Ryanair Carry-On Baggage 2026: Dimensions, Weight & Cost-Saving Tips

Last updated: 20 April 2026 · Fees and dimensions at Ryanair change regularly. We update this article continuously – please check ryanair.com for definitive values before booking.

How big can my hand luggage be with Ryanair? And what does the larger hand luggage cost? Ryanair is one of Europe's cheapest airlines – but also one of the strictest when it comes to luggage. If you arrive unprepared at the gate, you can quickly pay more for luggage than for the actual flight. In our guide, you'll find all the current Ryanair hand luggage rules for 2026, the actual dimensions and weights, the costs for Priority Boarding and checked luggage, plus our best money-saving tips to guarantee you won't fall into the £60 gate trap.

Ryanair Hand Luggage 2026 – Rules at a Glance

At Ryanair, your hand luggage depends on the fare you've booked. The cheapest fare includes one small bag, whilst Priority Boarding or the Plus/Flexi Plus fare adds a second, larger piece of hand luggage. Both pieces are subject to strict size and weight limits – exceed them and you'll pay extra at the airport.

1. Small Hand Luggage – Free with Every Fare

With every Ryanair fare, you can bring one small personal bag on board free of charge. This must fit under the seat in front and cannot exceed the following dimensions:

• Dimensions: 40 × 30 × 20 cm (slightly larger since August 2025 – previously 40 × 25 × 20 cm)
• Weight: no official weight limit, but the bag must fit comfortably under the seat in front
• Suitable for: small under-seat bags, compact rucksacks or shoulder bags

According to Ryanair, this bag must fit completely within the dimensions – including wheels, handles and external pockets. Gates often have sizing cages where your bag must fit entirely.

2. Large Hand Luggage – Only with Priority or Plus Fares

The second, larger piece of hand luggage is available either through Priority Boarding (add-on) or automatically with the higher Plus and Flexi Plus fares. The following requirements apply to this large hand luggage:

• Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
• Weight: max 10 kg
• Storage: in the overhead locker
• Suitable for: hand luggage suitcases measuring 55 × 40 × 20 cm, cabin rucksacks or travel bags in this size

Overview: Ryanair Hand Luggage at a Glance

What does Priority Boarding cost at Ryanair?

Priority Boarding can be added either directly when booking your flight or later via "Manage My Booking". The price is dynamic and depends on route, booking time and load factor:

• Price: approx £5–30 per route
• Included in price: priority boarding + second hand luggage piece (55 × 40 × 20 cm, 10 kg)
• Tip: Early booking pays off – Priority is often much more expensive close to departure

For a 2-person booking, Priority quickly adds up to over £35 return. From this threshold, the 10 kg checked luggage option is often cheaper – more on this in the next section.

Checked Luggage at Ryanair – The Cheaper Alternative

If you want to take more, you can book additional checked luggage. Ryanair offers two standard options:

• 10 kg checked luggage (max 55 × 40 × 20 cm) – from approx £10 online, much more expensive at the airport
• 20 kg checked luggage (max 80 × 120 × 120 cm sum of edges, depending on booking) – from approx £16 online

The price difference between online booking and airport purchase is typically £17–42 with Ryanair. So declaring your luggage when booking saves real money. Up to three checked bags per person are possible.

Gate Fees at Ryanair – The Expensive Trap

The dreaded gate fee applies whenever your hand luggage is too large or too heavy at the boarding gate and must be transferred to the cargo hold:

• Fee for exceeding dimensions: approx £60–65 per bag
• Fee without Priority with oversized luggage: bag must be checked – at a cost
• Strict checking: Ryanair is much more rigorous with sizing cage checks than other airlines

Travellers with standard cabin suitcases measuring 55 × 40 × 23 cm or so-called "expandable" suitcases, whose external dimensions are easily exceeded when fully packed, are particularly often caught out. Overpacked rucksacks with sides bulging outwards also regularly lead to gate fees.

Liquids in Ryanair Hand Luggage

The same EU-wide liquid rules apply to Ryanair as to all other airlines. In your hand luggage, you may only carry liquids in small quantities:

• Individual containers with maximum 100 ml
• All containers together in one transparent, resealable plastic bag (1 litre)
• Maximum one bag per person
• Remove separately from hand luggage at security control

Liquids also include gels, creams, toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, perfume and contact lens solution. You can find a suitable flight bag in our shop.

What's allowed in Ryanair hand luggage – and what isn't?

Permitted in hand luggage

• Laptop, tablet, smartphone, e-reader, camera
• Power banks up to 100 Wh (over 100 Wh only with airline approval)
• Medication (in original packaging, with medical certificate if required)
• Baby food in quantities needed for the flight
• E-cigarettes (only in hand luggage, not in checked luggage)

Prohibited in hand luggage

• Sharp objects (knives with blades 6 cm or longer, scissors, metal nail files)
• Tools over 6 cm (screwdrivers, hammers, pliers)
• Flammable substances (lighter fuel, gas, spray cans over 100 ml)
• Firearms, ammunition, fireworks
• Liquids over 100 ml per container

Which suitcase fits in Ryanair hand luggage?

For Ryanair, we recommend one of the following luggage types depending on your type of trip. All linked categories only feature models with suitable dimensions:

• Free hand luggage only (short trip, 1–2 nights): Under-seat bags and rucksacks measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm
• With Priority (weekend, 3–4 days): Hand luggage suitcases measuring exactly 55 × 40 × 20 cm
• Rucksack fan: Cabin rucksacks from Eastpak, Osprey or Herschel
• Soft bag instead of suitcase: Travel bags in Ryanair format – more flexible, often lighter
• Business trip: Business trolleys with laptop compartment

A good rule of thumb: empty weight under 3 kg, 4 smooth-rolling wheels (due to often narrow boarding steps) and, if required, an additional compartment for the flight bag with liquids.

5 Money-Saving Tips for Your Ryanair Hand Luggage

1. Priority only when necessary: For a city break over 3 nights, the 40 × 30 × 20 luggage is often sufficient. Pack cleverly and save £5–30 per route.
2. Book online instead of at airport: The price difference for checked luggage is often £17–42. Better to declare it immediately when booking your flight.
3. Shared checked luggage for two: One 20 kg suitcase for two is usually cheaper than 2× Priority + 2× large hand luggage.
4. Choose a lightweight suitcase: Every kilo of empty weight comes off your packing limit. Modern hand luggage suitcases often weigh under 2.5 kg.
5. Stick to dimensions: Better a 53 × 38 × 20 cm suitcase than one that cuts it close. Gate staff measure strictly – even 1–2 cm oversize is enough for the £60 fee.

Ryanair Hand Luggage Compared to Other Airlines

With 40 × 30 × 20 cm for free hand luggage, Ryanair sits in the middle of the European field: Easyjet allows 45 × 36 × 20 cm free of charge, while Eurowings and Lufthansa allow a full cabin bag free depending on the fare. However, Ryanair tickets are often £25–50 cheaper – even with optional luggage added, Ryanair often remains the cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ryanair Hand Luggage