There’s a reason budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizzair, and easyJet are so cheap: they come with strict luggage rules.
Who among us can say they haven’t been caught and fined at the gate for trying to sneak on an extra bag?
In the spirit of not making the same mistake twice, we’ve been curating low-cost airline luggage guides, so you know how much you can take and what kind of bag.
We’ve already shared the easyJet restrictions — and hopefully saved some of you a few quid — so here comes the Ryanair version.
Now there’s no excuse for a last-minute repack.
Ryanair’s cabin bag size and weight rules for 2025
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At Ryanair, all fare types include a small personal bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
This can be a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack, but it must be 40 x 30 x 20cm in size.
If you have a priority ticket, you can bring two cabin bags. The first is the same size as above.
The second bag can be a little bigger, at 55 x 40 x 20cm. It must weigh less than 10kg, as it will be stored in the overhead locker.
You can select priority boarding when you’re booking your flight, or later via the Ryanair app or website. This can be done on the app up to 40 minutes before departure, or on the website up to two hours before departure.
Ryanair’s website states this can cost anywhere between £6 and £36 if you pay when you book. If you wait until later, it increases to anywhere from £20 to £60.
How much is checked baggage?
Whether you’re travelling for a few weeks or just want more outfit options, checked baggage is available, too.
Ryanair’s rules and weight restrictions are as follows:
- 10kg check-in bag: At the time of booking, a 10kg bag can cost between £9.49 and £44.99. Post-booking, that climbs to between £23.99 and £44.99. The bag must be checked in before heading through security. Non-priority customers who bring this size bag to the boarding gate will either have their luggage refused or be required to pay a fee of £46 to £60.
- 20kg check-in bag: Travellers can purchase up to three checked 20kg bags on their booking. It will cost between £18.99 and £59.99 when booking, or £39.99 to £59.99 at a later date. Bag dimensions are 80 x 120 x 120cm.
- 23kg check-in bag: Passengers are allowed one 23kg checked bag per booking. Ryanair’s website states this is between £29.99 to £80.99 per flight, and only available at the time of booking. Bag dimensions are 81 x 119 x 119 cm.
With all options, fees vary depending on the route and travel dates.
For people travelling with newborns, Ryanair allows two items of baby equipment free of charge per child.
Note, infants between the ages of eight days and 23 months do not qualify for cabin bag allowance. However, a baby bag up to 5kg (measuring 45 x 35 x 20cm) is allowed for babies travelling on an adult’s lap.
Best Ryanair cabin bags that comply with size restrictions
With dimensions and weights covered — and for those who don’t need 23kg worth of luggage — here are Metro’s top picks of cabin bags that comply with Ryanair’s restrictions.
Cabin Bag for Ryanair Airlines
Looking for something understated but practical? This £17 satchel from Amazon has been specifically designed with Ryanair's small personal bag in mind. Measuring at 40 x 25 x 20 cm, it can be placed under the seat easily. It also comes with a clear toiletry bag, a wet and dry separation design, and multiple pockets so you can easily store your phone, wallet, or passport (Picture: Amazon)
Underseat carry-on travel backpack
Off on a short business trip? This smart travel backpack will do the trick. At just £32, it fully complies with Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and other popular European airlines’ cabin luggage regulations. It's got organised packing and features a laptop pocket. It measures 40 x 30 x 20cm (Picture: Amazon)
Grey cabin hardshell suitcase
This £29.95 hardshell suitcase actually has smaller dimensions than Ryanair's restrictions, coming in at 45 x 36 x 20cm. It's the perfect design for those going on a weekend trip, as it can 'withstand the rigours of travel while remaining lightweight for easy handling.' You can also feel safe in the knowledge that you definitely won't get caught out when boarding (Picture: Amazon)
Flight Knight premium hardshell lightweight cabin suitcase
This bag can be purchased in a number of sizes, including Ryanair's second 55 x 40 x 20cm priority cabin bag for £44.99. It fits seamlessly in the overhead lockers, and is also compatible with over 100 airlines operating in the UK and worldwide. Meaning if you're travelling with other budget airlines like easyJet, British Airways, Jet2, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Delta and Turkish Airlines, you'll glide through security. Other notable features include being fully lined, a three-step adjustable telescopic handle system, and a built-in USB charging port with internal storage compartment (Picture: Amazon)
Aerolite Ryanair priority boarding two-piece
If you often opt for priority boarding, it makes sense to own the correct luggage type for each trip. This £39.99 Amazon offering comes with a soft suitcase for the overhead locker and a matching smaller personal bag to go under yours seat (Picture: Amazon)
Ryanair cabin backpack and suitcase set
Or, if you're looking for matching luggage like the above, but would prefer a hardshell case to ensure your belongings don't get damaged, try this slightly more expensive £67.99 deal. The backpack is still the correct size to slip under your seat, while the case — which has a built-in combination lock and 360° rotating wheels — fits perfectly above your head. The set is also available in black, green or blue (Picture: Amazon)