Ryanair Airline Baggage Policy:
Ryanair's baggage policy can undoubtedly save or ruin your travel budget if you're not prepared when it comes to travel expenses. This article is relevant to budget-conscious and mindful travelers that want to know exactly what they can take into the airport without any fees.
We'll clarify Ryanair's carry-on allowances so you are clear on all the requirements and able to stick with the strict size requirements. You will feel comfortable dealing with checked baggage fees and weight restrictions, and try and avoid the cost of overages with a minimal upcharge. We will share money-saving tips and do's and don'ts, and even ways to deal with specialized items such as sports equipment for little or no cost.
Hand Luggage Rules for Ryanair Passengers:
Differences in prioritised and non-prioritised boarding baggage limits
Size & Restrictions of Small Personal Items
All Ryanair passengers can take on board one small personal item not exceeding 40x20x25 cm. It needs to be something small, like a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. It has to fit under the seat in front of you (not in an overhead bin), so all parts of the bag need to fit under the seat.
Examples of acceptable small personal items:
- Regular laptop bags (most cases for 15-inch laptops fit)
- Small camera bags
- Small travel backpacks
- Large purses/handbags
- Slim document bags
There is no weight restriction on the personal item, but you have to be able to carry it by yourself. Flight attendants enforce the dimensions at the gate, and they use metal measuring things to measure it. If it doesn't fit, you will have to pay the gate baggage fee (and you won't escape it).
Cabin Bag Size & Weight Restrictions
Priority passengers are allowed to have one cabin bag with a maximum size of 55x40x20 cm and a weight limit of 10 kg. Cabin bags fit into overhead lockers and will be taken only in the case of an issue with sizing:Cabin bags should be rigid and hold their size.
Any weighing restrictions are checked at check in and sometimes at the boarding gate. The airline uses a digital scales and an over weight bag will be charged if you are over 100 grams over the limit. It is worth investing in a portable luggage scale, or similar, so you can weigh your bag yourself before arriving at the airport against the weight of your own scales.
Here are good examples of cabin bags:
- Four-wheel spinners (which are easier to control)
- Two-wheel rollers
- A large framed backpack
- Plastic/hard-shell-type suitcase
Liquid, electronic and battery item Restrictions
Ryanair adheres to the limited liquid rules applicable to all flights leaving airports in the EU. You are allowed liquids, gels and creams that are in containers 100ml or less in size. Onboard you can have these items in one clear resealable plastic bag (max capacity 1 liter). You are allowed one such liquids bag per person.
The same applies to electronic devices larger than a mobile phone. Take all laptops, tablets, cameras, battery packs out of your bags to be screened separately during security. Keep all of these items available for easy access in your personal belongings or cabin bag.
Power banks and portable chargers are only permitted in your cabin baggage and not in checked baggage. You have a limit of 100 watt hour capacity (most standard power banks do not go above this). If your batteries have a watt hour capacity that exceeds this limit you must seek permission to take them on-board the airline.
E-cigarettes and vaping devices must also be carried in the cabin - they cannot travel in checked bags. If it is possible, take the batteries out and store them in protective cases to avoid accidental activation.
When packing for a flight consider putting all of your electronics in one section. This will make it easier to remove from the bags during the security screening process. Try to keep the electronics (unless fragile) together when packing. Good practice is to use cable organiser so that chargers and cables do not get tangled into your limited baggage.
Navigate Checked Baggage Fees and Weight Limits:
Cost Breakdown by Route and Season
Checked baggage prices differ widely depending on where you are going and your dates of travel. Domestic flights in Ireland or the UK would usually be in the region of €25-35 for 20kg checked bag booked online ahead of time. European routes would ordinarily be €30-50 for similar weight.
Price increases start in peak summer months (June-August) and holiday periods (Christmas/Easter) where you can pay up to 30-50% more for the same bags, for example for a month like February a 20kg bag to Spain can cost €35 or it may be €55 for July period.
On long-haul routes, especially places like Morocco or Israel you can expect to pay through the nose, where bags cost anywhere from €55-80 for a standard checked bag. It is best to book checks' in as early as possible to guarantee the best rates - checked bag prices tend to only go north the closer you get to the check-in time, or in some instances double the cost if bought at the airport.
| Route Type |
Low Season (20kg) |
Peak Season (20kg) |
Airport Price (20kg) |
| UK/Ireland Domestic |
€25–30 |
€35–40 |
€55–70 |
| European Routes |
€30–40 |
€45–55 |
€70–90 |
| Long-haul |
€55–70 |
€70–85 |
€100–120 |
Overweight Penalty Charges
If your bag is overweight, you're going to pay some of the steepest penalty charges in the airline industry. Ryanair charge €11 for every kilogram overweight, and it's important to note it applies to each bag, i.e. €11 for a 1kg overweight bag, €22 for a 2kg overweight bag, etc. So if your bag allowance is 20kg and your bag is 23kg, you will be charged an excess fee of €33 for the 3kg you are overweight.
These charges mount quick. A 5kg overweight bag will cost you an extra €55. In fact, it will be more than buying a second bag originally, and there is no negotiation with the staff at the airport and once you check in you can't redistribute weight across your bags.
Smart travellers will weigh their own bags before they depart using their bathroom scales. If you are near the weight limit of your bag you can consider wearing your boots, a heavy coat, and other clothing onboard instead of adding them to your bag. If you do have some extra space in your carry-on bag, you can also move items to the carry-on bag as your other option.
Buying a higher weight allowance anywhere beforehand online is cheaper than excess fee charges. Adding 5kg onto an allowance to 25kg will cost €10-15 more than the original 20kg bag, but if you check it as excess weight at the airport it will cost you €55. Buying an additional weight is a better financial option each and every time.
Prevent Frequent Luggage Errors That Lead to Extra Fees:
