What is Ryanair hand luggage allowance?

  • By Simiran Gataora

Ryanair is one of Europe's most popular low-cost airlines, but its baggage rules can catch travellers out. Turn up with the wrong size bag and you could face unexpected charges before you even board.

 

The good news is that Ryanair's hand luggage allowance is straightforward once you know the rules. Every passenger can bring one small personal bag for free, while Priority passengers can also take a larger 10kg cabin bag on board.

 

In this guide, we'll explain the latest Ryanair hand luggage sizes, weight limits, Priority baggage rules and how to choose the right luggage for your trip.

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TL;DR

Quick Answer Ryanair Allowance
Free bag included Yes
Free bag size 40 x 30 x 20cm
Free bag location Under the seat in front
Priority cabin bag size 55 x 40 x 20cm
Priority cabin bag weight 10kg
Priority boarding included Yes
Alternative option 10kg check-in bag
Oversized bag fees Charges may apply at the airport

Table of Contents

  • 1

    What Is Ryanair's Hand Luggage Allowance?

  • 2

    What Size Bag Can You Take on Ryanair?

  • 3

    What Does Priority & 2 Cabin Bags Include?

  • 4

    Can You Take a Cabin Suitcase on Ryanair?

  • 5

    How Strict Is Ryanair With Hand Luggage?

  • 6

    Best Bags for Ryanair Flights

  • 7

    Ryanair Packing Tips

  • 8

    Final Verdict

  • 9

    FAQs About Ryanair Baggage Allowance
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What Is Ryanair's Hand Luggage Allowance?

Ryanair's hand luggage allowance depends on the ticket you book. Every passenger can bring one small personal bag on board free of charge, while passengers who purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags can also take a larger 10kg cabin bag.

 

The free personal bag must fit under the seat in front of you and can be something like a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. If you need more packing space, upgrading to Priority allows you to bring a second cabin bag that can be stored in the overhead locker.

Luggage Type Maximum Size Weight Limit Included With
Small Personal Bag 40 x 30 x 20cm Must fit under seat All tickets
Large Cabin Bag 55 x 40 x 20cm 10kg Priority & 2 Cabin Bags

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is assuming all airlines use the same cabin baggage rules. Ryanair's free personal bag allowance is smaller than many standard cabin bags, so it's worth checking your luggage dimensions before travelling.

If you're unsure whether your bag qualifies as cabin luggage, our guide to What Is the Size of Cabin Luggage? can help you compare airline baggage requirements before you fly.

For the latest baggage rules and charges, it's always worth checking Ryanair's official Bag Rules page before travelling.

Case Insight: One of the most common mistakes we see is travellers buying a standard cabin suitcase without realising they're flying on a basic Ryanair fare. Always check your ticket type before choosing your luggage.

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What Size Bag Can You Take on Ryanair?

The size of the bag you can take on Ryanair depends on whether you're travelling with the free allowance or have purchased Priority & 2 Cabin Bags .

All passengers can bring one small personal bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm. This bag must fit completely under the seat in front of you and is included with every ticket.

 

If you've purchased Priority, you can also bring a larger cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20cm with a maximum weight of 10kg. This bag is stored in the overhead locker and is similar in size to many standard cabin suitcases.

 

One thing to remember is that Ryanair measures the entire bag, including wheels, handles and external pockets. A suitcase advertised as "cabin size" isn't always guaranteed to meet Ryanair's requirements, particularly for the free personal bag allowance.

Case Insight: We see this all the time. Travellers assume a backpack will qualify as a free personal bag, only to find it's too deep once fully packed. Measuring your bag before you travel can save a lot of stress at the airport.

Bag Type Dimensions Where It Goes
Free Personal Bag 40 x 30 x 20cm Under the seat in front
Priority Cabin Bag 55 x 40 x 20cm Overhead locker
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What Does Priority & 2 Cabin Bags Include?

If you need more than a small underseat bag, Ryanair's Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option gives you extra packing space and a more convenient boarding experience.

With Priority, you're allowed to bring:

  • One small personal bag (up to 40 x 30 x 20cm)
  • One larger cabin bag (up to 55 x 40 x 20cm)
  • A cabin bag weighing up to 10kg
  • Priority boarding

For many travellers, this is the sweet spot between travelling light and paying for checked luggage. The larger cabin bag is ideal for weekend breaks, city escapes and short business trips where you don't need a full-sized suitcase.

