Ryanair Baggage Allowance 2026: All Fares, Bags and Fees
I fly Ryanair six or seven times a year, and I still see people getting stung at the gate on nearly every flight. Someone’s bag doesn’t fit the sizer, or they’re carrying two bags on a Value ticket, and suddenly it’s £70 they weren’t expecting. The Ryanair baggage allowance isn’t complicated, but it is strict, and the rules have changed a few times since 2018.
Below I’ve broken down the full Ryanair baggage allowance for 2026, from the free personal bag to checked options, bag pooling, baby gear, and the fees to watch out for.
For exact cabin bag dimensions and how gate enforcement actually works, see our Ryanair Cabin Bag Size guide.
Ryanair baggage allowance: what you get free
Every Ryanair fare includes one small personal bag at no extra cost. That’s it. No overhead bin access, no checked bag. Just one bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
It can be a backpack, handbag, laptop bag, whatever — as long as it fits within the size limit.
Free personal bag dimensions
The maximum size is 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
This changed in August 2025. Previously it was 40 x 20 x 25 cm, but Ryanair widened the allowance to 30 cm and reduced the depth to 20 cm. The net result is about 20% more volume (24 litres vs 20 litres). A welcome change, honestly — the old 20cm width was brutal.
There’s no weight limit on the personal bag.
What counts as a personal bag?
Anything that fits: small backpack, handbag, tote, laptop bag, messenger bag, crossbody. A cabin bag backpack designed for airline dimensions is ideal. Wheeled cabin suitcases don’t count unless you’ve paid for Priority & 2 Cabin Bags.
You can also bring a duty-free shopping bag into the cabin on top of your personal bag, as long as it stays in the original carrier bag from the shop.
Recommended: Aerolite 40x30x20 backpack
Aerolite 40x30x20 Ryanair Maximum Size Cabin Backpack
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The Aerolite 40x30x20 is built to the exact maximum Ryanair personal bag dimensions. At 1.05 kg it’s not the lightest option, but you get a lot for that: three zippered compartments, a tablet pouch, USB charging port, RFID-blocking pocket, and a water bottle holder. Made from recycled plastic bottles with YKK zippers and a 10-year warranty. I like that it converts between backpack, shoulder bag, and handheld — handy when you’re rushing through the airport. Fits Wizz Air and easyJet too.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags
If the personal bag isn’t enough, the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on lets you bring two bags into the cabin: the personal bag under the seat, plus a larger cabin bag in the overhead locker.
Priority cabin bag size and weight
The bigger bag can be up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg. Your personal bag still has to be 40 x 30 x 20 cm or smaller.
You also get Priority Boarding, which means you board before non-priority passengers. On a full flight, this is the only way to guarantee overhead bin space near your seat.
How much does Priority cost?
It depends on route, dates, and when you buy. Always cheaper at booking — typically £6 to £30+ per person, per one-way flight. I’ve seen it as low as £6 on midweek flights to Poland, and £30+ for summer Saturdays to Malaga.
What if Priority is sold out?
It has limited availability per flight. If it’s gone, you can add a 10 kg Check-in Bag instead. That one gets dropped at the desk before security — it won’t come into the cabin with you.
Checked baggage options
Checked bags go in the aircraft hold and you collect them at baggage reclaim.
10 kg check-in bag
The lighter option. Drop it at the check-in desk before security. Good for short trips where you need more than the personal bag but don’t want to lug a full suitcase.
20 kg check-in bag
The standard option. You can buy up to three per booking. Maximum dimensions: 80 x 120 x 120 cm.
23 kg check-in bag
Limited to one per booking. Ryanair added this for passengers connecting to other airlines that use 23 kg as standard, so you can use the same bag for the whole journey without repacking.
Checked bag pricing
The one rule that matters: add bags when you book. It’s always cheaper than adding them later. Airport prices are eye-watering.
You can add or change bags up to 2 hours before departure through My Bookings on the website or My Trips in the app. Once purchased, bags can’t be removed and aren’t refundable.
Bag pooling between passengers
If you’re travelling with others on the same booking, Ryanair lets you pool checked bag weight. Two 20 kg bags on one reservation means 40 kg total — one could weigh 15 kg and the other 25 kg, as long as neither exceeds 32 kg.
Genuinely useful if you’re a couple and one of you packs heavy. My partner regularly takes 25 kg and I take 15 kg. No issues.
Excess baggage fees
If your checked bag is over the weight you paid for, it’s £13 / €13 per kilogram at the airport. That adds up fast.
The hard limit is 32 kg per bag — Ryanair won’t take anything heavier. Bags bigger than 80 x 120 x 120 cm get refused too. The 32 kg cap doesn’t apply to mobility equipment.
How strict is Ryanair?
Bag sizers at the gate
Ryanair has metal bag sizers at the boarding gate. Your cabin bag has to physically fit inside. If it doesn’t, it goes in the hold and you pay.
Hard cases vs soft bags
Staff are strictest with hard-shell suitcases because they can’t be compressed. A rigid case that’s even slightly over gets flagged almost every time.
Soft bags get more leeway in practice — they can be squeezed to fit. But don’t push it. A visibly oversized soft bag will still get checked.
The biggest red flag
Nothing attracts gate staff attention faster than carrying two bags on a Value fare. If you’re holding a backpack and a separate carrier bag, they will notice and you’ll be asked to consolidate or pay. I’ve seen this happen at least a dozen times.
