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Traveling with Ryanair offers competitive fares, but it is critical to know the rules about carry-on baggage to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport. From size and weight compliance to extra baggage fees, every detail can affect your travel experience and the final cost of your ticket.
In this guide updated to 2025, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Ryanair’s carry-on baggage policies, tricks to avoid overcharges, and the best strategies for packing your luggage efficiently. If you’ve suffered a problem with your flight or baggage, you can seek legal assistance to get a refund or compensation through Reimbursement on Flight.
Ryanair Hand Baggage General Rules.
Traveling with Ryanair requires special attention to carry-on baggage rules to avoid unpleasant additional charges. The airline enforces strict rules on baggage size, weight, and carry-on options. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand what you can take on board for free and what paid options are available for those who need more space.
Free Hand Luggage
Ryanair allows passengers to carry only one small piece of luggage in the cabin free of charge, but it is essential to meet established parameters to avoid surcharges at the gate. This option is ideal for light travelers or short stays.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Maximum dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Placement: must be placed under the front seat
- Weight: Not specified, but must be easily lifted by passenger
- Type: Can be a backpack, a bag or a small trolley bag
❗ Warning: If the luggage exceeds the allowed size by even a few inches, Ryanair may charge an additional fee at the gate, which can be up to 69€.
Priority and 2 Hand Luggage
For those who need to carry a second piece of luggage in the cabin, Ryanair offers a “Priority and 2 Hand Luggage” option. This choice is ideal for passengers who need more space without having to check baggage into the hold.
With this option you can carry:
- Free small luggage: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Additional large luggage: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, with a maximum weight of 10 kg
Cost: Varies from 6€ a 38€, depending on flight and availability.
Benefits of the Priority option:
- Priority boarding access
- Ability to avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival
- Increased safety and comfort while traveling
If this option is not purchased at the time of booking, it will still be possible to add it later via the Ryanair website or the official app, but at a potentially higher cost.
To carry a larger piece of luggage in the cabin, you must purchase priority boarding or a fare that includes it. This option allows you to carry:
- Free small luggage: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Additional large luggage: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, with a maximum weight of 10 kg
- Cost: Varies from 6€ a 38€ depending on the flight
- Availability: this option is subject to availability and may sell out quickly on popular flights.
10 kg Hold Baggage
For passengers who need more space but want to avoid paying for a 20 kg baggage, Ryanair offers the option of purchasing a 10 kg checked baggage.
🔹 Main features:
- Must be registered at check-in
- Maximum weight: 10 kg
- Allowable dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Cost: the price varies depending on the route and booking period, but generally ranges between 10€ e 25€.
Advantages of this option:
- Allows multiple items to be carried without liquid restrictions
- Avoids the need to carry bulky luggage in the cabin
- It is cheaper than the standard 20 kg baggage
❗ Important note: The 10 kg checked baggage must be delivered to Ryanair check-in counters before boarding. It cannot be carried in the cabin, so it is important to consider the additional time required for delivery and pickup upon arrival.
Ryanair also offers the option of purchasing a 10 kg checked-in baggage allowance. This option is useful for those who need more space but do not want to pay for a 20 kg piece of luggage.
- Variable fare: The cost varies depending on the route and booking period.
- Ideal for: those who carry liquids over 100 ml or need more space.
- Beware of the rules of the cargo hold: Fragile or valuable items should not be checked into the cargo hold.
Details on Dimensions and Weight
One of the most important aspects is strictly adhering to size and weight limits. Exceeding even a few centimeters of the allowed measurements can result in high additional costs. Some practical tips:
- Use a tape measure to measure your luggage before departure.
- Check the weight with a scale to avoid surprises at the gate.
- Choose quality luggage that exactly meets the allowed measurements.
- Opt for soft rather than rigid luggage, as they are lighter and more flexible.
- Use extra collapsible bags in your main luggage in case you need to check the trolley at the last minute.
- Wear the heaviest and bulkiest clothing while traveling to save space and weight.
- Use vacuum bags to compress clothes and gain space.
- Bring a travel adapter for electrical outlets if necessary.
- Check Ryanair offers on luggage before booking.
If your luggage is refused at boarding due to excessive size, you will have to pay an extra fee and the luggage will be transported in the hold. The extra charge can be up to 69€ at the gate., so it is essential to comply with the rules.
Rules on Liquids in Hand Luggage
Traveling with liquids in hand luggage can be complicated if you do not know the rules in place. Ryanair, like all airlines, follows European regulations for carrying liquids in the cabin to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Knowing these rules is essential to avoid problems at security checks and possible penalties.
