Ryanair Cabin Baggage & Hand Luggage Allowance
Everything you need to know about Ryanair cabin baggage rules, carry-on limits and how to pack efficiently for hand luggage only travel.
Ryanair's baggage rules are straightforward once you understand how the airline's different baggage options work.
The biggest mistake passengers make is assuming that every ticket includes a cabin suitcase, when in most cases only a small underseat bag is included unless you've purchased Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or another qualifying option.
This guide explains Ryanair's free cabin bag allowance, Priority baggage, checked baggage options, airport liquid rules and the charges that can apply if your luggage doesn't meet the airline's requirements.
Whether you're travelling with hand luggage only or planning a longer trip with checked baggage, you'll find everything you need to pack confidently and avoid unnecessary airport fees.
Before looking at the detailed baggage allowances below, we've highlighted the four mistakes that most commonly catch Ryanair passengers out. Spending a minute checking these before you travel could save both time and money at the airport.
If you only need cabin baggage, travelling with compact, cabin-approved toiletries can also help you pack more efficiently while staying within both Ryanair's baggage limits and UK airport security rules.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
What catches passengers out on Ryanair?
Ryanair's baggage rules are straightforward once you understand them, but most extra charges happen because travellers assume Ryanair works like other airlines. These are the mistakes that most often lead to unexpected fees.
Your free bag is smaller than many people expect
Only one small bag measuring 40 × 30 × 20cm is included with a standard ticket. A cabin suitcase is only included if you add Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or another qualifying option.
Wheels and handles count
Measure your bag including wheels, handles, side pockets and any bulging sections. A bag that looks close to the limit can still be oversized at the gate.
Airport baggage fees cost more
If you know you need extra baggage, add it online before you travel. Buying or correcting baggage at the airport is usually the most expensive option.
Liquids still follow airport security rules
Ryanair’s baggage rules do not replace UK airport liquid rules. Liquids, gels, creams and sprays still need to be in containers of 100ml or less.
Pack for Ryanair with confidence
Ryanair at a Glance
Free Cabin Bag Size
40 × 30 × 20 cm
Fits under the seat
Included on all fares
Checked Baggage Fees
From £9.49
Lower prices when booked online
Fees vary by route and season
Checked Baggage Fees
10kg • 20kg • 23kg
Multiple options available
Up to 32kg per bag maximum
Key Ryanair Baggage Tips
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Only one small underseat bag is included free of charge unless Priority is purchased.
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Measure bags including wheels and handles before travelling.
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Priority & 2 Cabin Bags adds a second 10kg cabin suitcase stored in the overhead locker.
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Soft bags can make it easier to maximise the 40 × 30 × 20cm allowance.
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Oversized bags at the gate can result in additional charges.
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Booking checked baggage online is usually cheaper than paying airport prices.
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Ryanair offers 10kg, 20kg and 23kg checked baggage options depending on your trip.
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Keep passports, medication and valuables in your cabin bag rather than checked baggage.
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Liquids carried through airport security should remain in containers of 100ml or less.
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Travelling with cabin baggage only can help avoid extra baggage fees and speed up boarding.
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Families and groups should check baggage allowances carefully, as purchased baggage may not automatically apply to every passenger.
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Always check your booking confirmation, as Priority and checked baggage are optional extras rather than standard inclusions.
Ryanair baggage allowance by ticket type
Your Ryanair ticket type determines whether you can bring a cabin suitcase or only a small underseat bag.
LowFare (Basic)
Small cabin bag
(40 × 30 × 20 cm)
No overhead cabin bag included
Checked baggage not included
Best for:
Short trips or minimal packing
Priority & 2 Bag
Small cabin bag
(40 × 30 × 20 cm)
Checked baggage not included
Best for:
Hand luggage only travel with more space
Flex / Plus
Small cabin bag
(40 × 30 × 20 cm)
Carry-on suitcase
(55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10kg)
Checked bag included
(varies by fare)
Best for:
Longer trips or flexible travel
Carry-on suitcase
(55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10kg)
Checked baggage with Ryanair: what you need to know
Ryanair checked baggage is optional on most fares, with charges depending on your route, travel dates and when you add your bag. LowFare tickets do not include checked baggage, while higher fares such as Flex may include one or more checked bags.
