Ryanair Carry-On Luggage

Passengers flying with Ryanair are allowed to bring one small bag for free as standard. It must not exceed 40 x 20 x 25 cm and must fit under the seat in front of you. If you also want to bring a trolley or carry-on suitcase, you’ll usually need to purchase a Priority ticket that includes two pieces of carry-on luggage, or a fare that already includes that option. Since Ryanair can be quite strict with its checks at the gate, it’s wise to make sure your luggage meets the size requirements not just on paper, but in practice as well. Below you’ll find the most important rules, the current size limits, and practical tips to avoid extra costs and stress at the airport.

The Rules You Need to Know Right Away

Searches such as “bag 40x20x25,” “Ryanair carry-on bag,” or “Ryanair carry-on suitcase” usually refer to these two sizes. Always check the external dimensions of your bag or suitcase, including wheels, handles, side pockets, and protruding zippers. Airlines may change their policies, so if in doubt, compare Ryanair’s rules with the general carry-on baggage regulations for 2026, and always check the information in your booking and on the Ryanair website before departure.

What are the size restrictions for your bag or suitcase?

Free personalized bag: 40 x 20 x 25 cm

Ryanair’s standard carry-on isn’t a traditional carry-on suitcase, but a small bag that fits under the seat. Think of a compact backpack, laptop bag, small weekend bag, or “underseater” bags. What matters most isn’t the label on the bag, but its actual exterior dimensions when the bag is full. A soft bag can be handy because it’s flexible, but the same rule applies: if it bulges and doesn’t fit in the bag sizer, Ryanair may reject it.

For many travelers, a dedicated carry-on bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25 cm is the safest choice. This allows you to make the most of the free space without taking any chances. If you’re buying a Ryanair bag or a small travel bag, don’t just look at the capacity in liters; pay close attention to the specified dimensions of the entire product.

Additional carry-on bag with Priority: 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg

If you want to bring a trolley or a larger carry-on suitcase, you’ll be subject to the 10 kg carry-on baggage limit. It may measure no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm and must fit in the overhead compartment above your seat. This additional bag is usually only allowed if you’ve booked Priority and 2 pieces of carry-on baggage, or if you’ve chosen a fare that already includes this option.

For this size, both hard-shell and soft-shell carry-on suitcases are acceptable, as long as the external dimensions are correct. Pay extra attention to the wheels and handles. That’s exactly where things often go wrong with Ryanair carry-on suitcases. If a product page lists only approximate dimensions, check to make sure those are actually the external dimensions and not just the dimensions of the main compartment.

How strict is Ryanair about carry-on luggage?

Ryanair is known for strictly enforcing its carry-on baggage policies. That doesn’t mean every passenger will be screened, but you should expect that it could happen. The likelihood of being screened is higher on busy flights, popular city trips, and at crowded boarding gates. If your bag doesn’t fit in the sizer, you may still have to check it for an additional fee.

Many travelers who are unsure about which backpack to bring on a plane also wonder if Ryanair has strict rules about backpacks. The short answer is: yes, if the backpack is visibly larger than allowed or packed so tightly that it bulges. A backpack made of flexible fabric can work to your advantage, but only if it still fits neatly within the size limits. If you overfill the front pockets or force the zippers shut, you’ll quickly lose that leeway.

The safest approach is simple: test your bag at home once it’s fully packed. Measure it at its widest point, and don’t push any protruding parts in just to make it fit within the size limit. What barely fits at home usually causes stress at the airport.

What can you bring in your carry-on luggage?

Liquids

For liquids, the well-known safety rule generally applies: containers of up to 100 ml, all placed together in a transparent, resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter. Examples include shampoo, perfume, toothpaste, cream, and liquid makeup. Even if a bottle isn’t completely full, the container’s labeled capacity is what counts. So a 150-ml bottle with 20 ml still inside is usually not allowed through security.

At some airports, security procedures may vary due to new scanners, but to be on the safe side, always follow the standard rules. That way, you won’t run into any surprises. If you often travel with just a small bag, mini-sized packages and refillable travel bottles are one of the easiest ways to save space.