Limits and Restrictions on Liquids
Restrictions on liquids remain in place through 2025:
- Containers up to 100 ml each
- Total maximum of 1 liter per passenger
- They must be carried in a transparent resealable bag
Each passenger may carry only one plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The bag must be completely closed and must be able to be presented separately at the security check.
Exceptions to the Rules
There are some exceptions to the restrictions on liquids, which allow containers larger than 100 ml to be carried on board. These include:
- Essential medicines (accompanied by a prescription or official statement)
- Infant milk or special foods (must be consumed during the flight and inspected if required)
- Liquids purchased at airport duty-free shops., which must remain sealed in the designated bag until arrival at the destination
Tips for Traveling with Liquids in the Cabin
- Organize your liquids before the flight, putting everything you need in the transparent bag
- Buy products in travel size, such as 100 ml shampoos and creams
- If possible, prefer solid products, such as deodorants or shampoos in solid format, which are not subject to the restrictions on liquids
- Avoid waste, carrying only the liquids strictly necessary for the flight
- Check stopover airports, as some destinations may have additional restrictions
By following these guidelines, you will avoid inconveniences at security checkpoints and be able to travel stress-free with your carry-on luggage. Restrictions on liquids remain in place through 2025:
- Containers up to 100 ml each
- Total maximum of 1 liter per passenger
- They must be carried in a transparent resealable bag
Exceptions are medicines, baby milk and specific foods with medical documentation.
Prohibited and Allowed Objects
When traveling with Ryanair, it is important to know which items are allowed in carry-on luggage and which are prohibited. Following these rules not only ensures compliance with safety regulations, but also avoids the risk of having to leave essential items behind or face unexpected costs.
Prohibited Objects in the Cabin
There are categories of items that cannot be carried in carry-on luggage for security reasons:
- Firearms and ammunition: Any kind of gun, rifle or ammunition is strictly prohibited.
- Sharp and pointed objects: scissors with blades greater than 6 cm, knives, box cutters and unprotected razors.
- Blunt instruments: baseball bats, field hockey sticks, sports equipment that can be used as a weapon.
- Flammable and explosive substances.: gasoline lighters, pressurized gas, fireworks, flammable paints.
- Chemical and toxic substances.: pepper spray, tear gas, corrosive and poisonous substances.
❗ Important note: even some seemingly harmless items may be prohibited under local airport regulations. It is always recommended to check the restrictions of the country of destination and departure.
Allowed Objects with Restrictions
Some items can only be carried in carry-on baggage if they meet certain limits:
- Power bank and lithium batteries: must have a capacity of less than 100Wh and must be carried exclusively in the cabin.
- Electronic cigarettes and lighters: may only be carried in the cabin and not in checked baggage.
- Scissors and tweezers: allowed if the blades do not exceed 6 cm.
- Liquids: must comply with the limit of 100 ml per container, with a maximum of 1 liter total in a transparent bag.
What is Allowed Without Restrictions?
In hand luggage you can safely carry:
- Electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and cameras.
- Charging cables and adapters for electronic devices.
- Clothes and shoes, including coats and personal accessories.
- Dry foods and packaged snacks., ideal for a quick in-flight meal.
- Medications in personal quantities, preferably accompanied by a prescription if needed for specific treatments.
By following these guidelines, you will avoid delays at security checkpoints and ensure a smooth trip. For more details on up-to-date regulations, always consult Ryanair’s official website before departure. Ryanair enforces strict rules on transportable items:
- Prohibited: Weapons, sharp objects, explosives, hazardous chemicals.
- Allowed with restrictions: power bank up to 100Wh, pocket lighters, electronic cigarettes only in the cabin.
For a complete list, you should check the guidelines on Ryanair’s official website.
Useful Tips of Refund on Flight
Packing your carry-on luggage efficiently is critical to avoid problems while traveling and maximize your available space. Here are some practical tips for optimizing your luggage:
- It rolls up clothes instead of folding them to save space.
- Use travel organizers to divide your items and keep them in order.
- Choose lightweight and versatile shoes to reduce weight.
- Wear your bulkiest clothes during the flight to free up space in your luggage.
- Wear a jacket with roomy pockets to fit small personal items.
- Opt for solid-format travel products, such as shampoos and deodorants, to circumvent restrictions on liquids.
- Check the weather forecast of the destination to bring only what is really needed.
- Avoid non-essential items, thus reducing the risk of exceeding the limits imposed by Ryanair.
Carefully following Ryanair’s carry-on baggage rules will help you travel stress-free, avoiding extra fees and surprises at the gate. Careful planning and compliance will make your travel experience smoother and more efficient.
If you’ve experienced problems with your Ryanair flight, such as delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, you can contact the experts at Refund on Flight to receive free legal assistance and get the refund you deserve.