What's Included With Priority?

Feature Included With Priority?
Small Personal Bag (40 x 30 x 20cm) ✓ Yes
Large Cabin Bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) ✓ Yes
10kg Weight Allowance ✓ Yes
Priority Boarding ✓ Yes
Check-In Baggage ✗ No

For longer trips, Ryanair also offers a 10kg Check-in Bag. This allows you to travel with a larger bag without purchasing Priority, but the bag must be checked in before security and collected from the baggage carousel at your destination.

Case Insight: Most travellers realise after one trip that a well-packed 55cm cabin suitcase can hold more than expected. For a long weekend or a four-day city break, Priority is often enough to avoid checking a bag altogether.

Whether Priority is worth it depends on how you travel. If you're only taking the essentials, the free personal bag may be enough. If you like having spare outfits, extra shoes or room for shopping on the way home, the additional 10kg cabin bag can make a big difference.

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Can You Take a Cabin Suitcase on Ryanair?

Yes, but only if you've purchased Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or your fare includes a cabin bag allowance.

Your cabin suitcase must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 10kg. The bag will be stored in the overhead locker rather than under the seat in front of you.

This allowance is ideal for short breaks, business trips and anyone who wants to avoid the time and cost of checking a suitcase into the hold.

Many travellers assume any cabin suitcase will be accepted, but airline allowances can vary. It's always worth checking the dimensions of your case before you travel, particularly if you've owned it for several years or bought it for a different airline.

Best Cabin Suitcases for Ryanair Priority Passengers

If you're travelling with Priority, choosing a lightweight cabin case helps you make the most of the 10kg allowance.

Case Insight: One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing on capacity alone. A suitcase might offer plenty of packing space, but if it's too large for Ryanair's cabin allowance, it could end up costing more in airport fees than the suitcase itself.

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Cabin Trolley Spinner Suitcase - Pale Blue With Lobster

The Yvonne Ellen Cabin Trolley Spinner Suitcase is a great choice for Ryanair Priority passengers looking for a lightweight and stylish cabin case. At just 2.51kg with a 39.24L capacity, it offers plenty of packing space while staying within Ryanair's cabin bag dimensions.

Ideal for:

  • Weekend breaks
  • European city breaks
  • Style-conscious travellers
£110.00
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55cm Expandable Carry On Spinner Suitcase - C-Lite

The C-Lite remains one of the most popular cabin suitcases for frequent travellers. Made from lightweight Curv® material, it offers impressive durability while keeping weight to a minimum.

Ideal for:

  • Weekend breaks
  • European city breaks
  • Frequent flyers
£379.00

Is a Cabin Suitcase Better Than a Backpack?

It depends on how you travel.

A cabin suitcase gives you more structured packing space and makes it easier to keep clothes organised. A backpack can be more flexible if you're navigating public transport, cobbled streets or multiple destinations.

For most travellers taking advantage of Ryanair's 10kg cabin bag allowance, a lightweight 55cm spinner suitcase offers the best balance of capacity, organisation and convenience.

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Trolley Backpack - X Travel

Need the flexibility of a backpack with the convenience of wheels? The Bric's X Travel Trolley Backpack offers both. With a 30L capacity, lightweight 2.2kg construction and dimensions that fit within Ryanair's cabin bag allowance, it's a practical choice for travellers who like to stay organised on the move.

Ideal for:

  • Weekend breaks
  • Multi-city trips
  • Travellers who prefer a backpack over a suitcase
£215.00

If you're still comparing cabin luggage sizes, our guide to Best Ryanair Cabin Bags 2026, explains how Ryanair's allowance compares with other popular airlines.
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How Strict Is Ryanair With Hand Luggage?

In short, Ryanair can be very strict when it comes to hand luggage sizes.

Like many low-cost airlines, Ryanair uses baggage allowances to keep fares competitive. If your bag exceeds the permitted dimensions, you could be asked to place it in a luggage sizer at the gate. If it doesn't fit, additional charges may apply.

That's why it's important to check both the size and weight of your luggage before you travel. Remember that measurements include everything, including wheels, handles and external pockets.

