Ryanair Cabin Bag Size: What Every Traveller Should Know

Ryanair is a popular budget airline for short European hops, but they require strategic packing for cabin size. Rather than frustration at the airport, you will need to be familiar with the Ryanair cabin bag policy before you fly. 

This article will cover everything you need to know about Ryanair cabin bag size, including the dimensions, weight restrictions, and what you can and cannot bring on board.

Ryanair Cabin Bag Size: An Overview

Isn’t it so satisfying to see your pack fit?

So you have booked your budget-friendly Ryanair flight, and now it's time to tackle the packing. Let’s explore the Ryanair cabin bag size and regulations to choose a backpack or suitcase strategically. 

What Is A Ryanair Cabin Bag?

A Ryanair cabin bag refers to the luggage that passengers are allowed to bring into the cabin when travelling on an aeroplane. Ryanair has specific rules and regulations regarding the size and weight of cabin bags to ensure efficient boarding and maximise cabin space.

Ryanair Cabin Bag Size And Allowances

In short, Ryanair has two different cabin bag sizes:

• Small personal bag: This bag must fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed the dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25cm / 15.75 x 7.87 x 9.84 in. No mention of a weight limit.
• Large cabin bag: This bag can be stored in the overhead locker and must not exceed the dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm / 21.65 x 15.75 x 7.87 in and a weight of 10kg / 22lb. You will need to purchase this bag separately for the price of €6-20 via the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags bundle. 

These are Ryanair's maximum cabin bag size, including any handles or wheels. That's about the size of a small backpack or shoulder bag. 

If you want to bring more than these amounts, you will need to pay for checked bag fees at least 2 hours before flying. The maximum Ryanair checked bag restrictions are 20 kg / 44lb in weight and 80 x 120 x 120 cm / 31.5 x 47.24 x 47.24 in size dimension.

Note: Visit the Ryanair Bag Policy for the latest updates.

Ryanair Hand Luggage Rules To Follow

Knowing Ryanair hand luggage allowances not only brings a breeze through security but also helps you avoid hefty fees.  

How Strict Is Ryanair With Hand Luggage?

Ryanair has a reputation for being notoriously strict about hand luggage sizes. Their cabin areas are smaller than other cabin-allow sizes, with very little wiggle room, so fitting just a few oversized bags can cause major delays as crew members attempt to shuffle things around.

Is Ryanair strict on baggage size? Credit: @whereistarablo

And while staff may have seemed lenient with reduced flights during the pandemic, things are getting back to normal now. If your bag is even a centimetre too big, you will likely be forced to check it into the hold. Ryanair reserves the right to levy a fee of up to €11 per kilo at the gate if your bag is non-compliant.

So it is really worth double- and triple-checking the dimensions before heading to the airport. And consider packing slightly smaller than the maximum limits just to be safe. The gate staff don't generally provide measuring tools, so it's up to you to ensure your bag fits.

What Can You Take In Hand Luggage On Ryanair?

Travelling light is key when flying with Ryanair due to their strict cabin bag restrictions. Passengers are permitted one small personal bag to fit under the seat, measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This could be a backpack, handbag, or laptop case. Priority boarding customers may also bring one slightly larger bag of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm to place in the overhead locker.

You can pack almost everything you need for your holiday. This includes outerwear like coats and scarves, as well as travel essentials such as passports, books, and electronics. Duty-free purchases after security are permitted if sealed in a tamper-evident bag. Drinks and snacks for the flight are fine in moderate quantities. 

Although you can bring vapes and cigarettes on a plane, you can not use them. Also, liquids must be 100ml or less and contained together in a single clear resealable plastic bag no larger than 1 litre.

However, what is not allowed in hand luggage Ryanair? There are certain restricted and prohibited items you cannot place in your carry-on. Anything flammable, sharp, or explosive is an obvious no-go for safety reasons. Explosives, substances and devices capable of, or appearing to be capable of, causing serious injury are also prohibited.

Mind what you pack for Ryanair hand luggage.

What Hand Luggage Can You Take On Ryanair? 

Provided it meets size restrictions, here's a rundown of the main types of bags you can bring onboard as carry-on luggage:

• Backpacks: Make sure to remove any accessory straps that could push it over the size limit when loaded.
• Trolleys: Check measurements very carefully, as collapsible handles tend to add extra bulk.
• Suitcases: Only very small wheeled suitcases or "cabin-sized" ones will fit in the overhead bins.
• Messenger bags: Perfect for lightweight trips as they don't take up much space.
• Totes: Foldable totes can squash down well, but check that the dimensions are accurate.
• Laptop bags: Just one slim laptop bag is generally fine in addition to your main cabin bag.

You're also allowed one personal item, like a small laptop bag or purse, in addition to your carry-on. Always keep valuables like phones, wallets and passports on your person for security.

This is your companion when it comes to travelling.

If you are seeking a practical and lightweight one, don’t miss our CabinZero Classic 28L backpack.

Its carry-on size aligns with Ryanair, coupled with a remarkably lightweight design at less than 1.34 pounds and an intelligently crafted strap system, ensuring a delightful carrying experience. The backpack's ergonomic design will make you feel like a natural extension of your body.

Moreover, the backpack reveals a spacious main compartment, complemented by air mesh zippered pockets and a dedicated laptop sleeve. So you can bring the whole world with you when travelling!

