The Ryanair cabin bag size rules are strict, and staff enforce them at the gate. I watched a woman at Stansted have her cabin bag measured, fail by about 2cm, and pay £70 on the spot to check it. This happens dozens of times per flight. The good news: once you know the exact Ryanair cabin bag size and your options, you can pack properly and never pay a surprise fee.
Ryanair’s baggage policy changed significantly in 2018 and has been tweaked since. The key thing to understand: there is no free cabin bag in the overhead bin anymore unless you pay for Priority or a seat bundle that includes it.
Ryanair Cabin Bag Size 2026
The Ryanair cabin bag size depends on your ticket type. Here are all Ryanair bag sizes at a glance:
| Bag Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal bag (underseat) | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | No limit | All fares |
| Priority cabin bag (overhead) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10kg | Priority add-on |
| 10kg checked bag | No size limit | 10kg | Must purchase |
| 20kg checked bag | No size limit | 20kg | Plus fares or purchase |
Ryanair Baggage Allowance Summary
| Ticket Type | Personal Bag (Under Seat) | Cabin Bag (Overhead) | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard fare | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | Not included | Not included |
| Priority & 2 Cabin Bags | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) | Not included |
| Plus / Flexi Plus | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) | 20kg included |
| Family Plus | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) | 20kg included |
Ryanair Small Bag Size (Free Personal Item)
Every Ryanair ticket includes one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Ryanair Personal Item Size
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 40 cm (15.7 inches) |
| Width | 20 cm (7.9 inches) |
| Depth | 25 cm (9.8 inches) |
| Weight limit | None |
| Volume | Approximately 20 litres |
Ryanair Cabin Bag Dimensions Explained
The Ryanair small bag size of 40 x 20 x 25 cm is smaller than most airlines allow. For reference, that is roughly the size of a small backpack or large handbag. A standard laptop bag usually fits, but measure yours before you fly.
The 20cm width is the killer for Ryanair cabin bag size compliance. Many bags that look small enough are too wide. I use a Cabin Max Manhattan bag specifically designed for Ryanair’s dimensions — it is 40 x 20 x 25 cm exactly. You can find Ryanair-compliant bags on Amazon.
Note: The personal bag has no weight limit, unlike the Priority cabin bag which is limited to 10kg.
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits Ryanair’s Priority cabin bag allowance (55 x 40 x 20 cm) with room to spare. At just 0.5kg, it leaves you with 9.5kg for contents. Opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, with a padded laptop compartment and organiser pockets. Made from showerproof 600D recycled polyester. Ideal for Priority passengers who want a lightweight alternative to a rigid cabin case.
What Fits in a Ryanair Personal Bag
For a weekend trip, you can manage with just the personal bag:
- 2-3 changes of clothes (rolled, not folded)
- Toiletries in a clear bag
- Phone charger and cables
- Laptop or tablet (if your bag has a padded sleeve)
- Travel documents
For anything longer than a long weekend, you will want Priority boarding or a checked bag.
Ryanair Hand Luggage Size (Priority)
With Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, you get a larger hand luggage allowance for the overhead locker.
Ryanair Carry On Size (Priority Cabin Bag)
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 55 cm (21.7 inches) |
| Width | 40 cm (15.7 inches) |
| Depth | 20 cm (7.9 inches) |
| Weight limit | 10kg (22lb) |
| Volume | Approximately 44 litres |
Ryanair Priority Price
| When Purchased | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| At booking | £6-10 |
| After booking (Manage Booking) | £8-15 |
| At airport (if available) | £20-25 |
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags includes:
Personal bag: 40 x 20 x 25 cm (under seat)
Cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, maximum 10kg (overhead locker)
This is the sweet spot for most short trips. The Ryanair carry on bag size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm is large enough for a week’s worth of clothes if you pack light.
Priority passengers also board first after passengers needing assistance and families with young children. On a full flight, this guarantees overhead bin space near your seat.
Is Priority Worth It?
Yes, if:
- You need more than a small backpack
- You want to avoid checked bag queues
- You are travelling for 4+ days
No, if:
- You can pack into the free personal bag
- You prefer to check a larger bag anyway
- The flight is nearly empty (rare, but it happens)
Ryanair Checked Bag Options
Ryanair offers two checked bag weights. Checked bags go in the aircraft hold and are collected at baggage reclaim.
