Ryanair is famous for its low fares, but it is equally famous for its strict baggage rules. If you aren’t careful, that cheap £19.99 flight can quickly turn into a £100 expense before you even board the plane.
Navigating the rules for 2026 is critical. With recent updates to personal item dimensions and strict gate enforcement, knowing exactly what you can bring is the only way to avoid those dreaded “gate bag” fees.
Quick Summary: Ryanair Baggage Rules at a Glance
Before we dive into the fine print, here is the essential information every traveler needs for 2026.
| Baggage Type | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Cost |
| Small Personal Bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Must fit under seat | FREE (All fares) |
| 10kg Cabin Bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10kg | £/€6 – £/€36 (Priority) |
| 10kg Checked Bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10kg | £/€9.49 – £/€44.99 |
| 20kg Checked Bag | 80 x 120 x 120 cm | 20kg | £/€18.99 – £/€59.99 |
| Excess Baggage | N/A | Overweight | £/€13 per kg |
Note: Fees vary based on route and travel dates. Purchasing bags at the airport is significantly more expensive than booking online.
1. Free Hand Luggage (The “Small Personal Bag”)
Every single passenger, regardless of fare type, is entitled to bring one small personal bag on board for free.
The 2026 Size Update
In mid-2025, Ryanair adjusted the baggage sizes and policy to officially allow bags up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. This is a slight increase from previous years (formerly 40x25x20cm), giving you a bit more breathing room for packing.
Rules for the Free Bag:
- Must fit under the seat: It cannot go in the overhead bin.
- Examples: A laptop bag, a small backpack, or a handbag.
- No weight limit: While there is no official weight limit listed for the small bag, you must be able to carry it comfortably, and it must not bulge to the point where it cannot fit in the sizer.
2. Priority & 2 Cabin Bags
If you want to bring a wheeled suitcase on board, you must purchase “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags.” You cannot bring a wheelie bag on board with a standard basic fare.
What You Get:
- Small Personal Bag: (40 x 30 x 20 cm) to go under the seat.
- 10kg Cabin Bag: (55 x 40 x 20 cm) to go in the overhead locker.
- Priority Boarding: You board the plane first via the Priority queue.
The Cost:
Prices fluctuate based on demand and route. Expect to pay between £/€6 and £/€36 if you add this at the time of booking. If you try to add it later, the price can jump to £/€20 – £/€60.
Warning: Priority often sells out. It is capped at 95 passengers per flight (about half the plane). If it is sold out, you will have to check your bag in.
3. Checked Baggage Options
For longer trips where a carry-on isn’t enough, Ryanair offers three main tiers of checked luggage.
10kg Checked Bag
This is a budget-friendly option for those who have liquids over 100ml or simply don’t want to drag a suitcase through security.
- Drop-off: You must drop this at the check-in desk before security.
- Fee: Between £/€9.49 and £/€44.99 online.
20kg Checked Bag
The standard option for a week-long holiday.
- Allowance: Up to 3 bags per passenger.
- Fee: Between £/€18.99 and £/€59.99 per bag, per flight.
23kg Checked Bag
A newer addition to the policy, specifically for those needing just a little extra weight.
- Availability: Must be purchased at the time of booking.
- Note: You can only buy one 23kg bag per booking.
4. Oversized and Excess Baggage Fees
This is where travelers often get caught out. Ryanair’s airport fees are punitive, designed to encourage you to follow the rules or book online in advance.
The “Gate Bag” Fee
If you arrive at the boarding gate with a bag that is too large, or if you have a 10kg wheelie bag but did not pay for Priority, you will be charged a gate fee.
- Fee: £/€70 – £/€75.
- The bag will then be placed in the hold of the aircraft.
Excess Weight Fee
If your checked bag weighs more than your allowance (e.g., your 20kg bag actually weighs 22kg), you will be charged per kilogram.
- Fee: £/€13 per kg.
- Example: Being 3kg over the limit will cost you £39 at the desk.
5. Special Items: Sports & Music
Ryanair does allow you to travel with bulky items, but they must be booked into the hold. You cannot bring large instruments or sports gear into the cabin unless you buy an extra seat for them (e.g., for a cello).
| Item | Online Fee | Airport Fee |
| Bicycle | £/€60 | £/€75 |
| Large Sports Item | £/€55 | £/€65 |
| Skis | £/€45 | £/€50 |
| Golf Clubs | £/€30 | £/€40 |
| Musical Instrument | £/€50 | £/€65 |
Note: Bicycles have a weight limit of 30kg; most other sports items have a limit of 20kg.
6. Infant Baggage Rules
Traveling with a baby? The rules are slightly different.
Lap Infants
Babies aged 8 days to 23 months sitting on an adult’s lap do not get a cabin bag allowance.
Baby Bag
However, the accompanying adult can bring a “baby bag” up to 5kg (45x35x20cm) in addition to their own cabin bag.
Free Equipment
You can carry 2 items of baby equipment free of charge per child (e.g., a pushchair + car seat or travel cot). These are tagged at the bag drop desk or boarding gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my bag is 1cm too big?
Ryanair sizers are rigid metal cages. If your bag has hard wheels or a hard shell and cannot be squeezed into the sizer, you will likely be charged the gate fee. Soft-shell bags are safer as they can be squashed to fit.
Is a handbag allowed in addition to my carry-on?
Only if you have Priority Boarding. If you have a standard non-priority fare, you are allowed one bag total. Your handbag must fit inside your backpack/carry-on, or you will be charged.
How much are liquids allowed in 2026?
While some airports are introducing new scanners, Ryanair policy currently adheres to the standard rule: liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, packed in a transparent 1-liter plastic bag.
Always check the rules of the specific airport you are departing from.
Can I add bags after booking?
Yes, you can add bags up to 2 hours before departure via the app or website. However, the price is often higher than if you had added them during the initial booking.
Final Thought
Double-check your dimensions, weigh your checked luggage, and print your boarding passes to ensure your low-cost flight stays low-cost.
Ready to fly? Check the official Ryanair website for the latest real-time updates before you pack.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
