Ryanair cabin baggage rules: hand luggage, checked bags & liquids
Everything you need to know about Ryanair cabin baggage rules, carry-on limits, checked baggage allowances and airport liquid restrictions before you travel.
Ryanair's baggage rules are straightforward once you understand how the airline's different baggage options work.
Unlike many full-service airlines, Ryanair's standard fare only includes one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Larger cabin bags and checked baggage must usually be purchased separately or included through Priority Boarding or selected fare bundles.
This guide explains Ryanair's cabin baggage allowances, Priority Boarding benefits, checked baggage options, airport liquid rules and the charges that can apply if your luggage exceeds the airline's published limits.
Whether you're travelling with hand luggage only or checking bags for a longer trip, understanding the rules before you travel can help you avoid unnecessary airport fees and delays.
Before looking at the detailed baggage allowances below, we've highlighted the four mistakes that most commonly catch Ryanair passengers out. Spending just a minute checking these before you travel could save both time and money at the airport.
If you're travelling with cabin baggage only, compact, airport-compliant travel toiletries can also help you pack more efficiently while staying within both Ryanair's baggage rules and UK airport security requirements.
Free Cabin Bag Size
40 × 30 × 20 cm
Fits under the seat
Included with every fare
Checked Baggage Allowance
10kg • 20kg • 23kg
Multiple options available
Maximum 32kg per bag
Additional Baggage Fees
From £9.49*
Cheaper when booked online
Prices vary by route and season
*Subject to availability and route.
Key Ryanair Baggage Tips
Only one small personal bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) is included with every Ryanair fare unless you've purchased Priority Boarding or a qualifying fare bundle.
Measure your bag including wheels and handles before travelling to avoid unexpected gate charges.
Priority Boarding allows you to bring a second, larger cabin bag (up to 10kg) that is stored in the overhead locker.
Soft bags can make it easier to maximise the 40 × 30 × 20 cm personal bag allowance.
Oversized or non-compliant cabin bags may be placed in the hold and charged at the airport.
Purchasing cabin or checked baggage online is usually cheaper than paying airport prices.
Ryanair offers 10kg, 20kg and selected 23kg checked baggage options depending on your booking and route.
Keep passports, medication, valuables and electronic devices in your cabin bag rather than checked baggage.
Pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less and follow airport security screening requirements.
Always check your booking confirmation carefully, as cabin baggage and checked baggage allowances depend on the fare and any optional extras you've purchased.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Ryanair baggage allowance by fare type
Your Ryanair ticket type determines how many bags you can bring in the cabin and in the hold. All fares include a cabin bag and a small personal item, while checked baggage depends on your fare.
Standard Fare
Priority Boarding
1 small personal bag included
40 × 30 × 20 cm - Fits under the seat
No larger cabin bag included
Unless purchased separately
No checked baggage included - Available as an optional extra
Best for:
Short trips and light packers
1 small personal bag included
40 × 30 × 20 cm - Fits under the seat
1 cabin bag included
55 × 40 × 20 cm - Up to 10kg
No checked baggage included - Available as an optional extra
Best for:
Hand luggage only travel
Fare with Baggage
1 small personal bag included
40 × 30 × 20 cm - Fits under the seat
1 cabin bag included
55 × 40 × 20 cm - Up to 10kg
Checked baggage included - Allowance depends on fare purchased
Best for:
Trips requiring check baggage
Checked baggage with Ryanair: what you need to know
Unlike many full-service airlines, checked baggage is not included with Ryanair's standard fare. Passengers can add checked baggage during booking or afterwards through Manage My Booking, with prices varying according to route, travel dates and demand.
Ryanair typically offers checked baggage options of 10kg, 20kg and, on selected fares or bookings, 23kg, allowing travellers to choose an allowance that best suits their trip.
Purchasing checked baggage online before travelling is usually significantly cheaper than paying airport baggage fees, making it worthwhile to book your baggage in advance whenever possible.
