Gone are the days when your carry-on was just a small suitcase that could be zipped onto the plane and stowed in the overhead compartment. Conversely, especially on shorter trips in Europe, you’ll rarely get more than one free underseat bag with your ticket, and even then you’ll need to make sure it meets each airline’s strict dimensions. While these rules can be difficult to follow, the good news is that there are plenty of bags on the market that can make your life easier. Here are my top hand luggage recommendations from budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.
How we choose the underseat cabin bags
Every bag on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by Cheap Holiday Expert’s budget travel expert Chelsea Dickenson and our in-house editors. When testing these bags, we focused on functionality, design, quality, and overall value for money.
- Best all rounder: Cabin Max Travel Bag
- Best for maximum packing space: Decathlon 20L Bag Essential
- Best for quality: Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag
- Best under seat suitcase: Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase
- Best under seat backpack: Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port
Cabin Max Travel Bag
When I ask others for under-seat carry-on recommendations, the answer I always hear is the Cabin Max series. This makes sense when you consider that the company truly understands the plight of bargain-hunting travelers, which is why they’ve developed a line where each backpack fits the exact maximum dimensions of the specific airline you’re flying. Additionally, their bags feature multiple pockets (including one for laptops and bottles), adjustable “storage” straps, and air mesh padding. There is also a 3-year warranty.
The only downside is that if you choose a larger suitcase (eg EasyJet size) it is unlikely to fit Ryanair or Wizz Air luggage sizes. However, you can always opt for Ryanair sized luggage to ensure you are prepared for all future options. Chelsea Dickinson
- Ryanair Size: 40 x 20 x 25cm – Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
- Wizz Air Size: 40 x 30 x 20cm – Fits on: Wizz Air and easyJet
- easyJet Size: 40 x 36 x 20cm – Fits on: easyJet
Cabin Max Travel Bag
Decathlon 20L Bag Essential
You may have seen the „Buzzing Ryan Air Bag” on social media, but we think this bag is even better. Firstly, it’s cheap at just £6.99, and the shoulder strap makes it easier to carry than carrying it by the handle. Originally designed as a gym bag to separate your training gear and shoes, the two compartments also make it perfect for travel. Additionally, all Decathlon products come with his 2-year warranty. It may not necessarily be the best bag, but at least it will protect you on your next trip. CD
- Size when folded: 23 x 20 x 10 cm
- Size unfolded: 40 x 23 x 20 cm
- Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
Decathlon Kipsta 20L Bag Essential
Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag
You could call it an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically, the Antler Chelsea bag can easily double as a weekend bag. I recently took it on a trip to Barcelona and could easily store a weekend’s worth of clothes and toiletries in it. There’s room for a pair of flip-flops if you need to bring extra shoes, but not much else. It’s a worthwhile investment if you fly frequently – as well as numerous internal and external pockets and compartments (including a laptop compartment and a water bottle compartment), it also features a pull-over compartment, making it perfect for longer trips. Great for flying. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, the bag is available in nine different colors and perfectly matches the Chelsea luggage range. For more information, see our full Antler Chelsea Sleeping Bag review. Lauren Burwell
- Size: 41.5 x 26 x 18cm
- Fits on: easyJet
Antler Chelsea overnight bag
Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port
One thing I learned from trying small carry-on bags is that they get surprisingly heavy when you fill them up! If you want to avoid heavy shoulder straps, an under-seat backpack is a better choice. I can’t believe how many features this Lossga backpack has, including multiple pockets, a laptop compartment, compression straps, a 180-degree folding opening, and even a USB port for connecting your own portable battery.
It seems like good value for money – the exterior materials are glossy so it doesn’t look too cheap. The interior materials are not as luxurious, but they are still practical. Overall, this is a very cost-effective bag and one of my most recommended bags. CD
- Size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port
Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase
If you hate carrying a heavy bag on vacation; don’t worry. It’s rare to find hard-shell luggage that can fit in a small carry-on under your seat, but they do exist. Like Cabin Max, Flight Knight recognizes the need for luggage that meets the requirements. That’s why you can choose suitcases in the exact same sizes as those from Ryanair, Wizz Air and Easyjet.
This case has a scratch-resistant, waterproof exterior and comes with a 3-digit padlock for added security. There is also a 5 year warranty. If space is at a premium, keep in mind that Ryanair luggage only holds 16 liters. That means you’re missing out on a whopping 4 liters of space compared to many softbags. However, what you lose in mobility you definitely make up for in comfort and convenience. CD
- Ryanair Size: 40 x 20 x 25cm – Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
- Wizz Air Size: 40 x 30 x 20cm – Fits on: Wizz Air and easyJet
- easyJet Size: 40 x 36 x 20cm – Fits on: easyJet
Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase
VMIKIV Underseat Carry On Bag
Most small carry-on bags look utilitarian, but this bag could easily pass for a casual day bag. I particularly liked the double-layered design, with multiple pockets inside and out, and to my surprise, there was a padded laptop compartment inside – my 13-inch laptop fit in, and there was plenty of space. Other benefits include reinforced handles, shoulder straps and straps on the bag, as well as the ability to thread suitcase handles through the bag if you also travel with a suitcase.
The only downside is that it’s the same size as other bags, but it didn’t fit as much as other bags I tested. However, if you don’t have a lot of luggage and still need a bag to carry your laptop every day, this is a great option. CD
- Size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
VMIKIV Underseat Carry On Bag
Lossga Convertible Cabin Bag
I think this bag is the perfect compromise between style and functionality. It looks great and has multiple pockets, a luggage handle cover, reinforced handles, shoulder straps and even a „wet bag” for wet items – if you want to take a dip in the pool before heading home. Then it is finally the perfect time to choose.
However, the real highlight of this bag is the small zipper at the bottom, which makes the bag even bigger. However, try not to pack too much as the bag becomes quite bulky as it gets larger and you may have difficulty fitting it into the luggage compartment. My top tip is to measure your bag once it’s full so you can double check. CD
- Size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
- Extended Size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
- Fits on: easyJet – but don’t fill it to the brim!
Lossga Convertible Cabin Bag
Take Off Personal Item Suitcase
One of the biggest disadvantages of suitcases is that the wheels take up a lot of space. What if there was a suitcase with removable wheels? ! This is exactly what Take Off has created, which means many travelers have fooled airline staff by quickly removing the wheels from their suitcases before asking the airline to prove the size. CD
- Size: 45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches)
- Fits on: The dimensions are a fraction of a cm over the allowance for easyJet (45 x 36 x 20 cm) however there is a photo on the Take Off website showing that it fits in the easyJet baggage sizer. I definitely wouldn’t overpack this case.
Take Off Personal Item Suitcase
