How Strict Is Ryanair With Carry On Size?

Ryanair is a great low-cost airline with flights to hundreds of destinations throughout Europe and surrounding areas.

The thing is, Ryanair has baggage size allowances that differ from other companies.

Before you pack for your trip, it’s a good idea to confirm what size and weight of luggage you can and cannot bring.

Ryanair has specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags, but those who’ve flown with them often claim they’re not strict about enforcing them. They may allow passengers to carry on luggage that is larger than the size limits if it fits in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of them.

What Are Ryanair’s Carry-On Size Restrictions?

Every passenger on a Ryanair flight is allowed one personal item measuring 16” x 8” x 10” (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm).

As long as your item can fit under the seat in front of you, it’s allowed.

If you want to bring an additional carry-on, you can upgrade your baggage allowance for a fee.

Can You Take More Than One Carry-On Bag on Ryanair?

You can take more than one carry-on bag on Ryanair, but you have to pay for the second item.

While the personal bag is included with your fare, you’ll need to upgrade your ticket to Priority & 2 Cabin Bags to bring an additional carry-on.

The second piece of luggage is limited to 22” x 16” x 8” (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm) and has to weigh less than 22 lbs (10 kg).

This option tends to sell out quickly, so if you plan to bring an extra carry-on, you should pay for the upgrade when you’re booking your ticket. 

If you miss the opportunity, you can always opt for Ryanair’s 10 kg (22 lbs) Check-In Bag alternative.

Can You Take an Extra Carry-On Bag For an Extra Fee?

You can only take up to two carry-on bags on Ryanair flights.

The first is the personal item that comes with your ticket, and the second is only allowed if you’ve upgraded to Priority & 2 Cabin Bags.

There is no option to bring any additional luggage as carry-on, even for a fee.

What Happens if Your Carry-On Bag Doesn’t Meet the Size Requirements?

You’ll have to check your bag if your personal item doesn’t fit under the seat or if you paid for an extra carry-on that exceeds the size/weight limits.

You can try to adjust your stuff to make it fit better or weigh less, but if the bags are too large or too heavy, you won’t be able to take them on the plane. 

Checking luggage comes at an additional cost, so make sure your bags meet the requirements.

What Are Ryanair’s Checked Luggage Size Restrictions?

Ryanair allows each passenger to pay for up to three pieces of checked luggage. 

You can check either 10 kg (22 lbs) bags or 20 kg (44 lbs) bags, or both, but the heavier the luggage, the more expensive it is.

If your bag is slightly overweight, you can add up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs) extra at check-in, but it costs between $10-$12 (€9-€11) per kilogram.

One cool thing about Ryanair is that passengers traveling together on the same reservation can pool the weight of their purchased luggage. 

So, if you’re traveling with your partner or spouse, for example, and you buy a 10 kg bag each (for a total of 20 kg), one bag can weigh 5 kg (11 lbs), and the other can weigh 15 kg (33 lbs).

Any piece of luggage exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) is not allowed, but weight limits don’t apply to mobility equipment.

Just note that checked bags can’t be bigger than 81 cm (32 in) high, 119 cm (46 in) wide, and 119 cm (46 in) deep.

Musical instruments, sports gear, and medical equipment that don’t fit in a standard suitcase can still be checked in for additional costs. 

For more specific information about checked luggage, refer to Ryanair’s website.

Are Ryanair’s Luggage Restrictions the Same as Other Airlines?

No, Ryanair’s luggage restrictions aren’t the same as other airlines.

Most airlines have comparable baggage allowances that match the requirements of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

That said, permitted luggage usually depends on the type of flight, the size of the plane, and a few other factors. 

Some airlines have different limits for hand luggage, but most brands of “carry-on-approved” bags are small enough to meet the various requirements. 

Ryanair’s checked-bag limits are less size-specific and more weight-specific, but hand luggage must fit either under the seat or in the overhead bin.

Does Ryanair Have A Lost Luggage Policy?

Ryanair does have a lost luggage policy. 

Any lost, damaged, or delayed luggage must be reported at the Baggage Desk at the arrival airport as soon as you realize it’s missing or damaged. 

Ryanair staff will provide you with a Property Irregularity Report, which you can use to check the status of your luggage and track how much time has passed.

After filing a report with the Baggage Desk, you can fill out a claim form online.

Claims for damaged and delayed baggage are processed within 15 business days. 

Lost baggage claims are processed within 28 working days after they complete the baggage-tracing process. 

Final results will be sent to you via email or standard mail.

Conclusion

Many people prefer Ryanair because it offers low-cost flights to many popular destinations. 

It’s also one of the few airlines with fairly flexible luggage policies. 

Still, you’ll want to double-check baggage allowances so you can bring the carry-on or checked luggage you want.

Every passenger can bring one personal item at no extra cost, as long as it fits under the seat in front of them.

If you’re adding an extra carry-on or checked bag, the cheapest time to buy is when you’re booking your flight.