Electronics, medications, and baby food

Laptops, tablets, cameras, and phones are usually allowed in your carry-on luggage. Power banks and other loose lithium batteries, on the other hand, should generally be carried in the cabin and not placed in checked luggage. It’s best to pack any medication you’ll need during your trip in your carry-on luggage, preferably with a prescription or doctor’s note if you’re carrying large quantities or liquid medication.

Exceptions are often made for baby food and essential liquids, but security may ask you to present these items separately. Therefore, always follow the instructions at the airport. This will help you avoid delays at security.

When do you need Priority and 2 pieces of carry-on luggage?

Priority is especially useful if you want to bring more than just a small bag to stow under your seat. With this option, you can usually bring two items: your free personal bag and an additional 10-kg carry-on suitcase. For a weekend trip, business trip, or short vacation, that can make all the difference between traveling light and still bringing enough items with you.

If you’re traveling light, the free bag is often all you need. For one or two nights, this works surprisingly often, especially if you pack smartly and choose clothes that mix and match well. If you need shoes, toiletries, an extra outfit, and maybe a laptop, Priority is usually more convenient. If this option isn’t available or you don’t want to bring extra carry-on luggage, you can often still add a 10-kg checked bag.

Be sure to check what's included in your fare. Some Ryanair fares or packages already include Priority, while with other bookings you'll need to add it separately.

Traveling with a Baby or Child

Separate rules apply when traveling with a baby or child. For a baby traveling on an adult’s lap, there is usually no full-size carry-on allowance as there is for an adult, but Ryanair generally allows a small baby bag weighing up to 5 kg. In addition, two free baby items are usually allowed, such as a stroller, pram, or car seat. If a child has their own seat, they are generally also allowed their own personal bag within the standard dimensions.

Since these rules can vary depending on age, booking, and route, it’s a good idea to double-check them in your reservation right before departure. You’ll want to avoid any disputes at security or the gate, especially when it comes to bottles, baby food, and children’s items.

Practical tips for staying within Ryanair's size limits

• Choose a bag that's actually designed to be about 40 x 20 x 25 cm if you only want to bring a free carry-on.
• Always measure the exterior dimensions, including wheels, handles, and filled front pockets.
• Use packing cubes to organize your clothes more compactly and neatly.
• Bring travel-size containers for toiletries so you don't waste space.
• Wear your thickest coat and shoes during the flight instead of packing them in your bag.
• Weigh a 10-kg carry-on suitcase at home, especially if you're traveling with Priority and bringing a lot of electronics.

If you travel regularly with Ryanair, a lightweight, smart bag is often more practical than a heavy suitcase. A compact travel bag or underseater feels more convenient on the go, slides more easily under the seat, and offers just a little more flexibility when packing. If you’d rather search for something specific, check out our guide to choosing the best carry-on suitcase and pick a model that’s well below the maximum size limit rather than right at the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ryanair Carry-On Baggage

What counts as carry-on luggage on Ryanair?

By default, this includes one small personal bag that fits under the seat. If you’d also like to bring a larger carry-on bag, you’ll usually need Priority or a fare that includes extra carry-on baggage.

What are the main rules for the free bag?

The free bag may measure no more than 40 x 20 x 25 cm and must fit under the seat. Ryanair checks the bag’s actual external dimensions, not just the label or its empty dimensions.

Is Ryanair strict about backpacks?

Yes, especially if the backpack is bulging or clearly looks bigger than allowed. A soft backpack can work just fine, but only if it still fits in the sizer when it's full.

What happens if my bag is just a little too big?

In that case, Ryanair may confiscate your bag at the gate and charge you an extra fee. You're especially at risk with a bag that's just a little too big, because there's little room for discussion if it doesn't fit in the measuring device.

Can I add extra luggage later?

In many cases, yes. You can often add Priority, extra baggage, or checked baggage through your booking. It's best to do this online in advance, because it's usually more expensive at the airport.

Which bag is the most practical for 40 x 20 x 25 cm?

For Ryanair’s free carry-on allowance, a compact travel bag, underseater, or small backpack is usually the most practical option. It makes better use of the space than a hard-sided suitcase and offers more flexibility, as long as the external dimensions are within the limits.

If you want to board without any hassle, don’t just choose a nice bag—make sure to pick a model that, even when full, still fits within Ryanair’s size limits. Taking a quick measurement at home and packing your suitcase smartly often makes more of a difference than any extra baggage option.