Ryanair Baggage Charges
| Option | At Booking | After Booking | At Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10kg Check-in Bag | £13-20 | £20-30 | £25-35 |
| 20kg Check-in Bag | £20-35 | £35-50 | £40-60 |
| Additional bag | £25-45 | £40-55 | £50-70 |
Prices vary by route, time of year, and demand. Summer flights to Spain cost more than January flights to Poland.
Ryanair 10kg Checked Bag
The Ryanair 10kg checked bag is ideal for:
- Solo travellers who want to avoid cabin bag hassle
- Trips where you need liquids over 100ml
- Bringing back shopping or gifts
You drop it at the bag drop desk and collect at baggage reclaim. There is no size limit — just the 10kg weight limit.
Ryanair 20kg Checked Bag
The 20kg option is better for:
- Couples sharing a bag
- Family holidays
- Winter trips with heavier clothes
- Trips over one week
How much to add a bag on Ryanair? Always add a checked bag when booking — it is £10-20 cheaper than adding later. You cannot add bags online after checking in.
Ryanair Checked Bag Size
Unlike cabin bags, Ryanair checked bags have no specific dimension limits. The only requirement is the weight limit (10kg or 20kg). A standard large suitcase fits easily.
Ryanair Bag Policy Summary
The Ryanair baggage rules can be summarised as:
- All fares include a free personal bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm, no weight limit)
- Priority add-on adds a 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) for £6-10
- Checked bags must be purchased separately (10kg from £13, 20kg from £20)
- Plus/Flexi Plus fares include Priority + 20kg checked bag
- Gate fees are £70 for oversized bags, £11/kg for overweight
The policy is strict but predictable. Know your bag dimensions before you fly.
Ryanair Cabin Bag Size Checks at the Gate
Ryanair staff measure bags at the gate using a metal cage (the “bag sizer”). If your bag exceeds the Ryanair cabin bag size limit, you pay to check it. In 2026, that gate fee is around £70. See Ryanair’s official baggage policy for current fees.
They check:
- The small personal bag on Standard tickets
- The 10kg cabin bag on Priority tickets
My experience: they do not measure every bag, but they target bags that look borderline. If yours is obviously small enough, you will walk through. If it looks stuffed to bursting or has a rigid frame, expect a check.
How to Avoid Gate Fees
- Measure your bag before you leave home. Use a tape measure, not your eyes.
- Use a soft bag. Rigid suitcases that are 41cm wide will not compress.
- Do not overstuff. A bag that measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm empty might be 42 x 22 x 27 cm when packed.
- Test it in a bag sizer at home if possible. Build one from cardboard if you want to be certain.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee (at gate) |
|---|---|
| Cabin bag too large (Standard ticket) | £70 |
| Cabin bag overweight (Priority) | £11 per kg |
| Checked bag overweight | £11 per kg |
These fees are per bag, per flight. Overweight on the way out and the way back means paying twice.
Musical Instruments and Sports Equipment
Ryanair charges for large items:
- Musical instruments: Can be taken as cabin bag if within size limits, or checked for £35-50
- Golf clubs: £35-55 depending on route
- Skis/snowboards: £40-60
- Bikes: £60-75
Book these online in advance. Turning up at the airport with a golf bag and no booking will cost significantly more.
Tips for Flying Ryanair
1. Weigh and measure before you pack. Buy a luggage scale (£10-15) and use it.
2. Wear your heaviest items. Boots, coat, and heavy jumper on the plane, not in the bag.
3. Book bags at booking time. It is always cheaper than adding later.
4. Check your email before flying. Ryanair sometimes offers discounted bag upgrades a few days before departure.
5. Do not bring duty-free bags if you only have a personal bag. That extra bag can trigger a gate fee. If you must shop, buy on the return flight when you have already passed the gate check.