Ryanair Baggage Allowance & Fees

Let's round out with the lowdown on hold baggage policies and pricing:

Bag Type	Allowance	Fee (if not included in ticket)	Dimensions (max)	Notes
Small Bag	1 item (40cm x 20cm x 25cm)	Free	Fits under the seat in front of you	Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags	2 items (1 small bag + 1 cabin bag 55cm x 40cm x 20cm)	€6 - €36	1 cabin bag must fit in the overhead locker	Allows priority boarding and 2 cabin bags.
10kg Check-in Bag	1 bag (10kg, 55cm x 40cm x 20cm)	€11.99 - €29.99	Must be checked in at the bag-drop desk.	Cannot be combined with a small bag.
20kg Check-in Bag	1 bag (20kg, 80cm x 120cm x 120cm)	€18.99 - €59.99	Must be checked in at the bag-drop desk.	Can purchase up to 3 bags.
Excess Baggage	Per kilo	€9-11 per kilo	N/A	Can be purchased online up to 2 hours before departure.

Booking and Checking In With Ryanair

The best place to purchase Ryanair tickets is through their website, as this is where you will find the lowest fares. Be sure to book well in advance for the cheapest rates. 

The online booking is straightforward via the Ryanair website. Photo by ryanair.com

Follow these steps: 

• Step 1: Go to the official Ryanair website at ryanair.com
• Step 2: Enter your travel details, including your destination, travel dates, and number of passengers.
• Step 3: Select your preferred flight from the available options.
• Step 4: Choose any additional services, such as baggage allowance or seat selection.
• Step 5: Enter your personal details and payment information.
• Step 6: Review your booking and confirm your purchase.

You can also check comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights, but Ryanair's direct site will provide all cabin bag and boarding pass options during checkout.

After choosing the destination and buying your tickets, there are two options for you to check-in.

Online check-in opens 60 days before the scheduled departure time if you have purchased an allocated seat. This is the best way to save time waiting in queues at the airport.

You can check in online at www.ryanair.com and print your boarding pass on the A4 page singly. Keep in mind to check in at least two hours before your departure time. Or, if you have a Flexi Plus ticket, you can check in at the airport for free.

The other option is to check in at the desks. Remember that the check-in counters shut down precisely 40 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. 

To ensure a smooth experience, have all necessary documents, such as your ID and booking confirmation, readily available. Moreover, familiarising yourself with the airport layout is also important to locate the check-in counters efficiently. Be prepared that queues may form, especially during peak travel times, so arriving well in advance is advisable. 

FAQs

Here is the traditional check-in at the airport. Photo by Yakobchuk Olena on stock.adobe.com

What Size Is Ryanair Cabin Bag?

The size of a cabin bag allowed on Ryanair is 55 x 40 x 20 cm (with a maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lbs). Additionally, passengers are allowed to bring a small personal bag with a maximum dimension of 40 x 20 x 25 cm.

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Remember, If you haven't booked Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, you can only bring the free small personal bag onboard. Make sure your cabin bag fits within the specified dimensions, including any handles or wheels. Ryanair is known for strictly enforcing their size restrictions, and oversized bags may be denied boarding or subject to additional fees.

What Size Suitcase For 20kg Ryanair Checked Bags?

For Ryanair, the maximum weight for a checked bag is 20kg, and the maximum dimensions are 81 x 120 x 120cm. If you're concerned about exceeding the weight limit, pack your heavier items in your checked baggage and save your lighter clothes for your carry-on. This will help you avoid any excess baggage fees.

Does Ryanair Allow Duty Free Bags?

Yes, you can bring duty-free bags on a Ryanair flight, and they are permitted in the cabin along with your cabin bags. “Your duty-free bag is permitted in the cabin along with your cabin bags” is what they say.

However, you will need to ensure that your duty-free bag meets the hand luggage dimension and weight restrictions. If your duty-free bag exceeds the size or weight limits, it may need to be checked in, and you may be charged an excess baggage fee

How Much Does Baggage Usually Cost On Ryanair?

The cost of baggage with Ryanair varies depending on the type of bag. For the priority and two cabin bags, the cost ranges between €6 to €36. For the 10kg check-in bag, the cost will be up to €29.99. A 20kg checked bag is even higher,  from €17.99 to €59.99. Read more about the fee here.

Can You Take Hair Straighteners In Hand Luggage On Ryanair?

Yes, you can take hair straighteners in your hand luggage when flying with Ryanair. Both as carry-on and checked luggage, hair straighteners are allowed on a Ryanair flight as long as they are packed properly. You can Pack your hair straighteners in a soft material bag or pouch to protect them during travel.

Knowing what you can bring is as important as knowing Ryanair's luggage size.

Can You Take Tweezers In Hand Luggage Ryanair?

In general, tweezers are allowed to be carried in your hand luggage when flying with Ryanair. However, there are some guidelines to follow. Like a knife, tweezers must have a maximum length of 4 cm (from the pivot point) to be allowed in the cabin, the TSA said.

Can You Take Food In Hand Luggage Ryanair?

While snacks like crisps, chocolate bars and pre-made sandwiches are welcome aboard, be mindful of liquid and gel container sizes. Anything over 100ml needs to be stored securely in a clear resealable plastic bag holding no more than a litre total. 

Additionally, steer clear of hot drinks for safety during the flight. Do also note that food items can trigger additional screening at security, so have your ID and boarding pass ready if hand inspection is required.

Ryanair Cabin Bag Size: The Conclusion

In conclusion, this guide has provided a thorough overview of Ryanair cabin bag size and baggage allowance policies. From permissible bag dimensions to the checking-in procedure, you should now feel well-prepared to pack efficiently within their guidelines. 

Should you have any further inquiries or require additional assistance, feel free to leave a comment, and our team will be more than happy to help you. Additionally, don't hesitate to share this article with fellow travellers as well.

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