overhead compartment above your seat. On traditional airlines like TAP, British Airways or Lufthansa, the cabin bag is usually included in all fare types. On low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air and Vueling, the overhead cabin bag is only available with Priority boarding or as a paid add-on. Understanding this distinction can save you significant money, especially if you fly budget airlines frequently.
Which cabin bag size works for both European and US airlines?
If you fly both European and American carriers, a suitcase measuring 55 × 40 × 20 cm to 55 × 40 × 23 cm is your safest choice. Most major US airlines (Delta, United, American Airlines, JetBlue) allow carry-ons up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm or 22 × 14 × 9 inches. The key difference is that US airlines tend to allow slightly more depth (23 cm vs 20 cm in Europe) but slightly less width (36 cm vs 40 cm). A suitcase like the Victorinox Mythic Frequent Flyer at 55 × 38 × 23 cm sits comfortably within both sets of limits, making it an excellent choice for transatlantic travellers.
Is it worth buying Priority boarding for cabin luggage on low-cost airlines?
It depends on how often you fly and how much you pack. If you regularly travel for 3 or more days and need a full trolley suitcase, Priority boarding (typically 12 to 36 euros on Ryanair, 6 to 48 euros on easyJet) is worth it. However, if you can pack light for short trips, a well-designed underseat backpack like the Bric's B|Y Underseat Backpack (38 × 28 × 18 cm) lets you travel with everything you need without paying for a cabin bag. Over a year of frequent flying, the savings from skipping Priority add up quickly and often exceed the cost of the backpack itself.
The information in this guide was gathered from official airline sources and is accurate as of May 2026. Where no weight limit is specified by the airline, there is no official restriction, but the passenger must be able to lift the bag into the overhead compartment without assistance. Airlines may change their baggage rules at any time. Always confirm the current conditions on the airline's official website before travelling. Travel and Business Store is not responsible for any fees or charges resulting from changes to airline baggage policies.
