Ryanair 40x30x20 Backpacks: 3 Fits and an easyJet Alternative
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Choosing a Ryanair personal item backpack gets confusing when the bag you like has an expansion zip and the size advice online does not match. Here are four backpacks to compare, including one that fits easyJet's free allowance but is too tall for Ryanair and Vueling.
Quick answer
Checked on 19 October 2026. Choose MATEIN for a wet pocket and hidden shoulder straps, or CABINZERO for its 600 g weight and lockable sliders. The tomtoc suits travellers who want a luggage pass-through strap and expansion for other journeys, but keep it unexpanded for the free allowance. The travelite fits easyJet's allowance, but is too tall for Ryanair and Vueling.
All 4 picks at a glance
MATEIN Ryanair Cabin Backpack 40x30x20 (24 L)
Wet pocket, hidden shoulder straps and a 180 degree opening. Read more
CABINZERO Classic Cabin Backpack 28L
Weighs 600 g, with lockable sliders and a lost and found ID tag. Read more
tomtoc Navigator-T69 Travel Backpack
Fits all three unexpanded, with a luggage pass-through strap and reinforced base. Read more
travelite BASICS Cabin Backpack 22 L
Fits easyJet's under-seat dimensions, but exceeds Ryanair and Vueling's height limit. Read more
How we compared them
The NomadsToolsLab team compared the three airlines' official allowances with the four makers' product pages on 19 October 2026. Each Amazon listing was also checked with a UK delivery address. Many websites still show Ryanair's older 40 x 20 x 25 cm allowance, while its official page now gives 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Two of these backpacks expand beyond that free size.
Free under-seat bag sizes on Ryanair, easyJet and Vueling
Ryanair includes one 40 x 30 x 20 cm personal bag in every fare, and Vueling has the same under-seat size limit. easyJet allows 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels, up to 15 kg, provided you can lift it yourself. Sources: Ryanair, easyJet and Vueling, read on 19 October 2026.
Ryanair's Priority & 2 Cabin Bags adds a 10 kg overhead bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and Vueling's overhead option has those same limits. easyJet's larger 56 x 45 x 25 cm cabin bag is a paid or bundled option.
You may still find Ryanair's older 40 x 20 x 25 cm size on other websites. The official Ryanair page checked on 19 October 2026 gives 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Use that current allowance when comparing these backpacks.
The four side by side
| Backpack | Size (maker) | Volume | Weight | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATEIN 24 L | Size (maker): 40 x 30 x 20 cm (expands to 40 x 30 x 25) | Volume: 24 L | Weight: 0.8 kg | Fits: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet (unexpanded) |
| CABINZERO Classic 28L | Size (maker): 39 x 29.5 x 20 cm | Volume: 28 L | Weight: 600 g | Fits: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet |
| tomtoc Navigator-T69 | Size (maker): 40 x 30 x 20 cm (expands to 28 L) | Volume: 23 L | Weight: 650 g | Fits: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet (unexpanded) |
| travelite BASICS 22 L | Size (maker): 31 x 45 x 16 cm | Volume: 22 L | Weight: 0.7 kg | Fits: easyJet only |
Sizes, volume and weight are the makers' own figures, read on 19 October 2026 on the pages of MATEIN, CABINZERO, tomtoc and travelite.
MATEIN Ryanair cabin backpack 24 L
MATEIN Ryanair Cabin Backpack 40x30x20 (24 L)
The MATEIN Ryanair cabin backpack measures 40 x 30 x 20 cm and holds 24 L, according to the maker. It weighs 0.8 kg and has hidden shoulder straps, side compression straps and a 180 degree opening. Its wet pocket keeps damp items apart from the rest of your packing.
The maker lists water-resistant polyester, while the Amazon listing mentions a 15.6 inch laptop. Expansion increases the depth to 25 cm, making the bag 40 x 30 x 25 cm. Keep it unexpanded for the free under-seat allowance on all three airlines.
CABINZERO Classic Cabin Backpack 28L
CABINZERO Classic Cabin Backpack 28L
The CABINZERO Classic Cabin Backpack 28L measures 39 x 29.5 x 20 cm. The UK brand lists a 28 L capacity, water resistance and space for a laptop up to 15.6 inches. Its clamshell opening gives you access to the main compartment.
Its 600 g listed weight keeps the bag itself light. Lockable sliders, compression straps and a lost and found ID tag round out its features.
tomtoc Navigator-T69 Travel Backpack
tomtoc Navigator-T69 Travel Backpack
The tomtoc Navigator-T69 Travel Backpack measures 40 x 30 x 20 cm and weighs 650 g. The maker lists a 23 L capacity, a 180 degree clamshell opening and a luggage pass-through strap.
It also has PFAS-free fabric and a reinforced base. Expansion increases capacity to 28 L, but takes it beyond 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Keep it unexpanded for Ryanair and Vueling's 40 x 30 x 20 cm allowance; that size also fits easyJet's larger allowance.
travelite BASICS cabin backpack 22 L
travelite BASICS Cabin Backpack 22 L
The travelite BASICS cabin backpack 22 L measures 31 cm wide, 45 cm tall and 16 cm deep. It weighs 0.7 kg and has a laptop compartment for devices up to 15.6 inches.
The bag slides onto a trolley handle. Its dimensions fit within easyJet's 45 x 36 x 20 cm allowance, but its 45 cm height exceeds Ryanair and Vueling's 40 cm limit.
Which backpack should you pick?
For trips across all three airlines, choose the MATEIN, CABINZERO or unexpanded tomtoc. MATEIN offers a separate wet pocket, CABINZERO has the lowest listed weight, and tomtoc adds a luggage pass-through strap. The travelite makes sense for easyJet trips when you want its laptop compartment and trolley attachment.
Check the packed bag's dimensions before leaving. For easyJet, include handles and wheels in your measurement and stay within its 15 kg limit. Flying with more than one bag? Our Travelpro vs Samsonite carry-on comparison and the best backpacks for remote workers cover the next size up.
- Ryanair and Vueling allow a free under-seat bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
- easyJet allows up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm and 15 kg, and you must lift the bag yourself.
- MATEIN and tomtoc exceed the shared free size when expanded.
- The 45 cm tall travelite fits easyJet's dimensions, but is too tall for Ryanair and Vueling.
Watch: backpacks that fit 40x30x20
Adam Hayes from Travel Lab shows the MATEIN among other backpacks in his video published on 1 February 2026.
Video by Adam Hayes, Travel Lab.
FAQ
What size Ryanair personal item backpack is included free?
Ryanair includes one small personal bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm in every fare. It must fit under the seat in front.
Does a 40 x 30 x 20 cm backpack fit all three airlines?
Yes, those dimensions fit the stated under-seat limits for Ryanair, Vueling and easyJet. easyJet also sets a 15 kg limit and requires you to lift the bag yourself.
Can I expand the MATEIN or tomtoc for Ryanair?
Both exceed Ryanair's 40 x 30 x 20 cm allowance when expanded. Keep their expansion sections closed for the free personal bag allowance.
Does the travelite BASICS 22 L fit Ryanair?
No, its listed height is 45 cm, which exceeds Ryanair and Vueling's 40 cm limit. Its 45 x 31 x 16 cm dimensions fit easyJet's under-seat allowance.
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