What size travel bag do you need for a flight?
A travel bag that fits in the cabin makes life simpler: quick boarding, comfort and convenience, with no extra fees. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which size to go for. Here are the key criteria for choosing well, based on where you're going, how you travel and what airlines require.
1. Sticking to cabin sizes by airline
The most common limits
Generally, airlines allow a handbag or piece of hand luggage of around 55 × 35 × 20 cm or sometimes 56 × 45 × 25 cm. To avoid any nasty surprises at security, it's best to choose a model designed for these sizes or a touch smaller.
Some stricter airlines
Some low-cost or regional airlines may have tighter limits, typically 50 × 40 × 20 cm. Before every flight, check the baggage section of the airline's website to make sure you're within the rules.
Once you've checked your airline's sizes, compare them with the models in our cabin bag collection, where several backpacks come in the 40 × 30 × 20 cm format.
2. Usable capacity: balancing volume and practicality
Ideal volume for one night to a few days
A 30 to 40 L bag is often enough for 2 to 4 days: pouches for clothes, a wash bag, chargers and shoes. Modular models with extra pouches are especially handy.
Flexibility depends on the bag's material
A soft or semi-rigid bag can fit in overhead lockers even if it's slightly bigger. Fabric bags give you more leeway at boarding.
3. Ergonomic comfort for multi-leg trips
Adjustable straps that fit your body
A cabin bag is often carried all day long. Choose a model with padded, adjustable straps, or even a chest strap or hip belt if you're carrying a bit of weight.
Light but sturdy
An empty bag weighing under 1 kg is a good sign. You save weight while keeping a solid structure for getting around town or flying.
4. Style for him or her, but always practical
Bags designed for her
The women's cabin bag collection offers elegant models with modern designs and quality finishes, all within cabin limits and with easy access to your essentials.
Bags made for him
The men's cabin bag range combines modularity, sturdiness and understated looks – ideal for carrying a laptop, documents or weekend kit in style.
5. Handy features for extra convenience
Quick-access pockets for everyday items
Quick access to your phone, passport or earphones is a real plus. Look for a bag with an outer pocket or a compartment for your devices.
Trolley compatibility
A pass-through sleeve lets you slide the bag over a suitcase's telescopic handle. Very handy for connections or long queues.
6. Recommended materials for how you travel
Water-repellent or abrasion-resistant fabric
On rainy stopovers or car journeys, models in ballistic nylon or coated polyester are more durable and easier to clean.
Eco-friendly option
If the environment matters to you, some bags are made from recycled or bio-based materials. On trend and useful for everyday travel.
Key criteria at a glance
- Cabin size: 55 × 35 × 20 cm (or as per your airline)
- Volume: 30–40 L, depending on trip length
- Comfort: padded straps, low weight, trolley compatibility
- Organisation: outer pockets, practical compartments
- Materials: hard-wearing, easy to care for, a texture to suit your style
7. The right model for every use
For solo city breaks or work trips, a light, modular women's cabin bag is perfect. For leisure or business travel, sturdy men's models offer even more functionality without sacrificing style. Browse our collections to find the perfect match:
