Hand luggage sizes by airline 2026 — the complete comparison table
Every airline applies its own hand luggage sizes, and in 2026 quite a few rules have changed again. So that nothing catches you out at the gate, we've put the hand luggage sizes per airline for 2026 into one clear table below: what you can take free of charge under the seat, how big the larger (often paid) cabin bag may be and how much it may weigh. At the bottom you'll find a detailed guide for each airline.
Comparison table: hand luggage sizes 2026
The sizes apply including handles, wheels and outside pockets. "Free (under the seat)" is the piece included with every ticket; the "larger cabin bag" goes in the overhead locker and usually costs extra with low-cost carriers.
| Airline | Free (under the seat) | Larger cabin bag | Does the Underseater fit for free? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg (Priority) | Yes |
| Transavia | 40 x 30 x 20 cm, max. 10 kg | 55 x 40 x 25 cm (paid) | Yes |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20 cm, max. 10 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 10 kg (Priority) | Yes |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm, max. 15 kg | 56 x 45 x 25 cm, 15 kg (paid / Plus) | Yes, with room to spare |
| Eurowings | 40 x 30 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg (paid) | Yes |
| TUI fly | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg (paid on a standalone ticket, included in a package holiday) | Yes |
| Corendon | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 25 cm, 10 kg (included with Eco/Flex/Premium) | Yes |
| Vueling | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg (paid, not on Fly Light) | Yes |
| Condor | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (small item) | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg (from Economy Light up) | As a cabin bag — 1 cm too deep for the mini item |
| KLM | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (small item, Basic) | 55 x 35 x 25 cm + small item, 12 kg combined (Light+) | As hand luggage (Light+) — 1 cm too deep for the mini item |
| Lufthansa | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (personal item) | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg (carry-on, from Economy Light up; not on Basic) | As a carry-on — with room to spare |
Last checked: August 2026. Airlines adjust their rules regularly and fees can differ per route and booking class — always check the current rules in your own booking before you fly.
One bag that fits everywhere
The Lundholm Underseater (40 x 30 x 16 cm) fits within the free under-seat size of all the major low-cost carriers, and as a cabin bag with KLM, Lufthansa and Condor. 22L, 15.6" laptop compartment, TSA lock, waterproof. Bags and leather goods ship within the EU only. Jewelry ships worldwide.
EUR 49.95 EUR 64.95
Two kinds of hand luggage: line the sizes up properly
Almost every airline works with two pieces of hand luggage: a small piece that fits under the seat in front of you (often free), and a larger cabin bag or trolley that goes in the overhead locker (usually paid with low-cost carriers). The confusion arises because those sizes differ from airline to airline.
The most common free size is 40 x 30 x 20 cm — since 2026 at Ryanair as well. easyJet is more generous at 45 x 36 x 20 cm, Eurowings deeper at 40 x 30 x 25 cm. Watch out for the exceptions: Condor, KLM Basic and Lufthansa apply a tight mini item of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. With Lufthansa a backpack therefore travels as a carry-on, which is included from Economy Light up (not on the new Economy Basic fare).
How do you avoid paying extra at the gate?
Choose a bag that stays comfortably within the size rather than one that's right on the limit. A bag of 40 x 30 x 16 cm uses almost all of the common 40 x 30 x 20 cm, but keeps a margin on the depth so that it still slides under the seat when full. Always measure including handles and outside pockets, and don't pack it bulging — a stuffed bag ends up thicker than its stated size. If you do want to take more, book a larger cabin bag online in advance; at the gate you'll often pay three to four times as much.
Frequently asked questions about hand luggage sizes 2026
What is the most common free hand luggage size in 2026?
40 x 30 x 20 cm is the most common size for the free piece of hand luggage under the seat — among others at Ryanair (increased since 2026), Transavia, Wizz Air, TUI fly, Corendon and Vueling. easyJet is more generous at 45 x 36 x 20 cm.
Which airline has the most generous free hand luggage?
Among the low-cost carriers, easyJet has the most generous free bag at 45 x 36 x 20 cm. With full-service airlines such as KLM and Lufthansa a full cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm and 55 x 40 x 23 cm respectively) is usually included, which in practice lets you take the most.
Do handles and wheels count towards the dimensions?
Yes. Virtually all airlines measure including handles, wheels and protruding outside pockets. So choose a bag that falls comfortably within the size.
Is there one bag that fits (almost) every airline?
An under-seat backpack of 40 x 30 x 16 cm, such as the Lundholm Underseater, falls within the free size of all the major low-cost carriers and fits as a cabin bag with KLM, Lufthansa and Condor. Only for the tight mini items (40 x 30 x 15 cm at Condor, KLM Basic and Lufthansa) is a travel backpack too big — there it travels as the included cabin or carry-on bag.
How much may hand luggage weigh?
That differs per airline. For the free under-seat item easyJet allows max. 15 kg and Wizz Air and Transavia max. 10 kg; Ryanair mainly applies a size limit. The larger cabin bag usually weighs a maximum of 8 to 10 kg (KLM counts 12 kg for hand luggage and small item together). Always check the weight in your booking.
What does hand luggage cost if it's too big at the gate?
A bag that doesn't fit the size and hasn't been added in advance quickly costs a substantial amount at the gate — with some airlines 60 to 140 euros per piece per flight. Adding it online in advance is always cheaper.
Love, the Lundholm team
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