6. Screenshot your booking confirmation. Show it at the gate if there is any dispute about what you paid for.
Ryanair vs Other Airlines
For comparison, here is how Ryanair stacks up against other budget carriers:
| Airline | Free Bag | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | Personal bag only | 40 x 20 x 25 cm |
| easyJet | Cabin bag | 45 x 36 x 20 cm |
| Wizz Air | Personal bag only | 40 x 30 x 20 cm |
| Jet2 | Hand luggage + 10kg checked | 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
Jet2 is the most generous. Ryanair and Wizz Air are the strictest. easyJet sits in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ryanair cabin bag size?
The Ryanair cabin bag size is 40 x 20 x 25 cm for the free personal bag (all fares), or 55 x 40 x 20 cm for the Priority cabin bag (10kg limit).
What is the Ryanair hand luggage size?
The Ryanair hand luggage size depends on your fare. Standard tickets include a 40 x 20 x 25 cm personal bag only. Priority & 2 Cabin Bags adds a 55 x 40 x 20 cm overhead cabin bag.
What is the Ryanair small bag size?
The Ryanair small bag (personal item) size is 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This is the only free bag included with standard Ryanair fares.
What is the Ryanair carry on size?
The Ryanair carry on size for Priority passengers is 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a 10kg weight limit. This goes in the overhead locker. Standard passengers only get the 40 x 20 x 25 cm underseat bag.
What is the Ryanair personal item size?
The Ryanair personal item size is 40 x 20 x 25 cm (height x width x depth). There is no weight limit on this bag.
What are the Ryanair cabin bag dimensions?
The Ryanair cabin bag dimensions are: Personal bag 40 x 20 x 25 cm (free), Priority cabin bag 55 x 40 x 20 cm (paid add-on, 10kg limit).
What are Ryanair baggage charges?
Ryanair baggage charges are: Priority & 2 Cabin Bags £6-10, 10kg checked bag £13-20, 20kg checked bag £20-35 (all prices at booking). Airport prices are roughly double.
How much to add a bag on Ryanair?
Adding a bag on Ryanair costs £6-10 for Priority cabin bag, £13-20 for 10kg checked, or £20-35 for 20kg checked when booked online. Always add bags at booking for the lowest price.
What is the Ryanair 10kg bag?
The Ryanair 10kg bag can be either the Priority cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, overhead locker) or the 10kg checked bag (hold luggage). The cabin bag costs £6-10, the checked bag costs £13-20.
Can I take a handbag and a personal bag?
No. You get one bag on a Standard ticket. A handbag counts as your personal bag.
What if my bag is 1cm too big?
You will be asked to check it. The sizers are exact. There is no grace margin. The gate fee is £70.
Can I pay for Priority at the gate?
Sometimes, if it has not sold out. But the price will be higher than online (£20-25 vs £6-10).
Do they weigh the personal bag?
Not usually. The 10kg limit applies to the Priority cabin bag, not the small personal bag which has no weight limit.
Can I bring a laptop separately?
Only if it fits inside your personal bag. A laptop carried in your hand is a second bag and will incur a £70 fee.
What is the size of a cabin bag for Ryanair?
The free personal bag is 40 x 20 x 25 cm. If you buy Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, you also get a 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin bag (10kg max) for the overhead locker.
What does 55x40x20cm mean?
These are the maximum dimensions for Ryanair’s Priority cabin bag: 55cm height, 40cm width, and 20cm depth. This is measured including handles and wheels.
Is Ryanair increasing free cabin bag size to 40x30x20cm?
No. As of 2026, Ryanair’s free personal bag remains 40 x 20 x 25 cm. The 40 x 30 x 20 cm size is Wizz Air’s allowance, not Ryanair’s.
How strict is Ryanair with a 10kg cabin bag?
Very strict. Staff weigh Priority cabin bags at the gate, and overweight bags cost £11 per kg. Pack a luggage scale and weigh your bag before you leave.
What bags do people use for Ryanair carry on?
Popular Ryanair carry on bags include the Cabin Max Metz (40 x 20 x 25 cm), Eastpak backpacks, and small holdalls. Soft bags work best as they compress to fit the sizer.
Is the Ryanair baggage allowance the same for domestic flights?
Yes. Ryanair baggage allowance is identical for domestic and international flights. All routes have the same 40 x 20 x 25 cm personal bag allowance.
Related
- Wizz Air Baggage Allowance
- easyJet Baggage Allowance
- Jet2 Baggage Allowance
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
- Suitcase Sets
