Ryanair Baggage Allowance - Everything you Need to Know

There are plenty of good reasons to travel with just a carry-on hand luggage. It’s more economical, it saves time at your destination with no wait at the carousel, and it means there’s less to carry once you're on the move.

However, with airlines like Ryanair having so many rules around cabin bag dimensions and weight, it can be tough to get right. So, how do you avoid getting caught out at the gate?

We're here to help. Whether you’re after a compact cabin case or something a little roomier, there's an Antler bag to suit both you and your airline’s requirements. So, to help you on your way, we’ve done a deep dive on Ryanair’s baggage allowance policy.

Cabin bag or carry-on?

Ryanair calls the bag you bring into the cabin a cabin bag - the same thing you'd call a carry-on at home. The name isn't the catch; what's free is. On most US airlines a full-size overhead carry-on comes standard. With Ryanair, the only free bag is the small one that fits under the seat in front of you - the larger overhead bag costs extra. Throughout this guide we use Ryanair's own terms, so they match what you'll see at ryanair.com.

Ryanair Cabin Baggage Size

If you're flying with Ryanair, you’re permitted one small cabin bag measuring no more than 15.7" x 11.8" x 7.8" (40cm x 30cm x 20cm). For infants under the age of two who won’t have their own seat, their belongings will need to fit within your allocated allowance.

Ryanair's 'Priority & 2 Cabin Bags' Fare

If you prefer a little more flexibility, Ryanair’s Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option is ideal. It allows you to bring two items onboard - a compact one, plus a larger piece weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb). Just ensure the bigger bag doesn’t exceed 21.7" x 14.2" x 9.1" in (55cm x 40cm x 20cm). Think of it as a fast-track upgrade for your luggage.

Ryanair Checked Baggage

For longer journeys or more extensive plans, you can check in up to three bags - though additional fees do apply. Remember to check Ryania’s rules for packing hand luggage vs. hold luggage. Keep valuables and electronics in your hand luggage, and remember to label your checked bags clearly with your name.

Ryanair Excess Baggage

Carrying more than expected? No problem - you can always pay a little extra for the excess. This applies to bulkier items too, like golf clubs, skis or musical instruments. To keep things smooth, we’d suggest weighing and measuring everything before you travel—it's the easiest way to sidestep any last-minute surprises at the airport.

Ryanair Baggage Fees

Ryanair is a European airline and charges in pounds or euros depending on your departure airport, so the prices below are shown in £/€. Fees vary by route and date and are always cheaper booked online than at the airport. The table below is a guide only - check Ryanair’s current Table of Fees for exact pricing on your route:

Fees per the Ryanair Table of Fees, correct as of June 2026. Booking prices vary by route and date and are cheaper online than at the airport. A non-priority 10 kg bag taken to the gate goes in the hold for £/€46–60; an oversize cabin bag (over 55 x 40 x 20 cm) at the gate costs £/€70–75. No single bag may exceed 32 kg / 70 lb.

Ryanair Hand Luggage FAQs

Which Antler bags fit the free Ryanair hand luggage allowance?

We have a selection of smaller crossbody bags that fit Ryanair’s free hand luggage allowance, like the foldable Essential Crossbody (2.35" x 9.8" x 7.1"), navy and stone. The Icon Slingbag (5.5" x 7.9" x 3") is another great Personal Item option, with the option to adjust the strap to fit over the shoulder or around the waist.

What size cabin suitcase can I take if I pay for Ryanair Priority boarding?

If you pay for Priority boarding, you can take a wheeled, cabin-sized suitcase with you without checking it into the hold. Ryanair’s hand luggage size must be no more than 21.6" x 15.7" x 7.8" (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) and the weight musn’t exceed 10kg (22lb).

Which Antler cabin cases fit the Ryanair Priority boarding hand luggage allowance?

The Antler cabin luggage that fit the ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ allowance from Ryanair include:

• This Icon Stripe hard-shell expandable carry-on with four, 360-degree double spinner wheels
• The Soft Stripe four-wheeled soft-sided cabin that’s light yet extremely durable
• The Single Stripe expandable, our minimalist hard-shell weighing just 5.7lbs (2.6kg) available in 7 colours

What if my cabin bag is overweight or oversized?

Found your cabin bag is larger or heavier than expected? If it tips the scales or stretches beyond Ryanair’s size limits, it’ll have to go in the hold - and that comes with a gate fee of £/€70–75, depending on size and weight.

Is it possible to pay nothing for Ryanair hand luggage?

In short, yes. If you’re flying Ryanair, and you’re not paying for Priority boarding, you can take a small, soft-sided bag that measures 15.7" x 11.8" x 7.8" (40cm x 30cm x 20cm), but it must fit under the seat in front of you.

Can I take a cabin-sized suitcase on Ryanair without paying a fee?

No, you can’t take a wheeled case with you into the cabin unless you pay extra for Priority boarding (more on that below). So, you’ll have to pack extremely light to ensure it fits a small travel or lifestyle bag, like a backpack or duffell, measuring 15.7" x 11.8" x 7.8" (40cm x 30cm x 20cm).

What are Ryanair's hand luggage rules when travelling with infants?

Although Ryanair doesn’t give infants their own cabin bag allowance, the accompanying adult can bring a baby bag of up to 5 kg (11 lb), measuring 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7" x 13.8" x 7.9"), plus two items of baby equipment per child, free of charge.

Can you pay in advance with Ryanair to take on a cabin-sized suitcase as hand luggage?

Yes, and it’s included in the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option. Priority boarding typically costs £/€12-36 at booking and isn’t refundable. It lets you bring a cabin-sized suitcase onboard - just watch Ryanair’s specific size and weight limits, and remember that cabin cases come in different sizes, so check your particular suitcase will fit.

Am I allowed to take a small bag or handbag with me as well as my cabin case?

Yes, with Priority boarding you can take what Ryanair calls a ‘small personal bag’ measuring  15.7" x 11.8" x 7.8" (40cm x 30cm x 20cm), which is the same size as the bag you could take for free (if you don’t want to pay for Priority boarding). There is more information about Ryanair’s luggage cost on their website in the section called ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’.

Are there any other benefits to paying for Ryanair Priority boarding?

Paying for Ryanair’s Priority boarding means that you’ll also be able to board via the Priority Queue, though bear in mind a large number of other passengers will be doing the same thing, so it won’t necessarily get you on first.