Travel Tips Tips

Ryanair Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw
Yadana Chaw
02.01.26
Read time 3 minutes

Founded in 1985, Ryanair (FR), is a European ultra low-cost carrier from Ireland. They operate extensively across Europe and North Africa, offering flights to 224+ destinations.

Ryanair’s baggage policy leverages low base fares by offering only one free small personal bag that fits under the seat. All larger luggage, including standard carry-on and checked bags, must be purchased separately and pre-booked to avoid significant fees, as the size and weight restrictions are strictly enforced.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Ryanair, the maximum standard size is 81 x 119 x 119 cm.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 40 x 20 x 25 cm.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Ryanair carry-on allowance

Fare TypeIncluded Carry-on BagMax SizeWeight Limit
Basic Fare / Value0NANA
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags (Add-on)155 x 40 x 20 cm10 kg
Flexi Plus155 x 40 x 20 cm10 kg

Regardless of the fare type, you are also entitled to one small personal bag. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you and have maximum dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm.

Ryanair checked baggage allowance

Ryanair primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Fare TypeChecked Baggage Included
All Fare Types0

Checked baggage is not included in Ryanair's standard ticket fares. If you wish to check luggage, you must purchase the allowance separately, with the applicable fees determined by the weight tier selected for the baggage add-on.

Ryanair extra baggage fees

Ryanair's fees are structured based on whether the baggage allowance is pre-purchased by weight tier or whether excess luggage is subject to a penalty fee at the airport. It is important to note that fees for checked luggage are generally lower when pre-purchased online.

Additional Baggage (Per Piece/Weight Concept):

  • Additional baggage is charged by purchasing pre-defined weight tiers (10kg, 20kg, or 23kg bags) per piece, per direction.
  • The fee varies dynamically based on the route and season (e.g., 20kg bag online price ranges from €18.99 to €59.99 EUR).

Overweight Checked Baggage:

  • Checked bags must not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) for safety reasons.
  • Any weight exceeding the passenger's purchased allowance is charged at a flat per-kilogram rate at the airport.

Oversize Cabin Baggage:

  • If a check-in bag is brought to the boarding gate without pre-payment, it will be placed in the hold for a fixed penalty fee.
  • If a bag exceeds the strict size limits and is brought to the boarding gate, it will be placed in the hold for a higher fixed penalty fee.

Ryanair special baggage policy

  • Sporting Equipment: Must be pre-booked and checked for a fixed fee per item. Most sports equipment has a weight limit of 20 kg (bicycles have a higher 30 kg limit). Excess weight is charged at the standard per-kilogram rate.
  • Musical Instruments: Small instruments fitting within the free cabin bag allowance travel for free. For larger instruments (e.g., guitars, cellos) that cannot be checked, the passenger must purchase an Extra Seat, which allows for items with a maximum weight of 20 kg and a max size of 120 x 50 x 30 cm.
  • Infants (Under 2): Infants are not entitled to a cabin bag, but the accompanying adult may bring a baby bag up to 5 kg (45 x 35 x 20 cm) for free if the infant is seated on their lap. The adult may also bring two items of baby equipment (e.g., collapsible pushchair, car seat/booster seat, or travel cot) free of charge as checked luggage to the aircraft steps.

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