Passengers can typically choose between 10kg, 20kg and 23kg checked baggage options.
Prices are significantly cheaper when booked online in advance, with airport fees often much higher. Planning ahead is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary costs.
Each checked bag must meet Ryanair’s size and weight limits, and excess baggage charges apply if these are exceeded. As a guide, individual bags must not exceed 32kg, and total checked baggage across all bags is capped.
For shorter trips, many travellers choose to avoid checked baggage altogether and travel with hand luggage only.
This not only reduces cost but also speeds up airport arrival, security and baggage reclaim.
Liquids, additional items and restricted items
Ryanair cabin baggage rules go beyond size and weight. Understanding what you can and cannot take in your hand luggage helps avoid delays at airport security.
Liquids in hand luggage must follow standard airport security rules. Each liquid container must be 100ml or less, and all liquids must fit within a single transparent, resealable bag (typically up to 1 litre in total).
This includes toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, skincare, shampoo and cosmetics.
In addition to your cabin baggage allowance, Ryanair allows passengers to bring certain extra items on board.
This can include airport purchases, a small handbag or essential items such as medication and baby supplies. However, all items must still fit within your allocated space and comply with security rules.
Restricted items are not permitted in cabin baggage, including certain sharp objects, large liquids, and items considered hazardous.
These rules are enforced at airport security rather than by the airline itself, so they apply regardless of your ticket type.
For smooth travel, it is important to pack efficiently, separate your liquids for inspection, and ensure everything fits within your cabin allowance before arriving at the airport.
For a quick summary of the most common Ryanair baggage mistakes, see the advice cards near the top of this page.
Ryanair baggage FAQs
1. What is Ryanair’s cabin baggage allowance?
Ryanair allows all passengers to bring one small underseat cabin bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) free of charge. Passengers who purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags can also bring a larger cabin suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm) weighing up to 10kg.
2. Can I bring a handbag as well as cabin baggage on Ryanair?
Ryanair allows one small personal item as part of your cabin baggage allowance. This can include a handbag, backpack or laptop bag, provided it fits within the underseat size limit (40 x 30 x 20 cm).
3. What liquids can I take in Ryanair hand luggage?
Liquids in Ryanair hand luggage must follow standard airport security rules. Each container must be 100ml or less, and all liquids must fit inside a single transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
4. How strict is Ryanair with cabin bag size?
Ryanair is known for strictly enforcing cabin baggage size limits. Bags that exceed the allowed dimensions may be charged and placed in the hold at the airport, often at a higher fee.
5. How much does checked baggage cost on Ryanair?
Ryanair checked baggage costs vary depending on route, demand and when you book. Prices typically start from around £9.49 when booked online in advance, but can be significantly higher if added at the airport.
6. What size is Ryanair checked baggage?
Ryanair checked baggage must not exceed maximum size limits, typically up to 119 cm in height and combined dimension limits set by the airline. Each bag must also stay within the selected weight allowance, such as 10kg, 20kg or 23kg.
7. Can I bring duty-free shopping on Ryanair?
Yes, Ryanair allows passengers to bring airport shopping on board in addition to their cabin baggage allowance. However, items must still be stored safely and comply with overall space restrictions.
8. Is it cheaper to add baggage online or at the airport?
It is significantly cheaper to add baggage online when booking your flight or in advance. Airport baggage fees are usually much higher, so planning ahead can save money.
9. Can I travel with hand luggage only on Ryanair?
Yes, many passengers travel with hand luggage only on Ryanair by packing efficiently within the cabin bag allowance. This avoids checked baggage fees and speeds up the airport experience.
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Last updated: 28th June 2026