Ryanair Baggage Guide 2025 - Everything You Need To Know

Flying with Ryanair soon?

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or boarding for the first time, navigating the airline’s baggage rules can feel confusing and unclear.

From hand luggage dimensions to checked bag weight limits and liquid restrictions, it’s natural to feel unsure while preparing for your journey.

In this guide, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about flying with Ryanair in 2025 - so you can pack smart and travel stress-free.

Ryanair 2025

Hand Luggage And Carry-On Bags

Your hand luggage is essential for a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Make sure you're well-prepared by fully understanding Ryanair’s Cabin Bag policy.

This includes their specific terminology, what items you can bring onboard for free and what could incur additional costs.

Let’s now dive into everything you need to know.

Ryanair Cabin Baggage - Explained

Ryanair refers to hand luggage as: Personal Items and Cabin Baggage.

This is the luggage you are allowed to bring onboard and store within the airplane cabin, either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments, giving you access to your belongings both in the departure lounge and during the flight.

Both Personal Items and Cabin Baggage must be passed through security checks before boarding your Ryanair flight.

How Many Cabin Bags Am I Allowed?

The maximum number of bags allowed to be taken on board a Ryanair flight (subject to the Fare or Bundle purchased) is Two.

The full Cabin Baggage allowance (permitted with a qualified fare or booking) must always be brought on as a combination of two different types of Cabin Bag – each with its own size limit and storage guidelines:

• x1 - Small Cabin Bag (free of charge)
• x1 - Large Cabin Bag (10kg) (available to book for an additional fee)

Ryanair does not permit you to bring Two Cabin Bags of the same size in the cabin.

Cabin Bag Allowance - By Fare

Cabin Bag allowance depends on your chosen Ryanair Fare Bundle or any additional upgrades you may have purchased (such as Priority Boarding).

Ryanair Fares and Bundles offer different luggage allowances, including some combinations of both Cabin and Hold Bags.

Make sure to select the Fare or Bundle most suitable for your trip – and purchase a Priority Upgrade if a Large Cabin Bag is required (limited to 100 spaces per flight).

• Value Fare - x1 Small Cabin Bag

• Regular Fare Bundle - x1 Small Cabin Bag + x1 Large Cabin Bag (10kg)

• Plus Fare Bundle - x1 Small Cabin Bag

The Plus Fare Bundle also includes: x1 - 20kg Hold Bag (But No Large Cabin Bag).

• Flexi Plus Fare - x1 Small Cabin Bag + x1 Large Cabin Bag (10kg)

Passengers traveling with a Value Fare or Plus Fare Bundle can enhance their carry-on baggage allowance by upgrading to Priority Boarding

This upgrade allows you to bring the maximum permitted Cabin Bag allowance on board and includes the added benefit of Priority Queue boarding. However, it is subject to availability.

If Priority Boarding is Sold Out, you can still add a 10kg bag to your booking, but you’ll need to drop it off at the airport check-in desk before proceeding through security.

Ryanair Fare Bundle	Small Cabin Bag	Large Cabin Bag (10kg)
Value	✓	✗
Regular	✓	✓
Plus	✓	✗
Flexi Plus	✓	✓

Ryanair | Small Cabin Bags - Explained

What Is A Small Cabin Bag?

Ryanair’s complimentary hand luggage allowance for all passengers, sometimes referred to as a Small Personal Bag / Item, provides convenient access to your belongings, travel documents, and in-flight essentials.

A Small Cabin Bag is ideal for short trips, light travel, or budget travelers.

What Are The Size Dimensions Of Ryanair’s Small Cabin Bag?

Ryanair’s Small Cabin Bag (or personal bag) maximum size dimensions are:

40 x 20 x 25 cm (typically: height x depth x width), including any handles and wheels.

The bag's orientation may affect how it fits, but it must remain within these dimensions to meet Ryanair’s allowance.

Small Cabin Bag Weight Allowance

Ryanair does not state a weight restriction for a Small Cabin Bag.

While it is not routinely weighed, your Small Cabin Bag may be subject to weight checks if it appears too heavy or oversized.

Can I Bring More Than One Small Cabin Bag?

No, a maximum of One Small Cabin Bag per person is permitted on board Ryanair flights, regardless of your Fare or Bundle.

Will I Be Charged For Bringing A Small Cabin Bag?

No, every passenger is permitted to bring One Small Cabin Bag onboard at no cost, included with your Ryanair airline ticket as standard

You will not be charged as long as your Small Cabin Bag fits within the specified size limits: 40 x 20 x 25 cm, including any handles and wheels.

