FR · Ireland · Ultra low-cost

Ryanair Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Ryanair, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9", max 10 kg, from $40
  • Personal item: up to 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9", free on every fare
  • Basic economy: Basic (default) allows a personal item only

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight limit
10 kg (22 lb)
Fee
From $40
Gate-check risk
High

The larger wheelie bag (55x40x20 cm, 10 kg) requires Priority Boarding or a Plus/Flexi/Family fare. Otherwise only the small personal bag is free. Ryanair is famously strict at the gate.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
40 x 25 x 20 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Included free on every fare, but Ryanair enforces the size limit hard with gate sizers. If it does not fit, you pay a gate fee.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Too big
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Too big
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bagNot published
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit44 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Ryanair includes NO checked bag on any fare. Passengers buy 10 kg or 20 kg bags separately. Online prices range €/£18.99 to €/£59.99 per bag per flight (roughly $20-65 USD), varying by route and how far in advance you book. Airport rates are substantially higher. Max bag 20 kg (roughly $14/kg excess up to 32 kg). Non-priority passengers who bring the 10 kg check-in bag to the gate are charged €/£46.

Ways to skip the Ryanair checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Ryanair carry-on size.
  2. Use a Ryanair co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit the 40x30x20 cm personal bag allowance fly free. Larger instruments require an extra seat purchase or check-in at sports-equipment rates.

Ski, golf, and bike bags on Ryanair incur a separate sports-equipment fee on top of the checked bag cost. Pets are not permitted in the cabin or hold on Ryanair except for registered assistance dogs.

Basic economy restrictions

Basic (default) Ryanair's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Personal item only (40x30x20 cm, 10 kg) included free
  • Carry-on requires Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on
  • No seat selection (random assignment)
  • 10 kg check-in bag at gate = €/£46 fee for non-priority

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ryanair carry-on size limit?

Ryanair allows a carry-on bag up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9" (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb).

What is the Ryanair personal item size?

The personal item on Ryanair must fit within 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9" (40 x 25 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Included free on every fare, but Ryanair enforces the size limit hard with gate sizers. If it does not fit, you pay a gate fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on Ryanair Basic (default)?

No. Ryanair Basic (default) passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

How can I avoid Ryanair checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Ryanair carry-on size of 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9"); (2) hold a Ryanair co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Ryanair?

Ryanair currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.

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Ryanair hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Ryanair operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Ryanair before flying.