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55 × 40 × 20 cm bag

Classic European cabin-bag size (Ryanair 10 kg). Here is how it compares with our manually reviewed airline limits, including wheels and handles.

Researched and maintained by FitsOnBoard editorial teamPublished by the FitsOnBoard teamLast updated: Editorial standards
✓ Free on 4! Tight on 23✕ No on 20

What this size is designed for

The 55 × 40 × 20 cm format is a familiar European overhead-cabin size and matches several paid or priority allowances. It offers a useful balance between capacity and compatibility, but the 20 cm depth is stricter than many suitcases marketed globally as standard carry-ons.

Best use

Choose it for trips centred on European carriers where an overhead bag has been purchased or included. A correctly measured case in this format is a sensible match for Ryanair Priority and comparable 55 × 40 × 20 cm allowances without carrying unused width or height.

Main trade-off

The shape does not automatically fit every 55 cm policy. Air France and KLM use a narrower but deeper 55 × 35 × 25 cm box, so a full-width 40 cm case can fail even though its total volume is similar. Individual side limits still decide the result.

Measure before flying

Measure from the floor to the top of the fixed handle and include wheels in the 55 cm side. Then check the depth with the expansion zipper closed. Many expandable cases start at 20 cm but exceed the allowance as soon as the gusset is opened.

Fits — free

Fits — paid / add-on

Tight — risky

Doesn't fit

FAQ

Which airlines accept a 55 × 40 × 20 cm bag?+

A 55 × 40 × 20 cm bag fits 4 airlines for free, including Jet2, British Airways, Southwest Airlines. It's a tight fit on 23 and over the limit on 20.

Is 55 × 40 × 20 cm a carry-on or a personal item size?+

In Europe, sizes around 40×20×25 cm are free under-seat bags, while 55×40×20 cm and larger are cabin bags that may need Priority or a paid add-on.

Other sizes

40 × 30 × 20 cm45 × 36 × 20 cm55 × 40 × 23 cm55 × 35 × 25 cm40 × 30 × 15 cm56 × 45 × 25 cm22 × 14 × 9 in18 × 14 × 8 in