Where Can I Store My Small Cabin Bag?

On a Ryanair flight, a Small Cabin Bag must fit and be kept under the seat in front of you.

What Is An Example Of A Small Cabin Bag?

Providing it is within the specified size of 40 x 20 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels):

Some miniature suitcases, a very compact travel bag, handbag, rucksack or laptop bag are suitable luggage examples which can be used for a Small Cabin Bag on Ryanair flights.

What Can I Put In A Small Cabin Bag?

• Essential clothing for a short trip.
• A jacket or an additional layer.
• Toiletries and cosmetics.
• Your laptop or tablet for work or entertainment
• Personal belongings and accessories.
• Travel documents.
• Snacks.

Important Note

The only bag permitted on board with a Ryanair Value Fare or Plus Fare Bundle is the Small Cabin Bag.

Therefore, if you do not choose to book a Large Cabin Bag, any accessory bags, personal items (such as handbags, laptops or duty-free purchases) must fit inside this bag.

Ensure your Small Cabin Bag complies with the specified size limits to avoid additional fees or the inconvenience of having to check it in at the gate.

Ryanair | Large Cabin Bags - Explained

What Is A Large Cabin Bag?

Ryanair's optional overhead hand luggage allowance for additional baggage or extra space.

It can be booked when purchasing your flight reservation as part of a Regular or Flexi Fare package. Alternatively, a Large Cabin Bag can be added by upgrading to Priority Boarding status before you travel.

Large Cabin Bags can be taken through security and brought on board. Providing packing flexibility for longer trips and access to your personal belongings, travel documents and in-flight essentials.

Who Can Bring A Large Cabin Bag?

• Value Fare passengers who have purchased a Large Cabin Bag online.
• Regular Fare Bundle passengers.
• Plus Fare Bundle passengers who have purchased a Large Cabin Bag online.
• Flexi Plus passengers.

All Ryanair passengers can book a Large Cabin Bag online by upgrading to Priority Boarding (subject to availability).

Who Can’t Bring A Large Cabin Bag?

• Value Fare and Plus Fare Bundle passengers who have not purchased a Large Cabin Bag online (by upgrading to Priority Boarding).

How Much Does A Large Cabin Bag Cost?

For Value Fare and Plus Fare Bundle passengers, a Large Cabin Bag can be purchased:

• At The Time Of Booking: €6 - €36
• Post Booking / At The Airport: €20 - €60

The cost depends on the booking time and route.

Passengers with a Regular Fare, Flexi Plus Fare, or Ryanair Priority automatically have a Large Cabin Bag included at no additional cost to the original reservation fee.

How Many Large Cabin Bags Am I Allowed?

A maximum of One Large Cabin Bag per person is permitted on board Ryanair flights for:

• Value Fare passengers who have purchased a Large Cabin Bag online.
• Regular Fare Bundle passengers.
• Plus Fare Bundle passengers who have purchased a Large Cabin Bag online.
• Flexi Plus passengers.

What Size Is A Large Cabin Bag?

Ryanair’s Large Cabin Bag maximum size dimensions are:

55 x 40 x 20 cm (typically height x width x depth), including handles and wheels.

What Is The Weight Allowance For A Large Cabin Bag?

Ryanair's Large Cabin Bag maximum weight limit is 10kg.

Can I Bring A Small And Large Cabin Bag?

You can bring on board both One Small and One Large Cabin Bag if:

• You have purchased a Large Cabin Bag online (by upgrading to Priority Boarding)
• You have booked a Ryanair Regular Fare Bundle.
• You have booked a Ryanair Flexi Plus Fare Bundle.

Will I Be Charged For Bringing A Large Cabin Bag?

If you have purchased a Large Cabin Bag online (by upgrading to Priority Boarding), booked a Regular Fare Bundle or a Flexi Plus Fare Bundle - you will not be charged for the bag.

Providing it is within the size and weight limits. Otherwise, you will be charged at the gate.

Where Can I Store A Large Cabin Bag?

Ryanair's Large Cabin Bags must be kept in an overhead locker for the duration of your flight, except for accessing belongings, when permitted to do so.

What Is An Example Of A Large Cabin Bag?

Providing it is within the specified size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels), a trolley case, small suitcase, compact travel bag or large rucksack are suitable luggage examples which can be used for a Large Cabin Bag on Ryanair flights.

Important Note:

Ryanair's Large Cabin Bag allocation is limited. It is available only for Priority Boarding and Flexi Plus passengers.