What Happens if Your Bag Is Too Big?

If your bag exceeds Ryanair's allowance, staff may require it to be checked into the hold and charge an airport baggage fee.

The exact charge can vary depending on the route and circumstances, but it's almost always more expensive than adding baggage to your booking in advance.

To avoid any surprises:

  • Measure your bag before travelling
  • Check your booking confirmation carefully
  • Avoid overpacking soft bags and backpacks
  • Remember that wheels and handles count towards the overall dimensions

How Does Ryanair Check Bag Sizes?

At many airports, you'll find Ryanair baggage sizers near check-in desks and boarding gates. These metal frames are designed to quickly confirm whether your luggage meets the airline's size requirements.

If your bag fits comfortably inside the sizer, you shouldn't have any issues. If it doesn't, you may be asked to pay additional fees before boarding.

Case Insight: We see this all the time during busy holiday periods. A bag may meet the size requirements when empty, but once it's packed full of clothes and souvenirs, it can easily exceed the allowance. Soft bags and backpacks are especially prone to this.

Is Ryanair Stricter Than Other Airlines?

Many travellers feel Ryanair is stricter than some full-service airlines, particularly when it comes to personal bag allowances.

The free Ryanair personal bag size of 40 x 30 x 20cm is smaller than the cabin baggage allowances offered by many other airlines, which means a little planning can go a long way.

 

The good news is that if you choose the right luggage from the start and stick to the published dimensions, travelling with Ryanair is usually straightforward.

For the latest baggage rules, allowances and fees, it's always worth checking Ryanair's official baggage policy before you fly.

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Best Bags for Ryanair Flights

Choosing the right bag can make travelling with Ryanair much easier. The key is matching your luggage to your ticket type and trip length.

If you're travelling with only the free personal bag allowance, you'll want something compact that maximises every centimetre of space. If you've purchased Priority, a lightweight cabin suitcase can help you make the most of the 10kg allowance without adding unnecessary weight.

Best Backpack for Ryanair

ROKA Zip Top Tote Backpack – Bantry B

The ROKA Bantry B is a practical choice for travellers using Ryanair's free personal bag allowance. Compact enough to fit under the seat while offering plenty of room for travel essentials, it's ideal for short trips and everyday travel.

Size: Under 40 x 30 x 20cm
Ideal for:

  • Weekend breaks
  • City breaks
  • Travelling with the free personal bag allowance

Best Holdall Bag for Ryanair

Bric's Small Holdall – X Bags

Lightweight, stylish and surprisingly spacious, the Bric's X Bags Small Holdall offers a generous 30L capacity while remaining suitable for Ryanair's free personal bag allowance. At just 0.57kg, it leaves plenty of room for your belongings without adding unnecessary weight.

Size: 28 x 43 x 19cm
Weight: 0.57kg
Capacity: 30L

Ideal for:

  • Weekend getaways
  • Short city breaks
  • Travellers looking to maximise the free luggage allowance

Best Cabin Suitcase for Ryanair Priority

Samsonite Upscape 55cm Cabin Spinner

For Priority passengers, the Samsonite Upscape is an excellent cabin suitcase option. Measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm, it perfectly matches Ryanair's cabin bag allowance while offering a generous 39L capacity. At just 2.3kg, it's lightweight enough to help you make the most of the 10kg limit.

Weight: 2.3kg
Capacity: 39L

Ideal for:

  • Weekend breaks
  • European holidays
  • Frequent Ryanair travellers

Case Insight: Most travellers are surprised by how much they can fit into a properly packed 55cm cabin suitcase. With a lightweight case and a few packing cubes, it's often possible to travel for nearly a week without checking a bag.

 

The best luggage isn't necessarily the largest. It's the luggage that fits Ryanair's rules while giving you enough space for the way you travel.

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Ryanair Packing Tips

A little planning can make a big difference when you're flying with Ryanair. Whether you're travelling with a free personal bag or a 10kg cabin suitcase, packing smartly can help you avoid extra fees and make the most of your luggage allowance.

Measure Your Bag Before You Travel

One of the easiest ways to avoid problems at the airport is to check your bag dimensions before you leave home.

