Carry-on Luggage: The Complete Guide

Introduction

Travel is always an exciting adventure, but preparing for it can turn into a real challenge, especially when it comes to choosing a carry-on suitcase, bag, or backpack. In times of martial law and restricted flights from Ukraine, travelers are increasingly opting for European low-cost airlines (Wizz Air, Ryanair, etc.). Therefore, it is crucial to know all the in-cabin luggage restrictions to avoid unnecessary hassles and save money.

In this guide from BAGSTON®, we will help you navigate the intricacies of choosing a carry-on suitcase (such as the 55×40×20 format), discuss how to optimize space for your items, avoid common mistakes, and adjust to the budget flights of various carriers. We will also share tips on choosing a suitcase for airplane travel that are particularly relevant right now.

Why is choosing the right carry-on important?

A well-chosen carry-on suitcase allows you to pass through checks quickly without extra fees and significantly saves time at baggage claim after arrival. Considering the dimensions and weight helps you avoid the risk of extra charges for excess centimeters or kilograms. This is especially important for those who frequently use low-cost airlines.

Moreover, given the restrictions during border crossings, having a convenient, compact, yet spacious suitcase or carry-on bag is a way to save time, nerves, and money. The main thing is that it meets the airlines' norms and your personal needs.

Types of Carry-ons: Suitcase, Backpack, or Bag?

Before you buy a small suitcase, bag, or backpack, it's important to decide exactly what you need:

  • Carry-on suitcase. The ideal option for business trips or those who value protection of items and an organized space. The 55×40×20 cm format is one of the most popular.
  • Carry-on backpack. Convenient when you need maximum mobility: easier to move on foot or by public transport. However, watch the dimensions (e.g., 40×25×20 cm or 40×30×20 cm) to meet the requirements of budget carriers.
  • Carry-on bag. Has many additional pockets and a soft construction, helping fit various small items. However, the bag doesn't always maintain its shape, making it harder to place large or fragile items.

Soft or Hard Suitcase: Which to Choose?

Many are unsure whether to buy a small suitcase with a hard shell or prefer a soft option:

  • Hard suitcase: usually made from ABS plastic, polycarbonate, or other sturdy materials. Ensures better protection from impacts, doesn't get soaked. On the other hand, it doesn't "stretch" if you want to pack a bit more items.
  • Soft suitcase: lighter, often has external pockets, can expand a bit when you have more items than planned. But less resistant to strong impacts, and the fabric requires more careful maintenance.

How to Choose a Suitcase: Standard Sizes for Different Types of Travel

When planning to buy a carry-on suitcase, not only consider your own needs but also the in-cabin luggage restrictions. Below are the most common sizes:

  • Size S (35–40 L) — typically fits dimensions 55×40×20 or 40×30×20. Ideal for 3–5 days of travel.
  • Size M (50–80 L) — suitable for week-long trips. Typically checked in, but some airlines may have different rules.
  • Size L (80–100 L) — designed for a two-week trip or family vacation. Usually not accepted as carry-on.
  • Size XL (over 120 L) — best suited for extended business trips and vacations if you're willing to pay extra for checked luggage.

If you're looking for a small wheeled suitcase or a lightweight carry-on suitcase, visit the section on small suitcases . For longer journeys, we recommend large suitcases .

Suitcase for any situation: business, family, and budget travel

  • Business trips: better to choose a hard suitcase up to 55×40×23 to confidently place a laptop and documents.
  • Family trip: if traveling with children, it's convenient to have several compact suitcases (e.g., 55×40×20) or a carry-on bag to quickly access needed items.
  • Budget flights: for low-cost airlines (Wizz Air, Ryanair) the usual dimensions are 40×30×20, 40×25×20, or 55×40×20 (with priority boarding). Verify the airline's requirements before buying a ticket.

How to Properly Pack Your Carry-on

  1. Sort clothing. Lay out t-shirts, pants, underwear separately. This helps quickly check if anything is forgotten.
  2. Use organizers (packing cubes). They significantly save space and make finding needed items easier.
  3. Roll clothing into bundles. This technique better prevents creasing and helps fit more items in the suitcase.
  4. Keep valuables and documents in a separate pocket. These can be passports, money, gadgets, etc.
  5. Remember about liquids. Use a clear bag up to 1 L, with each container — no more than 100 ml.

Border Crossing Specifics with Luggage

During martial law, border crossing rules may frequently change, so always check the current information. In most cases, the following norms apply:

  • Personal items (clothing, shoes, cosmetics) are not subject to declaration if their quantity corresponds to personal use.
  • Alcohol and tobacco products are transported in limited quantities. If exceeded, they must be declared.
  • Importing and exporting currency up to 10,000 euros without declaration. If the amount is greater, prepare supporting documents.

Detailed rules are described on the website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

Size Restrictions: Rules of European Airlines

Often a suitcase 55×40×20 is considered the standard for carry-on, but each carrier may have its own requirements. Review the basic parameters of the most common low-cost airlines:

Carrier Free Carry-on
(maximum dimensions)
Permissible Weight Additional Notes
Wizz Air 40×30×20 cm Up to 10 kg Larger format — for a fee; priority allows taking a suitcase 55×40×23.
Ryanair 40×25×20 cm ~10 kg (not officially regulated) Priority enables taking a suitcase 55×40×20. Without priority, only a small bag is allowed.
LOT Polish Airlines 55×40×23 cm Up to 8 kg Depends on the fare. Larger sizes — registered separately.

Transporting Liquids: European Norms

In most European airports, strict rules apply for transporting liquids in carry-on luggage:

  • Volume of each container — no more than 100 ml.
  • All containers must fit in a single clear bag with a capacity of up to 1 L.
  • One bag of liquids — per passenger.
  • Exceptions — baby food and medicine that may be needed during the flight.

Common Mistakes When Preparing Carry-on Luggage

  1. Excess centimeters/kilograms. If your carry-on suitcase is a bit larger than established by the airline, you'll have to pay extra or repack items on-site.
  2. Improperly packed liquids. Violating the 100 ml limit leads to confiscation at the control.
  3. Lithium batteries in checked luggage. Many carriers' rules require carrying power banks and laptops only in the cabin.
  4. Documents deep in the suitcase. Keep your passport and tickets handy to avoid delays at the control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size suitcase fits most airlines?
The most popular — suitcase 55×40×20. It's suitable for short trips and usually free as carry-on.
Can I buy a small suitcase 55×40×20 with wheels from you?
Yes, review our range of small suitcases , where we have models in various sizes (including 40×20×25, 55×40×20, etc.).
What to choose for a weekend: a small suitcase or a travel backpack?
If mobility is important — carry-on backpack. If you need better protection for items and convenience in sorting, then suitcase.
Is there a difference between 55×40×20 and 55×40×23?
Yes, 3 cm in depth can be a problem if the airline strictly adheres to limits.
Can I use a carry-on bag instead of a suitcase?
Of course. The main thing is that the bag meets the size requirements (e.g., 40×30×20). We also have bag options.
Where to find a carry-on suitcase weighing up to 2 kg?
In the category «lightweight suitcases» on our website, you can select extremely light models made of fabric or plastic.

Conclusion

The choice of a carry-on suitcase or bag directly affects the comfort and final cost of your trip. Carefully check the rules of your chosen airline, adapt the small suitcase to their requirements, and don't forget about the rules for transporting liquids.

If you want to buy a small suitcase 55×40×20, a carry-on bag or a travel backpack, review the catalog of small suitcases and other products on the site of BAGSTON®. We are happy to help choose the best option for any journey.