If the option to upgrade to Priority Boarding sells out, you will need to check in your 10kg additional luggage bag instead.

Additional Items

Ryanair permits a few additional items onboard:

• Your duty-free shopping bag is allowed along with your Cabin Bag(s).
• Passengers with reduced mobility can bring two pieces of mobility equipment and any necessary medical equipment on board free of charge.

Ryanair Cabin Baggage Fees

Ryanair will apply additional fees if you bring Cabin Bags to the departure gate which do not meet their requirements:

• Oversized Small Cabin Bag: Exceeding 40 x 20 x 25 cm.
• Oversized Large Cabin Bag: Exceeding 55cm x 40cm x 20 cm.
• Non-purchased Large Cabin Bags: Brought to the gate without pre-payment or the appropriate ticket status.

Consequences: Such items will be placed in the hold, incurring a Fee of €70 - €75 (plus VAT for domestic flights).

Non-Priority passengers who have not pre-added a bag can still purchase a 10kg Check-in Bag at the Airport Bag Drop Desk or Boarding Gate. The cost ranges from €35.99 - €60.

How Strict Are Ryanair's Baggage Rules?

A Word On Ryanair’s Strictness

Ryanair is known for strictly enforcing its Cabin Bag sizing policy. All cabin bags are subject to checks before boarding, though enforcement may vary depending on the airport.

How To Measure Your Cabin Bags

To avoid unexpected fees or disruption to boarding smoothly, here are some practical methods to ensure your Small or Large Cabin Bag meets Ryanair's requirements:

Use Ryanair’s Self-Service Baggage Gauges

Available at most airports, usually located near the check-in desks or boarding gates. These official size gauges are the most accurate way to verify your Cabin Bag’s compliance with Ryanair’s restrictions.

Individual gauges are available for testing both Small and Large Cabin Bags.

How It Works:

1. Place your bag into the appropriate gauge slot for either Small or Large Cabin Bags.
2. If it fits without forcing, your bag is good to go.
3. If it doesn't fit, consider checking your bag into the hold.

Digital Measurement Applications

For extra precaution, consider verifying your Cabin Bag dimensions well before you head to the airport by using a smartphone bag measurement app such as:

• Kayak

How To Use:

1. Download the application from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the application on your device.
3. Scroll down and select: “Measure your bag”.
4. Read the instruction steps provided.
5. Position your bag in a clear, well-lit location and select: “Get Started”.
6. Point the camera at your bag from a short distance.
7. Press and hold the button to start scanning your bag.
8. Ensure you capture the top and sides of the bag.
9. Wait for the app to calculate your dimensions.
10. Cross-reference your bag size with the Ryanair dimensions.

Note: While these apps can give you a rough estimate, they aren’t as precise as physical measurements or Ryanair's official baggage gauge. Use them as a guide, not a definitive solution.

Taking Liquids Onboard

You can bring liquids, gels and aerosols in your Cabin Bag(s). However, there are specific restrictions on the quantity, container size and how these items must be stored when passing through security. Here's everything you need to know:

What is Defined as a 'Liquid'?

Liquids include a wide range of items, such as:

• All drinks, including water.
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, like soup, jam, honey, and syrups.
• Cosmetics and toiletries, such as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, and lip gloss.
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray, and spray deodorants.
• Pastes, such as toothpaste.
• Gels, including hair and shower gel.
• Contact lens solution.
• Other items with a similar liquid or semi-liquid consistency.

What Size Container Do My Liquids Need To Be In?

Each individual liquid container must hold 100ml or less.

Larger containers, even if partially filled, are not permitted through security.

How Much Liquid Can I Bring In Total?

Each passenger is allowed to carry a maximum liquid volume of 1,000ml (1 litre) through security, in individual containers of up to 100 ml.

How Should I Pack My Liquids?

• All liquid containers must fit into a single transparent, resealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm.
• The bag must be easily sealed and presented separately during security checks.
• Passengers are limited to One liquid bag per person.

Can I Purchase Liquids In The Departure Lounge?

Yes, additional liquids can be purchased after passing through security. Items bought in the departure lounge are not subject to the same restrictions.

Are Any Liquid Containers Allowed To Be More Than 100ml?

Certain liquid containers larger than 100ml are allowed through security under specific conditions:

• Essential medical purposes.
• Special dietary requirements.
• Baby food or baby milk.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free security check experience.

Prohibited, Restricted And Unusual Items

If you’re unsure whether a particular item is allowed on board, Ryanair provides a detailed breakdown of prohibited and restricted items in their Help Centre.

