Ryanair's Free Cabin Baggage — What Changed?
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Ryanair has repeatedly overhauled its baggage policy over the years, and passengers are regularly caught off guard at the gate. A few years ago, every passenger could bring a cabin-sized suitcase (55×40×20 cm) on board for free. Those days are long gone.
Since November 2018, Ryanair has drastically restricted free cabin baggage. In 2026, the rule is simple: every passenger is entitled to one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. A larger cabin bag is only allowed for passengers who have purchased the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on or hold a Flexi Plus fare.
This change was controversial — many passengers still don't realise that a standard Ryanair ticket no longer includes a cabin suitcase. The consequences at the airport can be painful: gate fees are significantly higher than the cost of purchasing the add-on at booking.
Small Bag vs Large Cabin Bag — Full Size and Weight Table
This is the table worth saving on your phone before any Ryanair trip:
| Baggage type | Dimensions (cm) | Weight | Price | Who can bring it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small personal bag | 40 × 25 × 20 | No weight limit* | Free | Every passenger |
| Large cabin bag | 55 × 40 × 20 | 10 kg | From ~€8 (at booking) | Priority & 2 Cabin Bags / Flexi Plus |
| Checked bag (10 kg) | 55 × 40 × 20 | 10 kg | From ~€13 | Check-in Bag add-on |
| Checked bag (20 kg) | 81 × 119 × 119 | 20 kg | From ~€20 | Additional add-on |
*Ryanair does not officially state a weight limit for the small personal bag, but it must fit under the seat and be easy to carry. In practice, a bag weighing 5–7 kg raises no issues.
Important: Ryanair's dimensions include wheels, handles, and external pockets. These are not internal measurements — the entire external footprint counts.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags — When Is It Worth It?
The Priority & 2 Cabin Bags service allows you to bring two items on board: a small personal bag (40 × 25 × 20 cm) and a cabin suitcase (55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg). It also includes priority boarding.
When it makes sense:
- Short weekend trips — you don't want to wait at baggage reclaim and lose 30–45 minutes after landing.
- Travel with fragile or valuable items — laptops, cameras, and important documents are safer with you in the cabin.
- When Priority is cheaper than checked baggage — this happens with early bookings, where Priority can cost €8–10 versus €15–25 for a checked bag.
- Flights with separate-ticket connections — with a cabin bag you avoid re-checking and going through security again.
When it's not worth it:
- Trips longer than 5–7 days, where you need more clothes.
- Flights with a lot of liquid purchases (alcohol, perfume) that may not fit within 10 kg.
- When Priority costs more than a 20 kg bag (can happen during last-minute sales).
How to Measure Your Bag to Avoid Gate Fees
In 2026, the fee for oversized baggage at the gate can reach €50–70 — several times more than buying the add-on in advance. Here's how to avoid it:
- Measure your bag when fully packed. An empty bag may fit in the sizer, but a packed one might not. Fill it up before measuring.
- Include wheels and handles. Ryanair measures the external footprint. An extendable handle, even when retracted, counts toward the dimension.
- Test against a cardboard template before leaving home. Build a rough sizer from cardboard (40 × 25 × 20 cm) and check whether your bag fits without forcing.
- Don't overstuff side pockets. A bulging water bottle pocket can add 3–5 cm to the width.
- Choose soft bags over hard-shell. Hard suitcases have fixed dimensions, while soft backpacks can be more forgiving. Ryanair sells dedicated 40 × 25 × 20 bags, but many travel backpacks work equally well.
Tip: Gate staff at Ryanair primarily target visibly oversized bags. If your bag looks small, the chance of a check is lower — but it's not a guarantee.