Remember that Ryanair measures:

  • Wheels
  • Handles
  • External pockets
  • The fully packed size of the bag

A backpack that fits the allowance when empty may be too large once it's packed.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes help organise your belongings and make it easier to maximise space.

They're particularly useful if you're travelling with:

  • A free personal bag
  • A small backpack
  • A cabin suitcase for a short break

Keeping clothing compressed can create extra room without making your bag bulky.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

If you're travelling during winter or heading somewhere colder, consider wearing heavier items on the flight.

This could include:

  • Coats
  • Boots
  • Hoodies
  • Jumpers

Not only does this save space, but it can also help keep your bag within Ryanair's size limits.

Check Liquids Before You Fly

Airport security rules still apply regardless of your airline.

Liquids, gels and aerosols must usually be carried in containers of 100ml or less and presented separately at security.

 

Before travelling, read our guide to What Can I Take on a Plane? Liquids to Foods for a full breakdown of current airport security rules.

Know What Can and Can't Go in Your Luggage

Many travellers focus on bag size but forget about packing restrictions.

Before your trip, it's worth checking:

  • What can and can't go in hand luggage
  • What can and can't go in a suitcase
  • Rules for batteries, electronics and toiletries

Getting caught at security can be just as frustrating as arriving with an oversized bag.

Book Additional Luggage in Advance

If you think you'll need extra luggage, it's usually cheaper to add it before travelling rather than paying fees at the airport.

 

This is especially important during peak holiday periods when flights are busy and baggage allowances are checked more frequently.

Case Insight: One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to squeeze a week's worth of packing into a bag that's simply too small. Choosing the right luggage before you travel is often cheaper and less stressful than paying additional baggage charges later.

With the right bag and a little preparation, travelling with Ryanair can be straightforward, affordable and surprisingly stress-free.

 

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Final Verdict

Ryanair's hand luggage rules are straightforward once you know what's included with your ticket. Every passenger can bring one small personal bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, while Priority passengers can also take a larger 10kg cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20cm.

The key is choosing luggage that matches your booking and checking the dimensions before you travel. Ryanair is known for enforcing its baggage rules, so taking a few minutes to measure your bag can help you avoid unnecessary fees at the airport.

For short breaks, many travellers find that a well-packed cabin suitcase and personal bag provide more than enough space without needing checked baggage. If you're travelling with only the free allowance, a compact backpack designed around Ryanair's dimensions can make all the difference.

Whether you're heading away for a weekend city break, a business trip or a summer holiday, the right luggage helps you travel with confidence and avoid costly surprises.

Shop at Ryanair Luggage at Case

FAQs About Ryanair Baggage Allowance

Is Ryanair hand luggage free?

Yes. Every Ryanair passenger can bring one small personal bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm free of charge. 

The bag must fit under the seat in front of you.

Can I take a backpack on Ryanair?

Yes, provided it fits within your luggage allowance. For standard tickets, the backpack must not exceed 40 x 30 x 20cm and must fit under the seat in front of you.

What happens if my Ryanair bag is too big?

If your bag exceeds Ryanair's size limits, it may need to be placed in the hold and you could be charged an airport baggage fee. It's usually much cheaper to add luggage before you travel than at the airport.

How strict is Ryanair with hand luggage?

Ryanair can check bag sizes at the airport and may ask passengers to place luggage in a baggage sizer. If your bag exceeds the permitted dimensions, additional charges may apply.

Is Ryanair Priority worth it?

For many travellers, yes. Priority allows you to bring an additional 10kg cabin bag, making it ideal for weekend breaks, business trips and short holidays without checked luggage.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Simiran Gataora. I manage customer service, e-commerce admin, and social media at Case, helping customers find luggage that genuinely works for the way they travel. 

 

What started with a blog about petite suitcases quickly turned into a real love for writing, practical travel advice, and the details that make luggage easier to live with. I enjoy sharing honest, helpful advice on everything from airline rules to suitcase features, always keeping it clear, useful, and never too salesy.

 

I travel too, so I know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to luggage. Whether it’s a tote bag for a weekend away or a lightweight check-in case for a longer trip, I’m always looking for what genuinely works, especially as someone petite. 

 

Chances are, I’m probably still checking airline baggage rules or noticing suitcases wherever I go.

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