In this article, I’ll break down the Ryanair hand luggage allowance: You’ll learn about the size, weight, and quantity regulations for the various fare classes. Additionally, I’ll cover the rules for liquids and prohibited items. Plus, you’ll find suitable product recommendations and answers to frequently asked questions.
Contents
- 1 Ryanair Hand Luggage Allowance
- 2 Ryanair Small Cabin Bag 40×30×20
- 3 Ryanair Large Cabin Bag 55×40×20
- 4 Ryanair Cabin Luggage – Prohibited Items
- 5 Liquids in Ryanair Hand Luggage
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1 How strict are Ryanair with hand luggage size?
- 6.2 What happens if hand luggage is too big?
- 6.3 How is the hand luggage size checked?
- 6.4 Does hand luggage size include wheels?
- 6.5 Can I take a handbag as well as hand luggage on an Ryanair flight?
- 6.6 What is the weight limit for Ryanair hand luggage?
Who’s behind these travel insights?
I’m Sebastian, your luggage expert since 2017. I help you choose the perfect travel gear and navigate baggage rules with ease.
Ryanair Hand Luggage Allowance
How much luggage you’re allowed to take on your flight depends on the seat you’ve booked.
Value Fare
Regular Fare
Plus
Family Plus
Flexi Plus
Value Fare
In the budget-friendly Value fare, only a small hand luggage bag up to 40×30×20 cm is included. There’s no weight limit for this piece, and it’s stored under the seat.
If you need an additional piece of hand luggage, you can opt for the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on. This allows you to bring an additional larger hand luggage bag up to 55×40×20 cm on board. Alternatively, you also have the option to book checked luggage of either 10kg or 20kg.
Regular Fare
In the Regular Fare, the ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ option is included. You’re allowed to bring a small hand luggage bag up to 40×30×20 cm (with no weight limit) and a larger hand luggage item up to 55×40×20 cm, weighing up to 10kg, on board.
Additionally, a reserved standard seat is included.
Plus
The Plus fare from Ryanair includes a small hand luggage item up to 40×30×20 cm (with no weight limit) and a 20kg check-in luggage piece up to 120×120×80 cm.
Additionally, a reserved seat and free airport check-in are included.
Family Plus
In the Family Plus fare, each passenger is allowed a small cabin bag up to 40×30×20 cm (with no weight limit). Additionally, every passenger can bring a 10kg check-in bag measuring up to 55×40×20 cm.
The fare also includes one 20kg check-in bag (max. 120×120×80 cm) per family (Note: This is not per passenger). Children under 12 years old receive a free seat with the Family Plus fare.
Flexi Plus
In Ryanair’s Flexi Plus fare, the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option is included: This allows you to bring a small cabin bag up to 40×30×20 cm (with no weight limit) and a large cabin bag up to 55×40×20 cm weighing up to 10kg into the cabin.
Additional benefits include: any reserved seat of your choice, flexible tickets, free airport check-in, and Fast Track security clearance.
All details are given without warranty.
Ryanair Small Cabin Bag 40×30×20
Recommendations for the underseat bag
For the small Ryanair cabin luggage size of 40×30×20 cm, there are suitable suitcases, backpacks, and bags that precisely meet the regulations. These models maximize your storage space and are also compatible with airlines such as easyJet, Eurowings, Emirates, and Wizz Air. Here are the top models:
Last update on 2026-02-16 at 00:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Ryanair Large Cabin Bag 55×40×20
Recommendations for the perfect carry-on suitcase
🏆 Since 2016, I’ve been testing cabin luggage suitcases and have compiled a top-picks list. Almost all models are up to 55×40×20 cm in size, making them ideal for Ryanair’s larger hand luggage allowance.
Ryanair Cabin Luggage – Prohibited Items
What can you take in hand luggage?
Unsure about what’s allowed and what’s not in your Ryanair hand luggage? All airlines prohibit items deemed dangerous or that could be used as a weapon.
It’s not always clear-cut whether an item is considered dangerous. In such cases, the final decision rests with the airport security staff. The list below provides an initial overview:
A detailed list with explanations and graphics can be found in this post:
Liquids in Ryanair Hand Luggage
What is allowed?
When packing liquids in your hand luggage, be aware of the 100ml Airport Rule that restricts each container to a maximum of 100ml. In the UK, this regulation is currently changing: a few airports, such as Birmingham, Edinburgh and the two Belfast airports, have already lifted the limit and now allow containers of up to two litres. At most other UK airports, however, the 100ml restriction still applies until the nationwide rollout of new scanners is completed.
However, as many international airports haven’t yet upgraded to the necessary technology, the 100ml rule will also remain vital for future travel outside the UK. Here’s a brief overview of the 100ml rule:
- Only containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml are allowed.
- All containers must be packed in a transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.
- The plastic bag must be fully sealed.
- Each passenger is allowed only one bag.
- The number of containers is not limited as long as the total volume does not exceed 1 litre.
To adhere to the 100ml rule as effectively as possible, consider purchasing dedicated toiletry bags for your liquids. Bags that come equipped with bottles are particularly useful for decanting personal care products.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clear Toiletry Bag 20x20 cm | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2026-02-16 at 00:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MOCOCITO Toiletry Bag with 8 Bottles | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2026-02-16 at 00:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ryanair hand luggage
How strict are Ryanair with hand luggage size?
At Ryanair, the strictness of hand luggage checks can vary based on several factors, including location, staff, flight occupancy, and available time. Generally, budget airlines are known to be somewhat stricter. I advise you to always adhere to the permitted hand luggage dimensions and weight limits to avoid unnecessary charges.
What happens if hand luggage is too big?
Even if your hand luggage is just a few centimetres too big for Ryanair, you might be required to check it in at an additional cost. Staff tolerance can vary, so I always recommend sticking to the allowed dimensions. A slight excess might be overlooked, and not every piece of luggage is precisely measured. It’s hard to predict the exact decision in your specific case since it’s a matter of individual discretion. You need to weigh up whether you’re willing to take that risk.
How is the hand luggage size checked?
To check the size of your hand luggage, a baggage sizer is used, into which your bag must fit. If it can be compressed to the permitted dimensions, the test is considered passed. Checks are usually done randomly or at the staff’s discretion and can take place both at check-in and during boarding.
Does hand luggage size include wheels?
The size of the hand luggage always includes the wheels and handles.
Can I take a handbag as well as hand luggage on an Ryanair flight?
By default, Ryanair only allows a small bag (max. 40×30×20 cm) to be taken on board for free. An additional backpack or handbag is not included in the standard fare. The option to bring two pieces of luggage on board is only available if you have either booked the “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” add-on or if it’s included in your fare.
What is the weight limit for Ryanair hand luggage?
For the small Ryanair hand luggage measuring 40×30×20 cm, there is no weight limit. The larger hand luggage of 55×40×20 cm can weigh up to 10kg.
Some of the medication I take makes me thirsty. Can I take a bottle of water in my hand luggage?
Hi Margaret,
I totally understand how important it is to stay hydrated, especially if you’re taking medication that makes you feel thirsty. But as explained in the article, liquids in hand luggage must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and packed in a 1-litre clear plastic bag. This means you can’t bring a regular bottle of water through security.
However, if you need more water for medical reasons, exceptions may be made – but you’ll need a doctor’s note or certificate to support this at security.
The easiest solution is to bring an empty bottle and fill it after security, or simply buy water in the departure area or on board.
Safe travels!