On Ryanair every fare includes one free small bag of 40 Ă— 30 Ă— 20 cm that goes under the seat. To bring a 10 kg, 55 Ă— 40 Ă— 20 cm bag for the overhead locker as well you need "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags", which also gives you priority boarding. You can add checked bags of 10, 20 or 23 kg. Here are the rules, the fares that include bags and what happens at the gate if your bag does not fit the sizer.
Ryanair hand luggage sizes
| Bag | Size and weight | Where it goes | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bag | 40 Ă— 30 Ă— 20 cm | Under the seat in front | Included in every fare |
| Cabin bag | 55 Ă— 40 Ă— 20 cm, up to 10 kg | Overhead locker | Priority & 2 Cabin Bags |
| Checked bag | 10 kg, 20 kg (up to 3) or 23 kg (1) | Hold | Paid, or included in some fares |
The small bag can be a handbag, a small backpack or a laptop bag. A 10 kg checked bag must be dropped at the check-in desk before security.
Which fares include bags
- Basic: the small bag only; random seat and online check-in from 24 hours before.
- Regular: priority boarding and 2 cabin bags (small bag and 10 kg bag), standard seat.
- Plus: small bag and one 20 kg checked bag, standard seat.
- Family Plus: for groups of up to six with at least one child or teen, with checked bags for the whole group.
- Flexi Plus: priority and 2 cabin bags, any seat and more flexible flight changes.
Infants have no cabin allowance of their own, but you can bring a 5 kg baby bag and two items of baby equipment such as a pushchair and car seat free of charge.
What happens at the gate if your bag is too big
Ryanair applies its sizes strictly. If your small bag or cabin bag does not fit the sizer, it may be refused or, where possible, put in the hold for a fee set out in the airline's regulations. To avoid this:
- measure your bag at home, outside pockets included;
- choose a soft bag, which fits the sizer more easily;
- if you need a cabin bag, add Priority online: it costs less than sorting it out at the gate;
- follow the airport's security rules for liquids: usually containers of up to 100 ml in a clear one-litre bag.
If your Ryanair flight is delayed or cancelled
What you pay for bags does not change your rights: if the flight arrives 3 hours or more late, is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or you are denied boarding, you may be owed €250, €400 or €600 per passenger, even on a Basic fare. Everything is on our Ryanair delays and compensation page. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes: you pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated. If your checked bag does not arrive, read our guide to lost luggage.
Frequently asked questions about Ryanair hand luggage
What size is Ryanair's free small bag?
40 Ă— 30 Ă— 20 cm. It must fit under the seat in front of you and is included in every fare.
How heavy can the overhead cabin bag be?
Up to 10 kg, with a maximum size of 55 Ă— 40 Ă— 20 cm. You need "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" or a fare that includes it.
How many checked bags can I add?
Up to three 20 kg bags or one 23 kg bag, as well as the 10 kg checked bag.
What happens if my bag does not fit the sizer?
It may be refused at the gate or put in the hold for a fee.
Does a baby get a baggage allowance?
Not a cabin bag of their own, but you can bring a 5 kg baby bag and two items such as a pushchair and car seat free of charge.
Work out your compensation now
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- Free check, no commitment
- No upfront costs: 25% + VAT only if we win
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Find out more
- Air passenger rights
- Delayed flight: when you can claim compensation
- Cancelled flight: refund and compensation
- Overbooking: what you are owed
- What our service costs
Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.