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How strict is Ryanair baggage allowance?

Every passenger is allowed 1 checked bag, which must weigh less than 20kg. Passengers must ensure they adhere to this weight restriction, as exceeding it will incur an additional fee. It is also important to be mindful of the size limits placed on a checked bag, as Ryanair will not accept bags larger than 81x119x119cm.



Ryanair is notorious in 2026 for being exceptionally strict with baggage allowances, as their business model relies heavily on ancillary fees. Every passenger is allowed one "Small Cabin Bag" (maximum 40x30x20cm) for free, which must fit entirely under the seat in front. At the boarding gate, staff frequently use metal "sizers" to check bags; if your bag is even slightly too large or does not slide into the sizer easily, you will be charged an "Airport Bag Fee," which can be as high as €45 to €70 depending on the route. If you wish to bring a standard carry-on suitcase (up to 10kg and 55x40x20cm), you must purchase "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" in advance. Staff are particularly vigilant about "soft" bags that look overstuffed and "hard" shell cases that cannot be compressed. Furthermore, Ryanair only allows one piece of luggage per person; if you have a small handbag or laptop bag in addition to your free cabin bag, they may insist you "consolidate" them into one bag or pay for an extra item. To avoid stress, it is best to measure your bag at home and assume the gate agents will check it.

People Also Ask

For full-size cabin bags, I have never seen Ryanair weigh a bag to check it is under 10kg – though if it looks much bigger, you may be asked you to place it in a measuring stand to check. If you are asked to fit it into the measuring stand and you can't squeeze it in, you will have to pay to check it in.

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Excess/Overweight Baggage
The excess baggage fee is currently charged at the rate of $27 (20 euros) per kg.

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Ryanair Carry-on Bag Size Allowances
You are allowed a single personal item, like a backpack, however, your Ryanair cabin bag can't be larger than 25 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.

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What if my cabin bag is 2cm bigger? Extra 2–4 cm wont be noticed by the check in staff and they dont have a ruler to measure the dimension. they only strict with the weight. But extra 2–3 kg is also not a problem.

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Only priority boarding passengers will be permitted to take one small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm), plus a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) with a maximum weight allowance of 10kg into the cabin free of charge.

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That depends if you have several kg overweight and are asking for the price per kg or if you really just only have one single kg extra. For a singe kg above the limit you most probably will not get charged, especially not on a full service airline. There is usually a tolerance in the range of 2–3kg, sometimes up to 5.

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Any passenger exceeding their 44 lb/20 kg personal checked baggage allowance per bag will be charged the prevailing fee on the day of travel. The excess baggage fee is currently charged at the rate of $27 (20 euros) per kg.

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How strict are the airlines about luggage dimensions? Carryon dimensions are limited to the size of the overhead bin. In those cases dimensions are strict. Anything too big gets gate checked.

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If you purchased the 10kg Check-In Bag (up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm) you may carry your small bag on board the aircraft, however the 10kg Check-In Bag must be deposited at the bag-drop desk prior to entering security.

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So, how strict are they about check-in luggage? It depends, is the answer. Ryanair has a 10kg weight limit for check-in bags, but they are frequently willing to let passengers go over by a few kilos. If your bag is significantly overweight, they may charge you an additional fee.

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If you would like to take a larger cabin bag size with you when flying Ryanair, you will need to pay additional fees. This option entitles you to take a wheeled case onboard, weighing up to 10kg and measuring maximum 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, wheels and handles included, as well as an additional small personal bag.

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Ryanair Cabin Baggage Only priority boarding passengers will be permitted to take one small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm), plus a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) with a maximum weight allowance of 10kg into the cabin free of charge.

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Famously quipped “the Ryanair size”, 40 x 20 x 25 cm (16 x 8 x 10 in) is the maximum dimensions of a cabin bag (such as a laptop bag or handbag) that ultra-cheap airline Ryanair would allow its passengers to carry into its cabin free of charge under its strict baggage allowance policy.

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Yes. You can increase your baggage allowance on 20kg bags when you check in for your flight online.

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What if my luggage is 0.5 kg overweight? It's over the limit so assume you will be charged. There must be something in your hand luggage you can put in your pocket to get it under. Wear a coat with big pockets.

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Sticking a foot under a luggage scale to get bags under the limit is becoming a viral travel hack. People on TikTok say they've tried this trick and gotten away with bringing a heavy bag on board. Others say using this travel hack could endanger airline staff and one's fellow passengers.

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