Backpack for the plane – which cabin backpack should you choose?

A good backpack for air travel should primarily comply with the airline's limits, but its dimensions are only the beginning. Low weight, convenient packing, a well-designed interior, and quick access to documents or electronics are also important. If you travel with Ryanair or Wizz Air without additional baggage, a cabin backpack that fits within the free carry-on baggage limit and can be placed under the seat will be particularly practical.

Article at a glance

• A free backpack for air travel on Ryanair and Wizz Air may measure a maximum of 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
• This cabin backpack must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
• On Wizz Air, free baggage measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm may weigh up to 10 kg.
• A good backpack should have a lightweight construction, a practical interior, and comfortable shoulder straps.
• The WINGS range includes models created specifically for air travel.

Which backpack for air travel is suitable as free carry-on baggage?

If you want to travel without paying extra for larger cabin baggage, size is the most important factor. Both Ryanair and Wizz Air currently allow passengers to take one small piece of baggage free of charge, with maximum dimensions of 40 × 30 × 20 cm. The baggage must fit under the seat.

In practice, this is precisely why a backpack for air travel is one of the most convenient solutions. Unlike a rigid suitcase, its construction is more flexible, and its rectangular compartment may allow you to make better use of the available space.

However, it is important to remember that a regular city backpack will not always be a good choice. If it becomes significantly deeper when packed, has protruding pockets, or an unusual shape, it may exceed the permitted limit. Therefore, for low-cost flights, it is best to choose a cabin backpack designed specifically for air travel.

40 × 30 × 20 cm cabin backpack – why is this size so practical?

The 40 × 30 × 20 cm size is particularly important for people flying with Ryanair and Wizz Air, as it corresponds to the current limit for free small baggage on both airlines.

This cabin backpack is ideal for a city break, a weekend trip, or a short business trip. With sensible packing, it can hold a change of clothes, a small toiletry bag, electronics, documents, and essential accessories.

For Wizz Air, small baggage of these dimensions may weigh up to 10 kg. Ryanair, on the other hand, primarily specifies the required size and the need to place the baggage under the seat.

What should distinguish a good cabin backpack?

Not every airplane backpack is equally convenient. When choosing one, it is worth paying attention to several specific features.

Rectangular compartment and wide opening

The more regular the backpack’s shape, the easier it is to use its interior. A classic urban backpack that tapers toward the top often loses some of its available space. A cabin backpack with a more rectangular design allows you to arrange clothes more efficiently and use almost its entire capacity.

A wide opening also makes packing easier and means you do not have to remove half the contents to find something at the bottom.

Laptop compartment

If you are traveling with a computer, a separate laptop compartment is a great convenience. Your equipment remains separate from your clothes and toiletries, and you can take it out more quickly during security screening.

A good cabin backpack can therefore serve both as travel luggage and as a backpack for electronics.

Pockets and interior organization

It is a good idea to keep your documents, phone, headphones, charger, or wallet within easy reach. That is why a practical airplane backpack should have several pockets, but not too many. Too many small compartments can limit the main storage space.

A separate pocket for small items and a place for things you need quick access to at the airport are particularly useful.

Low weight

The lighter the backpack itself, the more comfortable it will be to carry once packed. This is especially important when traveling for several hours between the airport, public transportation, and your accommodation.

Ryanair airplane backpack – what dimensions should you choose?

If you are traveling with Ryanair and do not purchase additional baggage, your airplane backpack should fit within 40 × 30 × 20 cm. This baggage is included in the basic allowance and must fit under the seat.

If you purchase the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option, you can additionally bring a larger cabin bag measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm and weighing 10 kg, which is stored in the overhead compartment.

When choosing a cabin backpack for Ryanair, it is therefore worth deciding first whether it should be a free small bag or a larger bag carried as part of an additional service.

Wizz Air airplane backpack – what is the size limit?

With Wizz Air, you can bring a backpack measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg at no additional charge. As with Ryanair, it must fit under the seat.

After purchasing WIZZ Priority, you can additionally bring a trolley bag with maximum dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm and a weight of up to 10 kg.

If you often fly with both carriers, a cabin backpack that fits within the 40 × 30 × 20 cm limit is particularly practical, as one model can meet the free allowance for both Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Which backpack for air travel should you choose from the WINGS range?

The right model depends primarily on your packing style. One backpack for air travel may suit someone who wants to make the most of the space for clothing, another may be better for very light travel, while a third may be ideal if you want to carry your luggage either as a backpack or a bag.

COMPRESA - a vacuum compression backpack for air travel

If making the most of the available space is your top priority, the WINGS COMPRESA vacuum backpack is worth considering. The model measures 40 × 20 × 25 cm, with the option to expand by 5 cm, and was designed as carry-on luggage for air travel. Its greatest advantage is a special compartment that allows you to compress the contents using the included vacuum pump. This reduces the volume of packed clothing and helps you make better use of the available space.

