What free baggage allowance is included with Ryanair?

With Ryanair, you can bring one free carry-on bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm. 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 carry-on suitcase, or a compact carry-on bag, understanding Ryanair's carry-on baggage policy is essential. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises at boarding.

Ryanair Carry-on Baggage Summary

Ryanair includes one free small 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 (max 10 kg) is allowed in the cabin.

Free Carry-on Bag: What You Can Bring

Personal Items: Size and Restrictions

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

Tips for Maximizing Carry-on Space

To optimize every centimeter of your Ryanair carry-on suitcase, prefer rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This trick not only prevents wrinkles but also frees up valuable space in your bag. Discover our 5 tips for traveling with a carry-on suitcase for more advice.

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, fill your shoes with socks or belts. Place heavy items, such as your toiletry bag, at the bottom of the suitcase near the wheels. Use any remaining small spaces to store accessories like chargers or other small items.

Consider wearing your bulkiest clothes during your trip. Opt for a soft suitcase weighing less than 2 kg empty to make your airport travel easier. Finally, plan your outfits in advance to travel light and stress-free with Ryanair.

Ryanair Baggage Dimensions and Policy in 2026

Allowed 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 adhere to this format to be placed under the seat. Consult our ultimate guide to airplane baggage dimensions to compare with other airlines.

The company retains the possibility of allowing a second carry-on bag, but only for passengers who have opted for the "Priority Boarding" option. This second bag is still subject to a weight limit of 10 kg and dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

Restrictions and Exceptions

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

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

Choosing the Right Luggage for Ryanair

Luggage Selection Considerations

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 carry-on suitcase, consult our dedicated guide.

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

Strategies to Avoid Additional Fees

To avoid unexpected fees, consider purchasing the priority boarding option with your ticket if you are traveling with an additional carry-on bag. This allows you to bring a standard suitcase into the cabin without additional fees at the gate.

Before heading to the airport, always check the dimensions of your carry-on bags using the official Ryanair templates. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact customer service to confirm the compliance of your luggage.

Comparison with Current Baggage Policy

Evolution of Ryanair's Baggage Policy

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

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

How to Prepare

To avoid any inconvenience, measure your luggage accurately, including wheels and handles, using the templates implemented since September 2025. Test them at home to ensure they comply with the authorized dimensions before going to the airport.

If necessary, consider booking the priority boarding option, available between 8 and 12 euros, for a more serene baggage transport. Finally, stay attentive to official Ryanair announcements regarding any updates on carry-on baggage rules before your trips in 2026.

Tips for Traveling with Ryanair in 2026

Choosing the Right Luggage

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

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

Choose a lightweight and soft model with discreet wheels and handles to facilitate its insertion under the seat. Compact suitcases or soft bags are often judicious choices for Ryanair passengers.

Strategic Preparation and Packing

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

To stay under the 10 kg limit if you have an additional carry-on suitcase, distribute heavy items (like batteries or full toiletries) into your small personal bag, which is not subject to weight control.

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

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

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Conclusion

In summary, with Ryanair in 2026, enjoy a free carry-on 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 additional fees, make sure to precisely measure your suitcases or bags. Remember to roll your clothes to optimize space and test the templates provided by the airline. Discover our GYL carry-on suitcases, designed to pass all Ryanair checks without difficulty.

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

FAQ

What are the exact dimensions of the free baggage allowed by Ryanair in 2026?

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

Is there a weight limit for the free carry-on bag on Ryanair in 2026?

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

How can I get a second carry-on bag with Ryanair in 2026?

To get a second carry-on bag with Ryanair in 2026, simply purchase the Priority Boarding option, available for a fare between 8 and 12 euros. This option includes:

• One free personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) under the seat.
• One additional bag of up to 10 kg (55 x 40 x 20 cm) in the cabin.

What are the consequences if my baggage exceeds the free dimensions on Ryanair in 2026?

If your baggage exceeds the authorized dimensions (40 x 30 x 20 cm) on Ryanair in 2026, it will not be accepted as free baggage. You will then be forced to pay high fees to check your baggage 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 go further: our carry-on luggage size comparator lists the rules of the 11 main airlines.