How strict is Ryanair small bag size?

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. Non-priority customers can only bring one small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm), that must fit into the sizer.



Ryanair is notoriously strict regarding its "small personal bag" size, which must not exceed 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. In 2026, gate agents frequently use metal "sizers" to check bags that appear even slightly oversized. If your bag does not fit completely into the sizer—including wheels, handles, and any bulging pockets—you will be charged an "at-the-gate" fee that can range from €45 to €70, and the bag will be placed in the aircraft hold. To avoid this, many travelers use specialized "Ryanair-sized" backpacks designed to maximize these exact dimensions. It is important to remember that this "personal bag" must fit under the seat in front of you. If you have any doubt, the 2026 "safest bet" is to purchase "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags," which allows you to bring a larger 10kg wheelie bag for the overhead bin, as the penalty for an oversized small bag at the boarding gate is often more expensive than the original flight ticket itself.

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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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Yes, handbags do count as your one piece of hand luggage. The best way to get around this is to place your handbag within your cabin bag/luggage piece and remove it to use once onboard. The same rule applies to items such as laptops and items bought at the airport.

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All our fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need additional baggage allowance, there are various options available to you.

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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. What Ryanair is very strict on is not taking a full-size cabin bag on board unless you have paid for the right to do so.

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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. Non-priority customers can only bring one small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm), that must fit into the sizer.

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Ryanair are no different to any other airline. As long as it's within their sizes they don't care what type of bag it is. Usually, the stated dimensions include wheels if present. Yes Caz, you will be fine with a bag that has no wheels.

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Ryanair's standard cabin bag size is 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. If your bag is 1cm larger in any dimension, you'll be required to check it in at the gate, which costs £25/€30. So, if possible, make sure your cabin bag adheres to the size restrictions! Hope this answered your question.

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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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The following are strictly prohibited on board: Guns, firearms, or similar weapons; Pointed/edged weapons and sharp objects; Blunt instruments (that is any blunt instrument capable of causing injury, this includes some sporting equipment such as tennis rackets, hurleys, and baseball bats);

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There is no official minimum size for checked bags. Airlines typically publish maximum size and weight limits, but they do not publish minimums. So you can check in a tiny bag if you want to, but I wouldn't recommend it.

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If your backpack doesn't fit, you may be asked to check it at the gate.

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A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.

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Small personal item The airline states it cannot be larger than 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches), but there is no weight limit. It should be stored under the seat in front of you.

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Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

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Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on is a type of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin with you and is larger than a personal item.

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