Traveling with a musical instrument?

Whether it’s a guitar, violin, or other delicate instrument, Ryanair allows you to bring it along on your flight.

You can carry any music equipment with you onboard as long as it fits within your Cabin Bag allowance.

For smaller music equipment like guitars or violins that exceed your cabin baggage dimensions, you can opt to pay an extra seat fare for it.

To do this, you must purchase an extra flight ticket and seat. To book this extra seat, the word EXTRA must be entered as the first name, and ITEM SEAT must be entered as the surname.

If your equipment does not fit in your Cabin Bag allowance and you do not wish to purchase an extra seat, you can choose to check it in against payment of a fee.

Cabin Bag Solutions For Ryanair Travellers

Vagari’s premium bags are tailored to fit perfectly within Ryanair’s Small and Large Cabin Bag requirements - while ensuring style, functionality and a smooth travel experience.

Explore our range of cabin-friendly luggage, portable bags and travel accessories - thoughtfully crafted with smart packing solutions, travel hacks and features for effortless carrying and transport.

Lisbon Weekender

THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR SHORT TRIPS

• Ryanair Small and Large Cabin Bag Compliant
• Fits perfectly under the seat
• Suitcase trolley sleeve
• Exterior passport pocket
• Spacious and organized interior
• Detachable shoulder strap

Shop | Lisbon

Vienna Travel Laptop Bag

MADE FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

• Ryanair Small and Large Cabin Bag Compliant
• Fits perfectly under the seat
• Dedicated laptop protection
• Spacious clothing compartment
• Netted section
• Suitcase trolley sleeve

Shop | Vienna

Cali Laptop Backpack

A MASTERCLASS IN ORGANISATION

• Small and Large Cabin Bag Compliant
• Fits perfectly under the seat
• Dedicated laptop protection
• Suitcase handle strap
• Ultra-padded cloud straps
• Organised interior compartments
• Hidden exterior pocket

Shop | Cali

London Sling Bag

AIRPORT TRAVEL'S SECRET WEAPON

• Three external pockets
• Dedicated phone compartment
• Hands-free convenience
• Fits discreetly inside your jacket or coat
• Adjustable strap

Shop | London

Copenhagen Toiletry Bag

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL WASH BAG

• Convenient hanging hook
• Waterproof interior
• Organized sections
• Two compartments
• Accessories pocket

Shop | Copenhagen

Monaco Passport Wallet

TRAVEL SMART AND SECURE

• Equipped with RFID-blocking technology
• Secure Passport holder
• Spacious compartments
• Dedicated slots for up to 4 cards

Shop | Monaco

Sneaky Traveller Tip (Use at Your Own Risk)

If your allowance only includes the Small Cabin Bag, bringing an additional item like the London Sling Bag could technically incur extra fees.

However, here are a few clever tricks for avoiding detection:

Conceal the Sling Bag

The London Sling Bag is compact enough to be discreetly worn under a coat or jacket. When worn this way, it’s often overlooked by airline staff.

Use Ryanair’s Small Print

Ryanair’s baggage policy allows passengers to bring one standard bag of goods purchased at the airport. To stay within the rules:

1. Place the London Sling Bag inside a duty-free carrier bag from an airport shop.
2. Carry it onboard as if it were a purchase.

Disclaimer: These tips are provided for informational purposes only. Always double-check the latest airline policies, as attempting to bypass rules may carry risks, including fees.

Ryanair 2025

Checked-in Baggage

For longer trips or when you need to carry larger, bulkier belongings, Ryanair’s Checked-in Baggage options provide a suitable solution.

Whether you're traveling in a group or heading on a long break, understanding the rules and options for checking baggage will help you pack efficiently and avoid surprises at the airport.

Ryanair Checked-In Baggage – Explained

Ryanair refers to hold luggage as: Checked-In Baggage.

This is luggage you check in at the airline’s bag-drop counter when you arrive at the airport, before passing through security.

It will not be accessible during the flight, and you will collect it at the luggage carousel after customs on arrival.

How Many Check-In Bags Can I Put In The Hold?

Ryanair passengers are allowed to purchase a maximum of:

• 1 x 10kg Check-in Bag
• 3 x 20kg Check-in bags

A total of Four Checked Bags are permitted if the maximum allowance of each weight is selected.

Checked-In Baggage Weight Allowance

Ryanair offers Two Checked-in Baggage weight options:

• 10kg Check-in Bag
• 20kg Check-in Bag

Passengers can purchase up to 3 Checked Bags of 20kg on their booking, but only 1 x 10kg bag.

