Best Underseat Bags for Ryanair (40 × 30 × 20 cm Guide)
Travelling with Ryanair doesn't have to mean compromising on what you can pack. With the right underseat bag, you can comfortably pack everything you need for a weekend away, or even longer, without paying extra baggage fees.
As of 2026, Ryanair allows every passenger to bring one free personal bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, provided it fits under the seat in front of you.
At Travellers, we help customers choose the right bag every day. These are four of our recommendations, each offering something slightly different depending on how you like to travel.
Our Recommendations
CabinZero Classic 28L – Best Overall
If there is one underseat backpack we recommend more than any other, it's the CabinZero Classic 28L.
Its lightweight construction, suitcase style opening and surprisingly generous 28 litre capacity make it one of the most versatile travel backpacks available. Despite being incredibly light, it comfortably carries clothing, electronics and travel essentials for a weekend break while remaining within Ryanair's free baggage allowance.
Perfect for
- Weekend city breaks
- Budget travellers
- Backpack only travel
- Frequent Ryanair passengers
Why we recommend it
- Ultra lightweight design
- Large clamshell opening for easy packing
- Comfortable to carry all day
- Trusted by thousands of travellers worldwide
Cabin Fly Cruisair – Best Wheeled Underseat Suitcase
For travellers who prefer rolling luggage to carrying a backpack, the Cabin Fly Cruisair is one of the best options available.
Designed specifically around low cost airline baggage requirements, it offers the convenience of wheels together with excellent organisation and surprising packing capacity.
It's particularly popular with travellers who want to avoid carrying weight on their shoulders while still travelling on Ryanair's free baggage allowance.
Perfect for
- Business trips
- Short holidays
- Travellers who prefer wheeled luggage
Why we recommend it
- Purpose built for low cost airlines
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Excellent internal organisation
- Comfortable telescopic handle
Cabin Fly Aircruiser Hybrid – Best of Both Worlds
Can't decide between a backpack and a suitcase?
The Aircruiser Hybrid combines both.
Use it as a wheeled cabin bag through the airport, then simply carry it as a backpack whenever stairs, cobbled streets or public transport make wheels less practical.
It's an incredibly versatile option for travellers who like having the flexibility to adapt throughout their journey.
Perfect for
- Multi-city holidays
- European travel
- Travellers using trains and public transport
- Adventure weekends
Why we recommend it
- Converts between backpack and wheeled luggage
- Excellent flexibility while travelling
- Practical internal layout
- Designed around airline travel
Roncato Compact Ryanair Underseat Bag – Best Value
Sometimes, simple is best.
The Roncato Compact Ryanair Underseat Bag has been designed specifically to maximise Ryanair's free personal item allowance while remaining lightweight, practical and affordable.
If your priority is avoiding baggage fees while still packing efficiently, this is an excellent option.
Perfect for
- Weekend breaks
- Students
- Frequent city travellers
- Anyone wanting maximum value
Why we recommend it
- Specifically designed for Ryanair
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Great use of available space
- Excellent value for money
Backpack or Wheeled Underseat Bag?
There isn't a single right answer. It depends on how you travel.
Choose a backpack if you walk a lot, use public transport or prefer travelling hands free.
Choose a wheeled bag if you carry heavier items or spend most of your journey moving through airports.
If you travel regularly and like having both options, a hybrid design offers excellent flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size underseat bag can I take on Ryanair?
Ryanair currently allows one free personal item measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
Can I fit enough clothes for a weekend?
Absolutely. Modern underseat bags are designed to maximise every centimetre of space and, when packed efficiently, can carry enough clothing and essentials for a weekend trip.
Are backpacks better than small suitcases?
Neither is objectively better. Backpacks offer greater flexibility and comfort, while wheeled bags remove the need to carry weight. The best choice depends on your travel style.
Do I need to buy Priority?
Not if your bag fits within Ryanair's free personal item dimensions. All of the bags featured above are designed with this in mind.
Trusted Since 1948
Since 1948, Travellers has helped generations of travellers choose luggage for every type of journey. Every recommendation in our guides is based on decades of hands-on experience, customer feedback and a commitment to helping you find the right luggage for the way you travel.
Whether you're travelling for a weekend break, a business trip or a longer adventure, choosing the right luggage makes all the difference. If you'd like personalised advice, visit one of our stores or explore our collection online. We're always happy to help you find the right travel companion.
