Carry-on Backpacks 55x40x20 cm
Discover practical 55 x 40 x 20 cm carry-on backpacks designed to simplify your travels. These travel bags meet the carry-on luggage dimension limits of most airlines. Explore our selection of airplane-friendly backpacks and enjoy a seamless boarding process and flight.
Carry-on Backpacks 55 x 40 x 20 – Perfect Hand Luggage
In this category, you will find a wide selection of carry-on backpacks that meet the common 55 x 40 x 20 cm limit. This way, you can take everything you need on board without unnecessary surcharges for checked luggage. Thanks to clever organization, the backpack comfortably fits clothes for 2–4 days, a laptop, small electronics, and even a toiletry bag.
Why Choose a Carry-on Backpack?
Let's briefly summarize the main advantages that make a carry-on backpack worthwhile and travel faster and more comfortable:
- Optimized Dimensions: Each model is designed to maximize the 55 x 40 x 20 cm limit.
- Comfort and Speed: They help you avoid long waits at check-in and subsequently searching for your luggage on the carousel.
- Security and Order: Practical compartments for laptops, documents, and valuables keep everything organized and under supervision.
- Versatility: In addition to classic backpacks, you'll also find wheeled backpacks (trolley backpacks) or travel carry-on bags that can be worn on the back.
- Mobility in the City: Stairs, tram, or metro? A backpack handles terrain where a suitcase often slows you down.
Tip: We've written about why a travel backpack is a great alternative to classic wheeled suitcases in our advice section!
How to Choose a 55 x 40 x 20 Airplane Backpack
Volume and Weight
Properly chosen capacity and low weight will help you meet airline limits while packing everything essential:
- Capacity: Approximately 28–40 L. For a weekend, 28–32 L is sufficient; for 3–4 days, consider 35–40 L.
- Own Weight: The lighter it is, the more items you can carry within the limits. For carry-on backpacks, a common weight is around 0.7–1.4 kg.
- Airline Weight Limits: Many carriers restrict hand luggage to 7–10 kg (varies by fare and company). Always check current conditions before departure.
Construction and Ergonomics
Details of the back system, cut, and access determine how comfortably you will travel and pack with the backpack:
- Straps and Back System: Look for padded, adjustable shoulder straps, ideally complemented by a sternum and hip belt for weight distribution. A padded or ventilated back panel will increase comfort during longer wear.
- Cut and Access: "Book-style" opening (180° zipper) facilitates packing and security checks. S-profile straps fit better on the shoulders.
- Suitcase Handle Compatibility: A useful feature is a rear pass-through sleeve for attaching to a telescopic handle.
Material and Durability
Materials and components determine the lifespan, content protection, and overall weight of the backpack. Pay particular attention to:
- Lightness and Strength: The material should be lightweight yet abrasion-resistant (often 300D–1000D polyester/nylon). A water-repellent finish or rain cover will increase protection in the rain.
- Quality Components: Robust zippers and strong buckles (e.g., YKK zippers and Duraflex buckles) extend lifespan. On many models, the sliders can be joined and locked with an additional lock.
- Sustainability: Options made from recycled fibers with certifications and low weight are a welcome bonus.
Thoughtful Organization and Security
Clever partitioning and security features save time at checks and protect valuables during transit. Focus on:
- Laptop Pocket: A separate, easily accessible, and protected pocket (usually for 13–15.6″, sometimes even 17″).
- Internal Organization: Compression straps to secure contents, mesh pockets for small items and documents, a shoe/laundry compartment, or a cable pocket.
- External Access: Pockets for a bottle, headphones, or travel documents, often complemented by a pass-through for a power bank cable (USB port).
- Secret Pocket: A hidden pocket on the back panel protects your wallet and passport from pickpocketing in crowds.
- Security: Lockable zippers or eyelets for a lock add peace of mind during transit.
- RFID Protection: Selected models feature a pocket with RFID shielding, which protects contactless payment cards and electronic documents from unauthorized reading. This is particularly useful for frequent transfers at airports and train stations.
Airline Compatibility: Practical Recommendations
Carrier rules vary by fare and route; the following tips will help you avoid unpleasant surprises:
- The 55 x 40 x 20 cm dimension is among the most common carry-on limits; however, rules vary by carrier and fare.
Tip: Always check the current rules on your airline's website before traveling, or refer to our comprehensive table of size and weight limits. - Measure the entire outline, including pockets, handles, zippers, and any wheels.
Tip: Does your airline require stricter dimensions for personal items? We offer a wide selection of smaller travel backpacks that meet the requirements of low-cost airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air. Check out airplane backpacks 40x30x20 or carry-on backpacks 40x20x25.
Related Options for Smooth Travel
Depending on the length of your trip and travel style, some related types of luggage might also be useful:
- Travel Luggage for Airplanes 55x40x20: Here you will find an overview of all carry-on luggage meeting these dimensions. In addition to travel backpacks and bags, you may also come across practical carry-on suitcases.
- Carry-on Suitcases: Smaller suitcases in textile and hardshell designs, with two or four wheels, often with an integrated TSA lock.
- Travel Bags for Airplanes: A flexible alternative that can be compressed to the desired size; selected models also feature straps for carrying on the back.
Tip: We've covered everything you can and cannot take with you on board in our advice section!
Popular Brands of 55 x 40 x 20 Travel Backpacks
Below you will find brands that travelers consistently appreciate for their balance of durability, functionality, and weight:
- CabinZero: A British brand renowned for its lightness and practicality. It offers simple, spacious, and comfortable backpacks for airplane cabins.
- Travelite: German quality and reliability. Their assortment includes lightweight carry-on suitcases, bags, and backpacks with thoughtful details and an elegant appearance.
- Thule: Durable travel backpacks and luggage with an emphasis on tech protection and carrying ergonomics.
- Enrico Benetti: Practical and affordable solutions for weekend trips and shorter business travels; offering both backpacks and smaller suitcases.
Airplane Backpack 55x40x20 – Frequently Asked Questions
What type of luggage is best for air travel?
For air travel, a carry-on backpack with a lightweight construction and optimized dimensions is an ideal choice, offering ample space for your personal belongings and valuables, and is easily portable on your back or in hand.
What are the advantages of 55 x 40 x 20 backpacks?
55x40x20 cm backpacks offer high comfort during travel because they are designed to meet carry-on luggage requirements and provide ample space for your personal belongings.
What material is best for carry-on luggage?
Lightweight textile materials, such as polyester or nylon, are ideal for carry-on luggage because they are durable, easy to clean, and simultaneously provide sufficient protection for your belongings.
What is a TSA lock and why is it important?
A TSA lock is a special lock that allows airport security personnel to open your luggage without damaging it. For greater security of your personal belongings, it is important to have luggage with an integrated TSA lock, especially if it is checked.
What is the best way to pack an airplane backpack?
The best way to pack an airplane backpack is to organize your items into compartments and utilize every space. For example, you can roll clothes to save space, or use luggage organizers, also known as packing cubes.
How to save time and money when traveling with carry-on luggage?
Using carry-on luggage that meets your airline's specified dimensions can save you both time and money, as you avoid fees for checked baggage and waiting at the luggage carousel upon arrival.
Up into the Clouds, Worry-Free!
Enjoy light and organized travel. Browse our carefully selected range and choose a carry-on backpack that will reliably accompany you on every journey. With dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, you don't have to worry about checks – just pack, put it on your back, and go. Order your carry-on luggage today and save time and stress at the airport!