What Is Pooling Weight Allowance?

Pooling weight allowance refers to the ability of passengers traveling under the same flight reservation to combine their individual baggage weight allowances.

Instead of each person being restricted to their own allocated weight, passengers can distribute the total allowance among their bags, as long as certain conditions are met.

For example, if you have 2 x 20kg Check-in Bags (40kg total) on your booking, one bag could weigh 15kg, while the other could weigh 25kg.

However, no single Checked Bag can weigh more than 32kg.

How Much Does Hold Luggage Cost?

The cost of Checked-in Baggage with Ryanair depends on the weight of your bag, route, flight and when you make your booking.

The total cost considers the combined number of Checked Bags.

10kg Checked Bag Price (Maximum of One)

• At the Time of Booking: €9.49 - €44.99
• Post Booking / At the Airport: €23.99 - €44.99

20kg Checked Bag Price (Maximum of Three)

• At the Time of Booking: €18.99 - €59.99 (per flight)
• Post Booking / At the Airport: €39.99 - €59.99 (per flight)

Excess Checked-In Baggage Weight (up to 32kg – airport only)

• €12 per extra kilo
• Ryanair does not accept any individual items exceeding 32kg

Can I Purchase Extra Checked-In Baggage Weight?

You can book a maximum of 3 x 20kg Checked Bags and 1 x 10kg Checked-in Bag online.

However, there is no option to pre-book additional weight beyond this limit (at most Ryanair airports).

You can still purchase additional weight for Checked-in Baggage, but it would be via the Excess Weight Fee, at the Airport.

The cost is €12 per extra kilogram, up to a maximum weight of 32kg (per bag).

Size Restrictions for Checked-In Baggage

Ryanair's Checked-In Baggage maximum size dimensions for each weight category are:

• 10kg Check-in Bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
• 20kg Check-in Bag: 80 x 120 x 120 cm

Smart Bags – Explained

What Are Smart Bags?

Smart Bags are luggage equipped with built-in lithium batteries or power banks, often used to charge devices or power features like GPS tracking or electronic locks. These batteries are subject to safety regulations due to potential risks.

If you plan to travel with smart luggage, these are the rules to be aware of when flying with Ryanair:

Checked-In Smart Bags

Smart Bags can be checked into the hold of the aircraft, but:

• You must remove the lithium battery before handing the bag over at the bag-drop desk or boarding gate.
• You must carry the battery with you on the plane.

Carry-On Smart Bags

You can bring a Smart Bag as carry-on baggage, but:

• Before storing it in the overhead locker, you must remove the lithium battery.
• The battery must stay with you at all times during the flight.

Important Note: Bags with non-removable lithium batteries are not permitted as checked or carry-on luggage under Ryanair’s safety policy.

Bag Drop Information

Ryanair Bag Drop desks open at least 2 Hours before the scheduled flight departure time and close 40 Minutes before departure (unless notified otherwise).

To ensure a smooth journey, you are advised to check in your baggage as early as possible.

Sports Equipment

Ryanair allows each passenger to carry one piece of sports equipment, which can be Checked-in or, in some cases, carried onboard (with specific requirements).

Small Sports Equipment

Examples include:

• Golf clubs, skis and boots, snowboards, diving equipment, paragliders, and pole vaults (up to 450cm).
• Maximum weight: 20kg
• Online Price: £37
• Airport Price: £47

Large Sports Equipment

Examples include:

• Bicycles (with specific criteria), canoes, kayaks, windsurfers, surfboards, and hang gliders.
• Maximum weight: 32kg
• Online Price: £45
• Airport Price: £57

A maximum of 6 large items can be booked online for a single booking, regardless of the number of passengers.

Carrying Sports Equipment Onboard

You can carry sports equipment onboard if it fits within your Cabin Baggage allowance.

If it exceeds the Cabin Baggage size limit but fits safely in the seat without obstructing other passengers, you can book an extra seat for the item.

To book an extra seat, enter EXTRA as the first name and ITEM SEAT as the surname. You will need to purchase an additional flight ticket for this extra seat.

Checked Sports Equipment

If your sports equipment does not fit within your cabin baggage allowance and you do not want to book an extra seat, you can check it in as Checked-In Baggage for the applicable fee.

If your sports equipment exceeds the weight limit (e.g., bicycles exceeding 20kg, with a 30kg max for bikes), you will be charged the applicable excess baggage fee per kilogram.