Is the 10 kg weight limit enforced?
For the Priority cabin bag, they don’t always weigh it at the gate, but Ryanair can enforce it whenever they want. Checked 10 kg bags are more likely to be weighed at the desk.
Flying with infants and baby equipment
Infants (8 days to 23 months) on an adult’s lap don’t get their own cabin bag allowance. But Ryanair does allow:
- A baby bag up to 5 kg (maximum 45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Two items of baby equipment free per child (e.g. pushchair and car seat)
You don’t need to pre-book the baby equipment.
Sports equipment and musical instruments
Sports equipment
Small sports gear can go in the cabin if it fits your bag allowance. Anything bigger goes in the hold for a fee — each item up to 20 kg, except bicycles which can be up to 30 kg. Bikes must be in a protective box or bag. Electric bicycles aren’t allowed at all.
Golf clubs, bikes, scooters, surfboards, snowboards, and skis all have to go in the hold. Expect to pay £35 to £60 if you book online, or £40 to £75 at the airport.
For oversized items that can sit safely in a seat, you can buy an extra seat (booked as first name: EXTRA, surname: ITEM SEAT). The extra seat doesn’t come with its own baggage allowance.
Musical instruments
Smaller instruments can go in the cabin if they fit. Guitars and larger instruments need an extra seat, which also doesn’t include additional baggage.
Ryanair baggage allowance by fare type
Your fare type determines your Ryanair baggage allowance. Here are the four main options:
Value — One personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm). That’s all. No cabin bag, no checked bag. You can add Priority or checked bags for an extra fee.
Regular — Personal bag plus Priority & 2 Cabin Bags (personal bag + 10 kg cabin bag in the overhead locker).
Plus — A reserved seat and a 20 kg checked bag, but no Priority Boarding or overhead cabin bag. You still get the personal bag.
Flexi Plus — Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, any reserved seat, flexible ticket changes, and fast-track security. No checked bag included — add one separately if you need it.
Check your booking confirmation to see exactly what’s included. I’ve seen people assume Flexi Plus includes a checked bag because it’s the most expensive. It doesn’t.
How to add bags after booking
- Go to My Bookings on the Ryanair website or My Trips in the app
- Log into your myRyanair account
- Select Manage this booking on the relevant trip
- Choose Add bags/equipment
- Select what you need and pay
You can do this up to 2 hours before departure. After that, you’re paying airport prices.
Practical tips to avoid fees
Measure and weigh your bag before you leave. Seriously. A tape measure and a £10 luggage scale will save you £70 at the gate. Even a slightly oversized hard case gets flagged.
Use a soft bag for your personal item. They compress to fit the sizer. Hard cases don’t.
Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane. Jacket, boots, jumper — none of it counts towards your allowance.
Add bags when you book. It’s always cheaper.
Don’t carry two bags on a Value fare. It’s the single fastest way to get pulled aside at the gate.
Check the liquids rule before you fly. Most airports still enforce 100ml containers in a clear bag, but some have relaxed it with new CT scanners. Don’t assume yours has.
If you’re comparing airlines, see our UK airline baggage allowance comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ryanair baggage allowance for 2026?
Every fare includes a free personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm, no weight limit). Priority adds a 10 kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm). Checked options are 10 kg, 20 kg, or 23 kg, all purchased separately unless your fare includes one.
Can I bring a laptop in my cabin bag?
Yes. If you only have the personal bag, the laptop has to fit inside it. With Priority, it can go in either bag.
Can I bring a handbag and a cabin bag?
Only with Priority & 2 Cabin Bags. The handbag counts as your personal bag, the cabin bag goes overhead. Without Priority, you get one bag.
Can I get a refund if I don’t use a purchased bag?
No. Once bags are added, they can’t be removed and aren’t refundable.
What are the dimensions for the 20 kg check-in bag?
Maximum 80 x 120 x 120 cm.
Does a duty-free bag count towards my cabin allowance?
No. Ryanair allows duty-free in the cabin on top of your allowance, as long as it stays in the original shop carrier bag.
Can I upgrade my checked bag weight after booking?
You can upgrade to a higher weight tier (e.g. 10 kg to 20 kg) through My Bookings up to 2 hours before departure. Excess weight beyond your tier is charged per kilogram at the airport.
Are electric bikes allowed on Ryanair?
No. Electric bicycles can’t fly on Ryanair.
What is bag pooling and how does it work?
Passengers on the same booking can share checked bag weight. Two 20 kg bags (40 kg total) could be split 15 kg and 25 kg, as long as neither goes over 32 kg.
Ryanair baggage allowance summary table
| Bag Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free personal bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No limit | All fares |
| Priority cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg max | Priority add-on, Regular, Flexi Plus |
| 10 kg check-in bag | Standard hold size | 10 kg | Paid add-on |
| 20 kg check-in bag | 80 x 120 x 120 cm | 20 kg (up to 3) | Paid add-on (included with Plus) |
| 23 kg check-in bag | Standard hold size | 23 kg (1 per booking) | Paid add-on |
| Baby bag | 45 x 35 x 20 cm | 5 kg | Free for lap infants |
Know your fare, measure your bag, buy extras at booking. That’s 90% of avoiding Ryanair baggage fees. For a closer look at cabin bag dimensions and how gate checks actually work, see our Ryanair Cabin Bag Size guide.
Ryanair changes its policies and fees periodically. Always double-check the Ryanair website or app before you fly.
