Ryanair cabin bag size and weight restrictions 2026 – and best bags that fit

There’s a reason budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizzair, and easyJet are so cheap: they come with strict luggage rules.

Who among us can say they haven’t been caught and fined at the gate for trying to sneak on an extra bag?

In the spirit of not making the same mistake twice, we’ve been curating low-cost airline luggage guides, so you know how much you can take and what kind of bag.

We’ve already shared the easyJet restrictions and Wizz Air restrictions — and hopefully saved some of you a few quid — so here comes the Ryanair version.

Now there’s no excuse for a last-minute repack.

Ryanair’s cabin bag size and weight rules for 2026

At Ryanair, all fare types include a small personal bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you.

This can be a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack, but it must be 40 x 30 x 20cm in size.

If you have a priority ticket, you can bring two cabin bags. The first is the same size as above.

The second bag can be a little bigger, at 55 x 40 x 20cm. It must weigh less than 10kg, as it will be stored in the overhead locker.

You can select priority boarding when you’re booking your flight, or later via the Ryanair app or website. This can be done on the app up to 40 minutes before departure, or on the website up to two hours before departure.

Ryanair’s website states this can cost anywhere between £6 and £36 if you pay when you book. If you wait until later, it increases to anywhere from £20 to £60.

How much is checked baggage?

Whether you’re travelling for a few weeks or just want more outfit options, checked baggage is available, too.

Ryanair’s rules and weight restrictions are as follows:

• 10kg check-in bag: At the time of booking, a 10kg bag can cost between £9.49 and £44.99. Post-booking, that climbs to between £23.99 and £44.99. The bag must be checked in before heading through security. Non-priority customers who bring this size bag to the boarding gate will either have their luggage refused or be required to pay a fee of £46 to £60.
• 20kg check-in bag: Travellers can purchase up to three checked 20kg bags on their booking. It will cost between £18.99 and £59.99 when booking, or £39.99 to £59.99 at a later date. Bag dimensions are 80 x 120 x 120cm.
• 23kg check-in bag: Passengers are allowed one 23kg checked bag per booking. Ryanair’s website states this is between £29.99 to £80.99 per flight, and only available at the time of booking. Bag dimensions are 81 x 119 x 119 cm.

With all options, fees vary depending on the route and travel dates.

For people travelling with newborns, Ryanair allows two items of baby equipment free of charge per child.

Note, infants between the ages of eight days and 23 months do not qualify for the cabin bag allowance.

However, a baby bag up to 5kg (measuring 45 x 35 x 20cm) is allowed for babies travelling on an adult’s lap.

Best Ryanair cabin bags that comply with size restrictions 

With dimensions and weights covered — and for those who don’t need 23kg worth of luggage — here are Metro’s top picks of cabin bags that comply with Ryanair’s restrictions.

This article was originally published on 11 October 2025 and has been updated.

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