What free baggage allowance is included with Ryanair?

With Ryanair, you have the option to carry on a cabin bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm for free. This bag must be placed under the seat in front of you on the plane, at no extra cost, regardless of the ticket type chosen.

Whether you choose a small bag, a wheeled cabin suitcase, or a 55x40x20 Ryanair cabin bag, fully understanding Ryanair's cabin baggage policy is essential. This will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises when boarding.

Summary of Ryanair cabin baggage

Ryanair includes a small free bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm for all passengers. With the Priority option, a second bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10 kg max) is allowed in the cabin.

Free carry-on luggage: what you can take

Personal items: size and restrictions

In addition to your main cabin bag, you can bring a small personal bag for free, such as a handbag or a thin pouch. This bag must strictly be able to fit under the seat in front of you in the cabin. The authorized dimensions are flexible, making it ideal for carrying your essentials. This bag is accepted regardless of the ticket type chosen.

Tips to maximize carry-on luggage space

To optimize every centimeter of your Ryanair cabin suitcase, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This trick not only prevents wrinkles but also frees up valuable space in your luggage. Discover our 5 tips for traveling with a cabin suitcase to learn more.

Use compression bags or vacuum bags to reduce the volume of bulky items. Packing cubes are also very practical for organizing your clothes, underwear, and beauty products while maintaining the structure of your suitcase.

For optimal storage, stuff your shoes with socks or belts. Place heavy items, like your toiletry bag, at the bottom of the suitcase near the wheels. Use the remaining small spaces to store accessories like chargers or other small items.

Consider wearing your thickest clothes when traveling. Opt for a soft suitcase weighing less than 2 kg when empty to make your trips through the airport easier. Finally, plan your outfits in advance to travel light and stress-free with Ryanair.

Dimensions and Ryanair baggage policy in 2026

Authorized dimensions and weight

Ryanair has set the size of the free personal bag at 40 x 30 x 20 cm. For 2026, this standard is maintained, and wheels and handles must be included in the declared dimensions. This means that compact wheeled suitcases must strictly comply with this format to be placed under the seat. Consult our guide to airline baggage dimensions to compare with other airlines.

The airline retains the option to allow a second cabin bag, but only for passengers who have opted for the "Priority Boarding" option. This second bag remains subject to a 10 kg weight limit and dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

Restrictions and exceptions

Ryanair is intensifying monitoring of non-compliant luggage at boarding gates. Additional fees may apply if a bag exceeds the authorized dimensions. Consult the official Ryanair page to check the rules in effect before your departure.

However, practical exceptions remain available: Ryanair continues to offer paid solutions. These options include checking a suitcase into the hold or purchasing the priority option for travelers with larger or additional luggage.

Choosing the right luggage for Ryanair

Considerations for choosing luggage

These adjustments encourage Ryanair passengers to opt for ultra-compact luggage models, such as lightweight suitcases or soft bags. These options are perfectly suited to meet Ryanair's cabin requirements, thus avoiding any risk of non-compliance during reinforced checks. To find the perfect cabin suitcase, consult our dedicated guide.

Since wheels and handles are included in the authorized dimensions, it is recommended to choose lightweight and flexible cabin luggage. These can be easily slipped under the seat, ensuring maximum comfort during your flights with Ryanair.

Strategies to avoid extra fees

To avoid unexpected fees, remember to purchase the Priority Boarding option with your ticket if you are traveling with an additional cabin bag. This allows you to bring a standard suitcase into the cabin without extra charges at the gate.

Before heading to the airport, always check the dimensions of your cabin bags using the official Ryanair sizers. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to contact customer service to confirm the compliance of your luggage.

Comparison with the current baggage policy

Evolution of Ryanair's baggage policy

Before September 2025, the free personal bag at Ryanair was limited to dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. This standard was replaced by a new measurement of 40 x 30 x 20 cm, applied at all European airports. This change represents a 33% increase in depth, offering more flexibility to travelers.

For 2026, no major changes are planned. Ryanair continues to apply these expanded dimensions while strengthening controls.

How to prepare

To avoid any inconvenience, measure your luggage precisely, including wheels and handles, using the sizers in place since September 2025. Test them at home to ensure they meet the authorized dimensions before heading to the airport.

If necessary, consider booking the Priority Boarding option, available for between 8 and 12 euros, for a more stress-free transport of your luggage. Finally, keep an eye on official Ryanair announcements regarding potential updates to cabin baggage rules before your trips in 2026.

Tips for traveling with Ryanair in 2026

Choosing the right luggage

To avoid any surprise at boarding, opt for a cabin bag that respects the official dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm for the small under-seat bag.

If you wish to bring a larger cabin suitcase, consider purchasing the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option. It allows you to add a 10 kg suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm) that will be placed in the overhead lockers of the cabin.

Prefer a lightweight and soft model with discreet wheels and handles to make it easier to slide under the seat. Compact suitcases or soft bags are often wise choices for Ryanair passengers.

Preparation and strategic packing

Before you leave, check the volume and weight of your luggage. Use a scale and a homemade sizer to ensure the dimensions are compliant, in order to avoid additional fees at the boarding gate.

To stay under the 10 kg limit if you have an additional cabin suitcase, distribute heavy items (like batteries or full toiletry items) into your small personal bag, which is not subject to a weight check.

Maximize the space in your suitcase with packing cubes or compression bags. Also, consider filling your shoes with small items to save space while staying within the authorized dimensions.

In case of doubt about exceptions to the baggage policy (for example, for medical equipment, a stroller, or a musical instrument), contact Ryanair customer service before your departure. Ask for written confirmation to avoid any misunderstanding at the airport.

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Conclusion

In summary, with Ryanair in 2026, take advantage of a free cabin bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm, including wheels and handles. This format is more spacious than the previous European standard. You can also add a second bag by opting for Priority Boarding, for a cost of 8 to 12 euros.

To avoid any extra fees, ensure you measure your suitcases or bags precisely. Remember to roll your clothes to optimize space and test the sizers provided by the airline. Discover our GYL cabin suitcases, designed to pass all Ryanair checks without difficulty.

As with all airlines, cabin liquids are limited to 100 ml per container, grouped in a transparent 1-liter bag. This rule also applies at Ryanair.

FAQ

What are the exact dimensions of the free bag authorized by Ryanair in 2026?

The exact dimensions of the free bag authorized by Ryanair are 40 x 30 x 20 cm. This policy, implemented in September 2025, remains valid in 2026. This bag must strictly fit under the seat.

Is there a weight limit for the free cabin bag at Ryanair in 2026?

No, there is no official weight limit for the free cabin bag at Ryanair in 2026. This bag (dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm) just needs to fit under the seat. The current policy only checks size.

How do I get a second cabin bag with Ryanair in 2026?

To benefit from a second cabin bag with Ryanair in 2026, simply subscribe to the Priority Boarding option, available for a fee between 8 and 12 euros. This option includes:

• A free personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) under the seat.
• An additional bag of maximum 10 kg (55 x 40 x 20 cm) in the cabin.

What are the consequences if my bag exceeds the free dimensions at Ryanair in 2026?

If your bag exceeds the authorized dimensions (40 x 30 x 20 cm) at Ryanair in 2026, it will not be accepted as free luggage. You will then be forced to pay high fees to check your bag at the boarding gate.

To avoid these fees, consider the Priority option, which allows you to bring a second bag into the cabin (dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm).

To learn more: our cabin suitcase size comparator lists the rules of the 11 main airlines.