What free baggage allowance is included with Ryanair?

With Ryanair, you can bring a carry-on 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 rolling carry-on suitcase, or a compact carry-on, understanding Ryanair's carry-on baggage policy is essential. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises during boarding.

Ryanair Carry-on Baggage Summary

Ryanair includes a 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 (10 kg max) is allowed in the cabin.

Free Carry-on Baggage: What You Can Bring

Personal Items: Size and Restrictions

In addition to your main carry-on bag, you can bring a small personal bag, such as 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 luggage. Discover our 5 tips for traveling with a carry-on 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 toiletries 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.

Remember to wear your bulkiest clothes during your trip. Opt for a soft suitcase weighing less than 2 kg when 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

Dimensions and Permitted 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 rolling suitcases must strictly adhere to this format to be placed under the seat. Consult our guide to airplane baggage dimensions to compare with other airlines.

The company retains the possibility of allowing a second cabin 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 monitoring of non-compliant baggage at boarding gates. Additional fees may apply if a bag exceeds the authorized dimensions. Check the official Ryanair page to verify current rules before your departure.

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

Choosing the Right Luggage for Ryanair

Considerations for Baggage Choice

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 enhanced 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 unforeseen 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 carry-on 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 bags.

Comparison with Current Baggage Policy

Evolution of Ryanair's Baggage Policy

Before September 2025, Ryanair's free personal bag 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, thus 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, accurately measure your luggage, including wheels and handles, using the templates in place 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 peaceful transport of your luggage. Finally, pay attention to official Ryanair announcements regarding any updates to 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 want 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) that will be placed in the overhead bins in the cabin.

Choose a lightweight and flexible model with discreet wheels and handles to facilitate its insertion under the seat. Compact suitcases or soft bags are often good 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 comply, 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 (such as batteries or full toiletries) in your small personal bag, which is not subject to weight control.

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

If in 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, at a cost of 8 to 12 euros.

To avoid any additional fees, make sure to accurately measure your suitcases or bags. Remember to roll your clothes to optimize space and test the templates provided by the company. 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 1-liter transparent 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 free carry-on baggage with Ryanair in 2026?

No, there is no official weight limit for free carry-on baggage with Ryanair in 2026. This bag (dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm) simply needs to fit under the seat. The current policy only controls 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 subscribe to the Priority Boarding option, available for a fare 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 baggage exceeds the free dimensions with Ryanair in 2026?

If your baggage exceeds the allowed dimensions (40 x 30 x 20 cm) with 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 carry-on bag into the cabin (dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm).

To go further: our carry-on size comparator lists the rules of the 11 main airlines.