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.
Last updated: 6th June 2026
Ryanair’s baggage policy is designed around low-cost travel, with strict rules on cabin baggage and optional paid extras.
Understanding the difference between Ryanair’s free small bag allowance and its Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option is important for avoiding unexpected airport charges.
All passengers can bring one small cabin bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20cm free of charge. This bag must fit underneath the seat in front, making efficient packing essential for travellers choosing hand luggage only travel.
Passengers who purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags can also bring an additional 10kg cabin suitcase up to 55 × 40 × 20cm, stored in the overhead locker.
This distinction between the free small bag and the Priority allowance is one of the most common causes of confusion for Ryanair passengers.
Non-priority passengers bringing oversized bags to the gate may face significant additional charges, making it worthwhile to check bag dimensions before travelling.
Checked baggage is available in 10kg, 20kg and 23kg options, with baggage fees varying depending on route, season, demand and how early bags are added during booking.
Ryanair usually offers lower prices when baggage is purchased online before arriving at the airport.
To avoid excess baggage charges and speed up airport security, many travellers choose compact cabin-friendly toiletries and organised hand luggage.
Liquids carried through UK airport security should normally remain within 100ml containers inside a clear resealable liquids bag.
Travelling with cabin baggage only can help reduce costs, simplify boarding, speed up airport security and make short-haul Ryanair trips more convenient.
Free Cabin Bag Size
40 × 30 × 20 cm
Fits under the seat
Included on all fares
Checked Baggage Weight
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
Why People Get Caught Out With Ryanair
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Assuming a cabin suitcase is included.
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Forgetting wheels and handles count.
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Waiting until the airport to buy baggage.
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Assuming Priority is automatic.
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Not measuring bags beforehand.
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Packing liquids larger than 100ml.
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 Is Particularly Well Suited To
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Weekend breaks
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Cabin-baggage-only travel
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City breaks
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Families willing to pre-plan baggage
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Travellers looking for low fares
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Short European trips
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Travellers looking to avoid unnecessary checked baggage fees
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Short and medium-haul European holidays
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Travelling with hand luggage only?
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.
Key checked baggage tips:
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Book baggage online to save money
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Stick to weight limits to avoid airport fees
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Consider hand luggage only for short trips
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Pack valuables and essentials in your cabin bag
Ryanair cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
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.
Common cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
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Bringing liquids over 100ml in hand luggage
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Forgetting to separate liquids at security
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Overpacking beyond your cabin allowance
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Assuming duty-free items bypass all rules
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Packing restricted items without checking first
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.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
Cabin-approved travel kits make it easier to stay within liquid limits, pack efficiently, and get through airport security without hassle.
