If you fly short-haul in Europe, you already know the drill: a bag that “looks cabin-sized” can still end up at the gate with a tag on it and an unexpected fee. For 2026, the safest approach is to choose luggage that fits the tighter airline first, then enjoy the breathing room on the other. This is especially relevant when shopping for travel bags in Cyprus, where airline compatibility matters as much as style.
For most travellers comparing Ryanair and easyJet, that tighter test is Ryanair’s paid cabin allowance: a small personal bag plus a larger “10kg cabin bag” that must fit 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Ryanair also specifies the free personal bag at 40 x 30 x 20 cm, which must go under the seat.
easyJet’s “large cabin bag” allowance is more generous at 56 x 45 x 25 cm, and easyJet is explicit that those measurements include handles and wheels. This extra space is why some travellers buy once and fly across airlines, particularly when browsing travel luggage Cyprus retailers that cater to frequent European routes.
So, pick bags that sit at (or under) 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Do that and you’re working with a bag that should also suit easyJet’s larger cabin limit.
Why “depth” causes most of the trouble
Height and width get the attention, but depth is what catches people out. Many cabin cases hit 23–25 cm once you count wheels, shells, corner bumpers, and those tempting “just-in-case” outer pockets. Ryanair’s cabin limit is tight on depth at 20 cm for the larger cabin bag.
Two quick habits make a difference:
- Measure the bag when it’s full. Empty luggage can look compliant and then bulge when packed.
- Treat expansion zips as a separate mode. Expanded cases may be fine for easyJet’s 25 cm depth, but they can be a risk for Ryanair.
This applies just as much to hard-shell cases as it does to soft-sided travel backpacks, which can expand unpredictably if overfilled.
The Top 5 cabin bags that fit the Ryanair sizer best
The five options below are chosen because their published dimensions sit within (or right on) 55 x 40 x 20 cm, which aligns to Ryanair’s “10kg cabin bag” size.
| Cabin Bag | Published Dimensions | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Piquadro “CABIN SIZE” Ultra-Slim Spinner | 40 × 55 × 20 cm | Slim profile keeps depth in check |
| Pegasus EASYPACK Foldable Cabin 55 | 55 × 39 × 20 cm | Under 40 cm wide; neat, practical |
| Mandarina Duck ECO COATED Soft Trolley (4 Wheels) | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | Exact match to the Ryanair limit |
| Delsey ORDENER 55cm Cabin Luggage | 55 × 39 × 20 cm | “Slim 55” style case, sizer-friendly |
| Samsonite Magnum ECO Cabin 55cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | Built to the classic 55 / 40 / 20 template |
1) Piquadro “CABIN SIZE” ultra-slim spinner (40 x 55 x 20 cm)
This is the neatest “depth-disciplined” choice of the five. The 20 cm depth gives you a clear boundary for packing, and the 40 cm width stays on the right side of Ryanair’s 40 cm limit. It’s also a good match for travellers who value structure, as hard-sided spinners tend to keep their shape better in a sizer.
Ultra-slim cases reward careful packing. If you tend to travel with bulky trainers or thick jumpers, you may prefer one of the 38–39L cabin options below or consider pairing your case with the best travel backpack for personal items.
2) Pegasus EASYPACK Foldable Cabin 55 (55 x 39 x 20 cm)
If you want a cabin case that keeps within the numbers without feeling restrictive, this one is a strong candidate. The width at 39 cm leaves a bit of tolerance, which is handy when you’re moving quickly at the gate. Its foldable design can also appeal to people who store luggage in flats or limited cupboard space.
This is the sort of case that makes sense for families too, because it’s easy to identify: “55/39/20” is about as sizer-safe as it gets.
3) Mandarina Duck ECO COATED Soft Trolley (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
Soft-sided luggage divides opinion. Some travellers like the slightly forgiving exterior; others worry it will bulge. Here, the published size matches Ryanair’s 55/40/20 limit exactly, which is why it earns a spot on a “fits the sizer” list.
If you choose soft luggage, pack with intention: keep heavy items close to the wheel base, and don’t overfill the front pocket.
4) Delsey ORDENER 55cm Cabin Luggage (55 x 39 x 20 cm)
Delsey’s ORDENER “slim 55” dimensions are the kind that suit frequent flyers. That 39 cm width gives you a little margin, and the 20 cm depth keeps you honest when you’re tempted to squeeze in a last item.
This one is particularly on-theme for a Ryanair vs easyJet comparison because it’s not trying to “max out” easyJet’s 25 cm depth. It’s built to pass the stricter test.
5) Samsonite Magnum ECO Cabin 55cm (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
This is the classic cabin-case template in a modern build. The dimensions match the Ryanair limit exactly.
If you’re buying one cabin case to use across airlines, a 55 x 40 x 20 cm hard shell is often the least stressful choice, because it holds its shape when staff ask you to place it into a frame. This option also simplifies decisions if you plan to buy travel bag online and want confidence it will pass the strictest sizer.
Also Read: EU Hand-Luggage Rules 2025: Six Cabin Cases That Sail Through Any Gate
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is Ryanair cabin bag the same size as EasyJet?
Not exactly. Ryanair’s paid “10kg cabin bag” limit is 55 x 40 x 20 cm, while easyJet’s large cabin bag limit is 56 x 45 x 25 cm. easyJet gives more room, especially in depth.
2) How big is the Ryanair cabin bag sizer?
For the larger cabin bag used with Priority and similar options, Ryanair states 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Ryanair also sets the free personal bag at 40 x 30 x 20 cm, and it must fit under the seat.
3) Does easyJet include wheels and handles in the measurement?
Yes. easyJet specifies that both its small and large cabin bag maximum sizes include handles and wheels. Measuring without them can lead to a nasty surprise at the gate.
4) Can I use an expandable cabin case for both airlines?
Often, yes, but only if you treat “expanded” as a different bag size. A case that becomes 23 cm deep when expanded may suit easyJet’s 25 cm limit, yet breach Ryanair’s 20 cm depth limit.
5) What’s the simplest way to avoid being stopped at the gate?
Choose luggage that sits at or under 55 x 40 x 20 cm, pack so it keeps its shape, and measure it full. If you fly with both airlines, meeting Ryanair’s larger cabin bag size usually keeps you within easyJet’s large cabin limit too.
These are the types of cases typically recommended by Yiannakou, a specialist travel bag store where you can explore wide ranging travel luggage at great prices. Shop now at https://yiannakou.shop/