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Your Ultimate Guide to Ryanair Cabin Luggage Sizes, Weights, and Restrictions 2024

Travelling with Ryanair can be a breeze when you know the ins and outs of their cabin luggage policies and what to expect at the gate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ryanair's cabin luggage sizes, weights, and restrictions. We also add our experience about what happens in practice at the gate and how strict Ryanair really is.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Ryanair Cabin Luggage Policies

Ryanair is renowned for its budget-friendly flights across Europe. However, to keep fares low, they enforce strict rules on cabin luggage. Understanding these rules can save you from unexpected fees and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Ryanair offers two main types of cabin luggage options: a free small bag for all passengers included in the ticket price and an additional larger cabin bag for those who pay for Priority Boarding. Let’s dive into the specifics.

2. Cabin Luggage Sizes and Weight Restrictions

Small Bag Cabin Luggage

Free Small Bag: All passengers are allowed one small bag for free included in the ticket price. This bag must fit on the floor under the seat in front of you adhering to the following dimensions:

This bag is ideal for essential items like the things you need during the flight. It should be a handbag, laptop bag, or a small backpack.

How strict is Ryanair in practice with "small bag" dimensions? The real test of your small bag is whether it fits under the seat in front on the floor. On Ryanair flights, some seats next to the aisle have a very small area for a bag underneath. That's where the 40cm x 20cm x 25cm restriction comes from. Most, but not all, window and middle seats have a slightly larger under-seat area.
In our experience as frequent flyers, Ryanair allows a range of small and medium-sized soft pack backpacks on board even if they are a little larger as long as they fit under the seat. Choosing soft pack helps because such bags can be unpacked, repacked and reshaped to fit under the seat if necessary.
Frequent Ryanair travellers have come to learn that Ryanair is very strict with all hard cases larger than the permitted dimensions. In practice, on most flights we've travelled, staff do not test every soft pack "small bag" in the sizer at the gate.

Priority Boarding and Two Bags

Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: For an additional fee per flight, passengers can purchase Priority Boarding and 2 Cabin Bags. Priority boarding allows customers to board first and bring an extra larger cabin bag in addition to the small bag already included in the ticket price. The larger cabin bag goes in the overhead locker above the flyer's seat. Their small bag must fit under the seat in front on the floor. The specifications for the larger cabin bag and small bag allowance are:

This booking option works best for those needing more space for a trip without checking in luggage.

How strict is Ryanair in practice with priority larger cabin luggage and small bag? Ryanair is very strict when it comes to the size of hard cases for large and small cabin bags. This is because you cannot change the size of hard cases whether they're full or empty and they must fit into the overhead locker. In practice, on most flights we've seen, staff are able to allow a range of sizes of large soft pack backpacks and small bags. Soft pack backpacks can be resized simply by removing items to make them fit. In our experience, you can reduce your own concern by paying a little extra for priority & 2 cabin bags, using soft pack backpacks, and working close to the dimensions.
How strict is the 10kg weight limit for Ryanair cabin bags? It's worth knowing that the 10kg weight limit for the larger cabin bag is there to protect customers' and on-board staff's back health because flyers raise their large cabin bags above shoulder level into the overhead lockers. From our experience, at the time of writing, the weight limit is not frequently tested for soft pack backpacks that are the correct size. Ryanair can enforce its rules on sizes and weights at any time. If you use hard cases, you must stay well within size dimensions for luggage. If you use soft pack backpacks, staying close to Ryanair's dimensions and weights is a good idea for your peace of mind and your back health.

3. Tips for Packing Ryanair Cabin Luggage

Packing efficiently is key when flying with Ryanair. Here are some top tips to help you make the most of your cabin luggage allowance:

Choose the Right Luggage:

  • Use soft pack: Ryanair is very strict on hard cases that cannot change in size. Using soft pack bags means you can work with staff to take items out if needed to meet the size requirements when Ryanair tests bag size.

Packing Strategies:

  • Plan Ahead: Pack only what you need and choose lightweight options if possible.
  • Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles.
  • Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organise and compress clothing.
  • Wear Bulky Items: Wear your heaviest, bulkiest clothes and shoes to save space in your bag.
  • Limit Liquids: Remember the 100ml liquid rule for security still applies at many UK airports. Use travel-sized containers and pack them in a clear plastic bag.

A Slim Cross-Body Bag:

  • Small Valuables: You can keep your passport, phone, and wallet in a small cross-body bag. In our experience, this type of bag doesn't count towards the Ryanair cabin bag allowance.

Where to Pack What?

  • Travel documents: Keep travel documents for your journey in a small cross-body bag. This will include your phone if you're using a digital boarding pass.
  • Useful Items: Keep useful travel items like electronics, chargers, snacks, and a small toiletry kit in your "small bag" for easy access during the flight.
  • Everything else: Keep things you only need on arrival in your larger cabin bag which goes in the overhead locker. Aim not to open your main backpack during the trip.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many travellers make avoidable mistakes when packing for a Ryanair flight. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

At The Gate:

  • Two bags: If you buy a Ryanair ticket with only the "small bag" included, you must have one bag only at the gate.
  • Arguing with staff: Arguing with the staff will not help. We've seen it many times that customers get angry and protest when staff charge them for too many or too large bags. They do know the rules. Do your best to work with them to resolve the problem and get on the flight.

Incorrect Bag Sizes:

  • Check Dimensions: Make sure your bags meet the required dimensions before you leave for the airport.
  • Hard cases: Hard shell suitcases with wheels are almost always tested by staff.
  • Soft pack backpack: Make sure you can squeeze your bag into the Ryanair sizer. Do you need to remove a jumper or a water bottle?

Overpacking:

  • Stick to Limits: Adhere to the size and weight limits to avoid extra charges.
  • Weigh Your Bag: Use a luggage scale to ensure your bag doesn’t exceed the 10kg limit.

Ignoring Liquid Restrictions:

  • Follow Security Rules: Pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less and place them in a clear, resealable plastic bag.

Leaving Valuable Items in Checked Luggage:

  • Keep Valuables with You: Always carry important items like medications, travel documents, and electronics in your cabin luggage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bring duty-free items on board?
Yes, in addition to your cabin luggage, you can bring duty-free items purchased at the airport on board.

What if my bag is slightly over the size limit?
Ryanair is strict with their baggage policies, especially with hard cases which can't be compressed. It's best to ensure your bag can fit with the size requirements to avoid any additional fees or having to check your bag at the gate. If you can achieve this by removing a jumper, for example, that's fine.

Are there exceptions for medical equipment or baby items?
Yes, necessary medical equipment and baby items such as a nappy or diaper bag and stroller are allowed in addition to your cabin luggage. 

Can I bring food on board?
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

What if I need more luggage space?
Consider purchasing a checked bag option if you need more space. Ryanair offers various options for checked luggage at the time of buying the ticket and at check-in.

Can I bring a laptop in my cabin bag?
Yes you bring a laptop on board. If your Ryanair ticket only allows a small bag, your laptop must fit in here. If you have purchased Priority Boarding, ensure your large cabin bag or small bag are designed to hold a laptop safely.

6. Conclusion

Navigating Ryanair’s cabin luggage policies doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the rules and following our best practice tips, you can pack efficiently and avoid unnecessary fees.

Remember to check the latest baggage policies on Ryanair’s official website before you travel, as rules can change.

Wishing you a good next flight with Ryanair!

 

This guide is designed to provide you with the most current and detailed information on Ryanair’s cabin luggage policies, helping you to travel smarter and more efficiently. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your next flight with Ryanair.