COMPRESA is particularly useful when you want to take more clothes without increasing the number of pieces of luggage. The cabin backpack also has a laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.6 inches, waterproof material, a strap for attaching it to a suitcase frame, ventilated back padding, and a chest strap. It is designed for people who treat a backpack for the plane as their main luggage for a short trip, rather than simply a place for a few small items.

WINGS cabin backpack - a lightweight cabin backpack for short trips

If low weight and simplicity are your priorities, the WINGS cabin backpack is a good choice. It measures 40 × 25 × 20 cm, weighs approximately 0.6 kg, and offers around 20 liters of capacity. As a result, it fits within the free small-bag allowance of Ryanair and Wizz Air, while still leaving plenty of space for the essentials needed on a short trip.

Inside, there is a spacious main compartment with straps to secure the contents. The backpack also features a waterproof pocket, a laptop compartment, and a back ventilation system. This model is well suited to weekends, city breaks, or trips where you want your luggage to be as light and compact as possible.

TANAGER 2-in-1—a cabin backpack that can be carried like a bag

For those who like more versatile solutions, the WINGS TANAGER 2-in-1 is an interesting option. It is a compact cabin backpack measuring 40 × 25 × 15 cm, weighing approximately 0.8 kg, with a capacity of approximately 21 liters. Its construction fits within the free baggage allowance of Ryanair and Wizz Air.

The most important difference is that it can also be used as a bag. This is useful when you do not want to carry your luggage on your back all the time after landing or need a more versatile form while moving around the city. TANAGER also has a suitcase-handle sleeve, ventilated back panels, and a thoughtfully designed pocket layout. It is an airplane backpack that is particularly appealing to people who want to combine compact cabin luggage with greater freedom in how they carry it.

Which WINGS airplane backpack should you choose?

The simplest way to match a model to your way of traveling is:

• COMPRESA—if you want to make maximum use of the available space and need clothing compression,
• CBP02—if you are looking for a lightweight, simple backpack for free carry-on baggage,
• TANAGER 2-in-1—if you want the option of carrying your luggage both as a backpack and as a bag.

Each of these models meets slightly different needs, so the best cabin backpack will not always be the most feature-rich one. The most important thing is to match it to the length of your trip, your packing style, and how you plan to use the luggage after landing.

How much can you pack in a 40 × 30 × 20 cm backpack?

A lot depends on how you pack, but for a short trip, this type of airplane backpack can easily hold:

• 2–3 T-shirts,
• trousers or a light sweatshirt,
• underwear and socks,
• a small toiletry bag,
• chargers and electronics,
• documents,
• a small laptop or tablet, if the backpack has a suitable compartment.

You can recover the most space by limiting toiletries to travel-sized versions and using special travel organizers, which make packing easier.

Cabin backpack or suitcase—which works better?

For free under-seat baggage, a cabin backpack will usually be more practical. It can be comfortably carried on your back, making it easier to move around on stairs and public transport, while its soft construction makes better use of the limited dimensions.

A cabin suitcase, in turn, has an advantage with larger luggage when you need a rigid construction, protection for its contents, and wheeled maneuverability.

That is why the choice depends primarily on the type of trip. For a short city break, a good backpack for air travel will often be sufficient. For a longer trip, a larger suitcase may be more convenient.

The most common mistakes when choosing a backpack for air travel

The problem most often arises when a backpack is chosen solely based on capacity or appearance.

It is worth avoiding:

• buying a backpack without checking its exact dimensions,
• overstuffing it so much that it exceeds the permitted depth,
• choosing a heavy model with many unnecessary features,
• assuming that every small backpack automatically meets the airline’s limits.

A good cabin backpack should be designed for a specific way of travelling. In this case, air travel.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about backpacks for air travel

Which backpack should you choose for Ryanair to avoid an extra fee?

The safest choice is a cabin backpack measuring no more than 40 × 30 × 20 cm, as this is Ryanair’s current free small-bag limit.

Which backpack for Wizz Air is free of charge?

Wizz Air allows passengers to take a 40 × 30 × 20 cm backpack weighing up to 10 kg free of charge, provided it fits under the seat.

Can one cabin backpack be suitable for Ryanair and Wizz Air?

Yes. A model measuring no more than 40 × 30 × 20 cm complies with the current free allowance of both airlines.

Can an ordinary backpack be used as hand luggage?

Yes, provided its actual packed dimensions fit within the airline’s limit. It does not have to be labelled as a cabin backpack, but a specially designed model usually makes better use of the available space.

Is a backpack enough for a weekend trip?

In many cases, yes. With sensible packing, a compact cabin backpack can be enough for 2–3 days, especially with lightweight clothing and travel-sized toiletries.

How do you choose the best backpack for air travel?

The best backpack for air travel is not necessarily the largest model that fits within the limit. Much more important are a well-utilized interior, low weight, and comfort while on the move.

If you frequently travel with Ryanair or Wizz Air and want to avoid additional baggage fees, it is worth choosing a cabin backpack designed specifically for air travel. In the WINGS range, you will find both lightweight models for short flights and more advanced backpacks with compression or a 2-in-1 function, making it easier to adapt your baggage to your own way of travelling.