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Ryanair Baggage: A Guide to Sizes, Weight and Avoiding Fees at the Airport
October 23, 2026
Ryanair's baggage rules state that every passenger is entitled to bring only a small bag for free, up to 40x20x25 cm, placed under the seat in front of them. To bring a carry-on suitcase of up to 10 kg (55x40x20 cm) you must buy "Priority" or add a dedicated paid bag. Going over the dimensions brings a heavy fee at the boarding gate.
Ryanair baggage rules: the complete guide to avoiding fees
The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair revolutionized aviation, but along with it came especially strict baggage discipline. For travelers, a Ryanair flight can be remarkably cheap, but not paying attention to the small details of Ryanair's baggage rules can double or even triple the original ticket price because of fees at the boarding gate.
To fly with peace of mind, you must understand the difference between the types of baggage the airline allows on board. The key is planning ahead and matching your gear exactly to the requirements. With Ryanair there is no room for mistakes or "roughly": ground staff at airports are instructed to check bag dimensions with metal sizers, and any excess, even the slightest one from a wheel or a protruding handle, immediately turns into a high charge.
Free small bag versus paid carry-on: the official comparison table
To bring some order to the chaos, we gathered the exact data on Ryanair's baggage types, including the allowed dimensions, the weight limits and the expected costs if you go over at the airport:
| Type of baggage | Maximum dimensions | Weight allowance | Where it goes on the plane | Fee for going over at the gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small personal bag (free) | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | No strict definition (reasonable) | Under the seat in front of you | โฌ46 to โฌ70 (and moved to the hold) |
| Carry-on / 10 kg bag (Priority) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Up to 10 kg | In the overhead bin | โฌ46 to โฌ70 (and moved to the hold) |
| Large suitcase (checked bag) | Up to 119 x 119 x 81 cm | Up to 20 kg | In the hold (check-in) | โฌ11 for every extra kilo |
Note: baggage upgrade prices change depending on demand, destination and when you buy. Adding baggage while booking the ticket will always be significantly cheaper than adding it later, and certainly cheaper than paying a fee at the boarding gate.
How to measure correctly and avoid surprises at the airport
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is measuring their suitcase or backpack incorrectly. When Ryanair defines dimensions of 55x40x20 cm for a carry-on suitcase, it means total outer dimensions. That means the measurement must include the wheels, the top handle when closed, and even protruding or bulging side pockets.
At the boarding gate there is a rigid blue metal frame that represents the allowed dimensions. If your bag does not slide in easily, the staff will not let you board with it without paying a fee. So it is always best to choose flexible backpacks or suitcases designed specifically to meet the strict standards of low-cost airlines.
Practical tips for smart packing in minimal volume
Smart packing is an art, especially on low-cost flights. Here are some winning tips from Camel Mountain's travel experts that will help you make the most of the space in the free bag or the carry-on:
- The rolling method: instead of folding clothes the usual way, roll them into tight rolls. This not only saves precious space but also prevents wrinkles.
- Packing cubes and organizers: a set of packing cubes lets you compress clothes, divide the bag into categories and use every free centimeter as efficiently as possible.
- Wear layers on the flight: wear your heaviest, bulkiest items, such as coats, jeans, heavy walking shoes or sweaters, during the flight. It is a completely legal solution that saves a huge amount of weight and volume in the bag.
- Use dead space: stuff socks and underwear into the shoes you packed. It keeps the shoes' shape and uses space that usually goes to waste.
- Travel-size toiletries: remember the 100 ml rule for liquids in hand luggage. Decant shampoo, conditioner and creams into small bottles and gather them in a clear, compact toiletry bag that comes out easily at security.
In short, flying with Ryanair's baggage rules takes a little preparation and understanding of the rules, but once you have the right bag and efficient packing methods, you can enjoy especially cheap flights all over Europe without any surprises or unnecessary fees at the airport. Have a good trip!
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Frequently asked questions
Does a regular school backpack work as the free bag on Ryanair?
Yes, as long as its dimensions do not exceed 40x20x25 cm and it fits completely under the seat in front of you. It is best not to fill it to the brim, so it stays flexible and can be squeezed into the sizer if needed.
What happens if my carry-on is just one centimeter over because of the wheels?
Ryanair is known for its strictness. If the carry-on does not fit into the sizer at the gate because of the wheels or the handle, you will have to pay a fee of tens of euros and the bag will be sent to the hold. It is best to buy a suitcase made to meet the standard in advance.
Can I bring a duty free bag in addition to the free hand luggage?
Yes, Ryanair lets you take duty free shopping bags from the airport you depart from on board, in addition to your personal hand luggage, at no extra charge.
What is the maximum weight for the free hand luggage?
Ryanair does not set an official maximum weight for the small (free) bag, but it must be reasonable and comfortable to carry yourself, and fit the exact physical dimensions required under the seat.
Does a Priority ticket guarantee my carry-on goes with me into the cabin?
Yes, buying Priority allows you to take the carry-on (up to 10 kg and 55x40x20 cm) on board and store it in the overhead bin, in addition to the small bag under the seat.
Can I bring a laptop bag in addition to the free backpack?
No, the free policy allows only one personal item. If you bring both a backpack and a separate laptop bag, the gate staff will ask you to put the laptop bag inside the backpack, or pay a fee for an extra item.
