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Ryanair Cabin Bag Rules 2026 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9"

By Caden Sorenson Updated May 20, 2026 Sourced from the official Ryanair policy

Exact Ryanair cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Ryanair dimensions
  3. Weight limit
  4. Carry-on fee
  5. Bag fit matrix
  6. Fare class breakdown
  7. Avoiding gate-check
  8. Common mistakes
  9. Gate-check process
  10. vs easyJet
  11. Checked bag fees
  12. Special items
  13. Basic economy
  14. FAQ

Quick answer

Ryanair cabin bag bags can be up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9" (55 x 40 x 20 cm), with a 10 kg (22 lb) weight limit, and a cabin bag fee starting at $40.

  • Carry-on size: up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9" (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
  • Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lb)
  • Carry-on fee: from $40
  • Personal item: up to 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9", free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: High
  • Last verified: May 20, 2026
Ryanair carry-on maximum size, 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm) 21.6" (55 cm) 7.9" (20 cm) 15.7" (40 cm) L H W
Ryanair maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in)
21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight limit
10 kg (22 lb)
Fee
From $40
Gate-check risk
High

The larger wheelie bag (55x40x20 cm, 10 kg) requires Priority Boarding or a Plus/Flexi/Family fare. Otherwise only the small personal bag is free. Ryanair is famously strict at the gate.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in)
15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
40 x 25 x 20 cm
Included
Yes, free

Small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Included free on every fare, but Ryanair enforces the size limit hard with gate sizers. If it does not fit, you pay a gate fee.

See checked bag fees & more

Ryanair cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Ryanair cabin bag size is 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches, which works out to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Ryanair match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 21.6 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Ryanair cabin bag weight limit

Ryanair limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.

Does Ryanair charge for cabin bag bags?

Yes. Ryanair charges for carry-on bags on most fares, starting at around $40 when added at booking. Fees climb at every stage: online, airport kiosk, ticket counter, gate. The personal item stays free on every fare. Basic Economy fares on Ryanair are the ones where carry-on fees apply most aggressively, since the fare excludes the overhead-bin bag by default.

What bags fit as a Ryanair personal item

Common bag types compared against the Ryanair personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type Typical size On Ryanair
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Too big
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Too big
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Ryanair carry-on by fare class

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
Basic (no Priority) Not included Included Free small personal bag 40x20x25 cm must fit under the seat in front of you. No overhead 10kg bag.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags Included Included Adds a 10kg cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) for the overhead bin, plus Priority Boarding.
Regular / Plus / Flexi Plus bundles Included Included Plus and Flexi Plus bundles include Priority & 2 Cabin Bags; Regular bundle does not.

Avoiding gate-check on Ryanair

Buy Priority & 2 Cabin Bags if you want an overhead bag or first-on boarding. Without Priority you board in the general queue and can only bring the 40x20x25 cm under-seat bag.

Common Ryanair carry-on mistakes

  • Assuming the free bag can be 40x30x20 cm (that is Wizz Air's size). Ryanair's under-seat limit is 40x20x25 cm and gate agents sizer-check it.
  • Bringing a 55x40x20 cm cabin bag without Priority. Gate staff will force it into the hold for a fee of roughly 45 to 75 euros.
  • Buying Priority at the gate. It is only sold online; at the airport you pay the gate bag fee instead.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Ryanair

Bags that fail the gate sizer are loaded into the aircraft hold at the gate for a fee of roughly 70 to 75 euros (plus VAT on domestic routes).

Ryanair vs easyJet carry-on

Ryanair's free under-seat bag (40x20x25 cm) is noticeably smaller than easyJet's (45x36x20 cm), so the same backpack can fly free on easyJet but get gate-checked on Ryanair. To get an overhead bag Ryanair requires paid Priority & 2 Cabin Bags (55x40x20 cm, 10 kg), while on easyJet the large cabin bag is 56x45x25 cm up to 15 kg and is included with FLEXI fares or easyJet Plus. If you routinely travel with a 55 cm roller, easyJet's upgrade path tends to be cheaper and more forgiving than Ryanair's, and easyJet's 15 kg weight limit beats Ryanair's 10 kg.

See easyJet carry-on size
Ryanair checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bagNot published
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit44 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Ryanair includes NO checked bag on any fare. Passengers buy 10 kg, 20 kg, or 23 kg bags separately. The 23 kg bag is only available at time of booking (not post-booking or at the airport). Online 20 kg bag prices range €/£18.99 to €/£59.99 per bag per flight; 23 kg bags range €/£29.99 to €/£80.99. Airport rates are substantially higher. Max bag 20 kg at airport (€/£59.99). Excess weight is €/£13/kg. Non-priority passengers who bring the 10 kg check-in bag to the gate are charged €/£46 to €/£60.

Ways to skip the Ryanair checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Ryanair carry-on size.
  2. Use a Ryanair co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Ryanair special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit the 40x30x20 cm personal bag allowance fly free. Larger instruments require an extra seat purchase or check-in at sports-equipment rates.

Ski equipment €/£45 at booking (€/£50 post-booking, max 20 kg). Golf clubs €/£40 (€/£50 post-booking, max 20 kg). Bikes €/£60 (€/£75 post-booking, max 30 kg). Musical instruments €/£60 (€/£75 post-booking, max 20 kg). Pets are not permitted in the cabin or hold on Ryanair except for registered assistance dogs.

Ryanair basic economy restrictions
Basic (default) Ryanair's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Personal item only (40x20x25 cm) included free
  • Carry-on requires Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on (€/£6-36 at booking)
  • No seat selection (random assignment)
  • 10 kg check-in bag at gate = €/£46-60 fee for non-priority

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ryanair carry-on size limit?

Ryanair allows carry-on bags up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9" (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb).

What are the Ryanair carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Ryanair carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 20 cm. In inches that converts to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Ryanair carry-on weight limit?

Ryanair limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.

Does Ryanair charge for carry-on bags?

Yes. Ryanair charges for carry-on bags on most fares, starting around $40 when added at booking. Fees climb at each stage, from online to kiosk to gate. The personal item stays free on every fare. Basic Economy is the fare where the carry-on fee applies most aggressively.

What is the Ryanair personal item size?

The personal item on Ryanair must fit within 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9" (40 x 25 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Included free on every fare, but Ryanair enforces the size limit hard with gate sizers. If it does not fit, you pay a gate fee.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Ryanair?

Ryanair currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.

Can I bring a carry-on on Ryanair Basic (default)?

No. Ryanair Basic (default) passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Ryanair carry-on?

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Ryanair published limit of 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Ryanair?

A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the Ryanair personal item limit of 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.9". The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does Ryanair weigh personal items?

Ryanair does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on Ryanair?

Ryanair checked bag fees vary by route and fare class. Check the airline's website for current pricing.

Flying Ryanair out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Ryanair hubs and focus cities.

Ryanair head-to-head comparisons

In-depth comparisons between Ryanair and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Ryanair flight.

Compare other airlines

Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-05-20 against the official Ryanair policy at https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/useful-info/help-centre/fees . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Ryanair before flying. See our research methodology.