How we measure our travel bags

How we measure our travel bags

We measure our bags at the base for consistent, accurate sizing. When a bag is empty and lying flat, the top opening can look wider than expected because the depth is folded into the shape. Once packed, the bag holds its shape and fits within the airline size gauge for carry-on hand luggage.
  • How we measured our Travel Bags

    We take width, height and depth from the base of the bag.

  • Why it can look bigger when empty

    The top opening can look wider when flat because the depth is “spread out”

  • When the bag is packed

    The bag holds its shape and fits within the airline size gauge for carry-on hand luggage

  • Tried and Tested

    We have tested all our travel bags and are confident that you can travel with all budget airlines.

  • Soft-sided = flexible fit

    Our bags are soft, so they can be gently squished into airline size gauge, they are not ridged like suitcases.

Why the top can look wider when the bag is empty

When a travel bag is empty, the material relaxes and the opening can look wider than you expect. This is normal — the depth is part of the overall measurement, and when the bag is flat, it can make the top appear bigger. Once you pack the bag, it holds its shape and usually looks more compact.

Quick tip

If you're travelling with a strict airline, keep the bag softly packed and avoid rigid items pushed right to the edges.

Real-life Ryanair sizer test

Photos taken in-airport to show our bags fitting inside a Ryanair size gauge.

Quick tip

All bags shown are soft-sided and can be gently squished to fit the sizer. Please avoid overpacking rigid items if you’re travelling with a strict airline.

Which bag fits which airline (personal item / underseat)

Sizes below are measured at the base of the bag (H × W × D). Airline allowances can vary by ticket type and route.
Bag Base size (H × W × D) Ryanair
40×30×20		 easyJet
45×36×20		 Wizz Air
40×30×20		 Jet2
underseat		 TUI
40×30×20		 British Airways
40×30×15
Expander-LITE (not fully expanded) 23 × 40 × 22 cm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Jet 25 × 38 × 14 cm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Milan 40 × 27 × 20 cm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Sydney 35 × 30 × 12 cm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Zoe 28 × 32 × 13 cm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Quick tip

Airlines can change allowances, and some ticket types differ. If you’re unsure, message us with your airline and flight type, and we’ll help you choose the safest option.

FAQs

We measure width, height and depth at the base of the bag for consistent sizing.

When the bag is empty and lying flat, the depth can spread into the shape, making the opening look wider. Once packed, it holds its form and usually looks more compact.

Soft-sided bags can usually be gently squished into the sizer. For strict airlines, avoid overpacking rigid items so the bag can flex into shape.

Pack softly, keep zips closed, and avoid hard items pushed right to the corners. If you’re travelling on a very full flight, keep the bag as compact as possible.