Prohibited Items in Ryanair Cabin Baggage
The list of prohibited items is the same for all airlines operating in Europe, as it derives from EU regulations:
Strictly prohibited in the cabin:
- Sharp objects: knives (blade > 6 cm), scissors with blades > 6 cm, razors
- Tools: screwdrivers, spanners, drills, saws
- Weapons and ammunition (of any kind)
- Explosives, flammable and chemical substances
- Clubs, baseball bats, martial arts equipment
Permitted with restrictions:
- Liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag (max 1 litre total)
- Lighters — maximum 1, kept on your person (not in the bag)
- Lithium batteries — in devices or in cabin baggage (not in checked bags)
- Scissors with blades up to 6 cm — permitted
Frequently confiscated by mistake:
- Multi-function penknives (even small ones)
- Hair pins with sharp tips (rare, but it happens)
- Aerosol deodorants over 100 ml
Baggage Fees in 2026 — Current Price Ranges
Ryanair baggage prices depend on three factors: when you buy, which route you're on, and the time of year. Here are approximate 2026 price ranges:
| Service | At booking | After booking (online) | At the airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority & 2 Cabin Bags | €8–30 | €10–36 | Not available |
| Checked bag 10 kg | €13–25 | €15–30 | €30–40 |
| Checked bag 20 kg | €20–40 | €25–50 | €50–70 |
| Additional 20 kg bag | €30–50 | €35–60 | €60–75 |
| Sports equipment | €35–60 | €40–65 | €65–80 |
| Musical instrument | €55–70 | €60–75 | Requires extra seat |
Golden rule: the earlier you buy your baggage allowance, the less you'll pay. The difference between buying at booking and paying at the airport can be as much as €50.
What If Ryanair Wrongly Refused to Let You Board with Your Bag?
There are situations where Ryanair staff judge a bag as too large even when it meets the official dimensions. Or the reverse — a passenger with Priority is asked to check their cabin bag into the hold because there's "no space left in the cabin."
In such situations, it's worth knowing:
- If you were denied boarding due to baggage despite having purchased the appropriate option, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261/2004. Denied boarding is one of the strongest passenger claims under EU law.
- Compensation can range from €250 to €600 depending on flight distance — regardless of the ticket price.
- Preserve your evidence: photos of your bag in the sizer, your boarding pass, confirmation of Priority purchase, and recordings of conversations with staff.
Even if you were allowed to board but forced to check your cabin bag despite having Priority, you have grounds for a complaint and a refund. Services like AirHelp can assess your situation and help you pursue a claim — with no upfront cost, as they work on a no win, no fee basis.
Your passenger rights exist independently of the airline's baggage policy. Knowing them gives you real leverage.
FAQ
1. How much can my free Ryanair personal bag weigh?
Ryanair does not officially impose a weight limit on the small personal bag (40 × 25 × 20 cm). You must, however, be able to carry it yourself and fit it under the seat. In practice, a bag weighing 5–7 kg raises no concerns.
2. Will a backpack fit as Ryanair cabin baggage?
Yes, as long as it does not exceed 40 × 25 × 20 cm. Most standard city backpacks (20–25 litres) fit within those limits, but hiking backpacks (40+ litres) do not. Check your backpack's dimensions when fully packed before the flight.
3. What happens if my bag doesn't fit in the sizer at the airport?
You will be asked to check the bag into the hold and pay a gate fee — in 2026, that's approximately €50–70. The fee is charged immediately and is non-negotiable. Measure your bag before heading to the airport.
4. Can I bring a handbag and a backpack on a Ryanair flight at the same time?
No — a standard ticket entitles you to one piece of cabin baggage. A handbag and a backpack are two separate items. You can put the handbag inside the backpack, or purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, which allows two items.
5. Does Ryanair weigh cabin baggage?
For the small personal bag — almost never. For the cabin suitcase (with Priority) the limit is 10 kg, but weighing is generally random. It's still not worth risking it — exceeding the limit can result in an additional charge.
6. Can I bring food in Ryanair cabin baggage?
Yes, dry food (sandwiches, snacks, fruit) without restriction. Liquids and gels (yoghurt, hummus, jam) are subject to the 100 ml rule. Keep in mind that on international flights, customs restrictions on food products may also apply.
7. Can Ryanair change baggage rules after I've bought my ticket?
Formally, yes — the terms and conditions allow for changes. However, if you have purchased a specific baggage option (e.g. Priority) and the airline did not honour it, you have grounds for a complaint. In extreme cases, if boarding was denied, you can pursue compensation under EC 261/2004.
What if your flight is delayed?
Even the best-planned trip can be disrupted by a flight delay or cancellation. Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, you may be entitled to up to €600 per person in compensation. Use our compensation calculator to check your claim in minutes, or read our complete guide to EC 261/2004 to understand your rights.