Each checked bag must comply with Ryanair's published size and weight limits. No individual checked bag may weigh more than 32kg, in line with international airport handling regulations, and excess baggage charges may apply if your allowance is exceeded.
For shorter trips, many passengers choose to travel with cabin baggage only, avoiding checked baggage charges altogether while reducing time spent at bag drop and baggage reclaim.
Before you travel, always check the baggage allowance shown on your booking confirmation, as the baggage included depends on the fare and any optional extras you've purchased.
Ryanair Airways cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Ryanair's cabin baggage rules go beyond bag size and weight. Understanding what you can and cannot take in your hand luggage helps avoid delays at airport security and unexpected problems at the gate.
All liquids carried in cabin baggage must comply with airport security regulations. Liquid containers must be 100ml or smaller and fit inside a single transparent, resealable liquids bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
This includes toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, skincare products, cosmetics and other liquid, gel or aerosol items.
In addition to your permitted cabin baggage, passengers may also carry certain essential personal items where permitted under Ryanair's conditions and airport security rules. Medical equipment, baby food and mobility aids are generally accommodated where required.
Restricted items, including sharp objects, flammable materials and other dangerous goods, are not permitted in cabin baggage. These restrictions are set by aviation security regulations and apply regardless of which airline you are flying.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are specifically designed around airport liquid restrictions, helping travellers pack efficiently while complying with Ryanair's cabin baggage rules.
Passengers should also remember that Ryanair staff may check cabin baggage sizes before boarding. Bags that exceed the permitted dimensions or allowances may be placed in the hold and incur additional charges.
Common Ryanair cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
Packing liquids larger than 100ml inside cabin baggage
Assuming a larger cabin bag is included with every Ryanair fare
Exceeding Ryanair's cabin baggage size limits
Forgetting to include wheels and handles when measuring bags
Purchasing baggage at the airport instead of online
Packing prohibited items inside cabin baggage
Arriving without checking the baggage allowance shown on your booking
Assuming airport security rules differ between airlines
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cabin bag is included with a Ryanair fare?
All Ryanair fares include one small personal bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you. A larger cabin bag is only included if you've purchased Priority Boarding or a qualifying fare.
2. What size is Ryanair's cabin bag allowance?
Your free personal bag must not exceed 40 × 30 × 20 cm. Passengers travelling with Priority Boarding may also bring one cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm weighing up to 10kg.
3. Does Ryanair allow two cabin bags?
Yes, but only if your booking includes Priority Boarding or another fare that includes a larger cabin bag. Standard fares include just one small personal bag.
4. How strict is Ryanair with cabin bag sizes?
Ryanair is known for enforcing its cabin baggage limits. Bags that exceed the permitted size or allowance may be checked into the hold and additional airport charges may apply.
5. What liquids can I take in Ryanair hand luggage?
Liquids must comply with airport security regulations. Containers must hold 100ml or less and fit inside a single transparent, resealable liquids bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
6. What checked baggage options does Ryanair offer?
Ryanair offers several checked baggage options, typically including 10kg, 20kg and, on selected bookings, 23kg allowances. Availability depends on your fare and booking.
7. Is it cheaper to buy baggage online?
Yes. Purchasing cabin or checked baggage before travelling is usually much cheaper than adding it at the airport.
8. Can I take duty-free shopping on board Ryanair?
Yes. Duty-free purchases are generally permitted in addition to your cabin baggage, provided they comply with airport security requirements and fit within Ryanair's boarding rules.
9. Can I travel with cabin baggage only on Ryanair?
Yes. Many passengers choose to travel with just the free personal bag or a cabin bag included with Priority Boarding, helping to avoid checked baggage charges and speed up their journey.
10. What happens if my Ryanair cabin bag is too large?
If your cabin bag exceeds Ryanair's permitted size or allowance, it may be placed in the aircraft hold and you may be required to pay an additional baggage charge before boarding.