Choosing the right carry-on bag can be the difference between a smooth start to your holiday and unexpected extra charges at the gate. Budget airlines, in particular, have strict rules for cabin baggage. This article serves as a practical guide to help you select a suitable flight bag that not only complies with regulations but also meets your travel needs. My name is Joybuy, and as your Product Recommendation Officer, I have compiled objective information to help you make an informed decision.
What to Look for When Choosing a Carry-On Bag
Before you decide on a model, there are a few fundamental criteria to consider. These will help ensure your bag is both functional and compliant.
1. Check the Airline's Exact Dimensions
The most crucial factor is the dimensions. Every airline has its own specific requirements for carry-on luggage. A bag that is accepted as standard carry-on by one airline may need to be checked in with another.
- Small Personal Item: Many airlines, including Ryanair, allow one small, free piece of luggage that must fit under the seat in front of you. The most common dimension for this is 40 x 20 x 25 cm. A Ryanair bag or a carry-on backpack with these measurements is therefore a highly sought-after option.
- Large Cabin Bag: This item, which usually incurs a fee, is subject to larger dimensions, typically around 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
Always check your airline's current regulations before every flight, as they can change.
2. Material, Weight, and Functionality
A good travel bag for flights should be lightweight yet robust.
- Material: Models made from Oxford fabric or durable polyester offer a great balance of longevity and low weight. Many of these materials are also water-resistant.
- Tare Weight: The lighter the bag, the more weight allowance you have for your belongings. An empty weight of under 1 kg is ideal for a cabin bag.
- Functional Details: An onboard bag with a trolley sleeve on the back is extremely practical. It allows you to securely fasten the bag to a rolling suitcase. Multiple compartments also help keep your contents organised.
3. Pack Efficiently with Luggage Organisers
To make the most of the limited space in a carry-on bag, a luggage organiser set is highly recommended. These packing cubes allow you to store clothing, electronics, and cosmetics separately and in a compressed format. This not only creates order but also saves valuable space.
Carry-On Bag Recommendations
Here is a selection of bags and accessories that are well-suited for various travel scenarios based on their features and dimensions.
Kono Carry-On Backpack 40x20x25 for Ryanair
Kono Carry-On Backpack 40x20x25 for Ryanair
- Why it stands out: With its dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm, this backpack is perfectly tailored to Ryanair's free personal item allowance. The suitcase-style main compartment makes packing and access easy.
- Benefits:
- Compliant Dimensions: Specifically designed to be carried under the seat on Ryanair and other airlines.
- Lightweight: Weighs only 500 g with a 20-litre capacity.
- Organised Compartments: Features a large main compartment, a front pocket with multiple sections, and a quick-access zip pocket.
- Carrying Comfort: Padded, breathable shoulder straps and a chest strap ensure comfortable carrying.
- Who it's for: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers who fly with low-cost airlines and want to consistently avoid extra fees.
Kono Travel Holdall 40x20x25 for Ryanair
Kono Travel Holdall 40x20x25 for Ryanair
- Why it stands out: As a classic weekender bag, this model offers a flexible alternative to a backpack while still meeting the strict 40 x 20 x 25 cm dimensions.
- Benefits:
- Extremely Lightweight: With a tare weight of just 0.36 kg, it maximises the weight allowance for your contents.
- Flexible Carrying Options: Can be carried by the handles, with the adjustable shoulder strap, or via the trolley sleeve on the back.
- Water-Resistant Material: Made from high-quality, water-resistant Oxford fabric to protect your belongings.
- Practical Pockets: A main compartment, an internal mesh pocket, and a front zip pocket.
- Who it's for: Perfect for weekend trips or as a second bag for travellers who prefer a lightweight and straightforward flight bag.
Kono Cabin Bag 55x35x25
Kono Cabin Bag 55x35x25
- Why it stands out: With a generous 38-litre volume and dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm, this bag is designed for the larger carry-on allowance on airlines like easyJet, British Airways, or Emirates.
- Benefits:
- Large Capacity: At 38 litres, it offers plenty of space for clothes and travel essentials.
- 3-in-1 Carrying System: Features carry handles, a shoulder strap, and a trolley sleeve.
- Robust Material: Constructed from water-resistant Oxford fabric with reinforced seams.
- Good Organisation: A spacious main compartment is complemented by an internal mesh pocket and a front pocket for documents.
- Who it's for: For travellers flying with airlines that have more generous carry-on allowances and who need a versatile bag for short getaways or business trips.
White Label 8-Piece Luggage Organiser Set
White Label 8-Piece Luggage Organiser Set
- Why it stands out: This set isn't a piece of luggage, but the solution to making the most of any bag. It helps to compress and sort your contents.
- Benefits:
- Comprehensive Set: Consists of 8 packing cubes in various sizes, including a laundry bag.
- Space-Saving: Allows for efficient categorisation and compression of clothing.
- Visibility: The mesh top ensures contents are quickly identifiable.
- Durable Material: Made from water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon fabric with sturdy dual zippers.
- Who it's for: For all travellers who value organisation and want to maximise the space in their carry-on bag or suitcase.
Discover More Options
If you haven't found the right model in this selection or are specifically looking for a black travel backpack, explore more options in our comprehensive category.
See More Travel Backpacks Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What counts as a carry-on bag?
A carry-on bag is any piece of luggage a passenger is allowed to take into the aircraft cabin. Airlines often distinguish between a small personal item (e.g., a handbag or a small backpack that fits under the seat) and a larger carry-on item (e.g., a small rolling suitcase or a larger travel bag) that goes in the overhead compartment.
How big can a bag be for Ryanair?
For Ryanair (as of July 2026), the maximum size for the standard included small personal item is 40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm. This must fit under the seat in front of you. Larger carry-on luggage typically incurs a fee and must be added to your booking.
Is a backpack allowed as carry-on?
Yes, a carry-on backpack is allowed as hand luggage, as long as it does not exceed the size and weight limits set by the airline. A backpack is often a practical choice as it keeps your hands free and usually has useful external and internal pockets.
