Is Ryanair strict with baggage policy?

Let it be said, it pays to come prepared, especially when flying Ryanair. The popular budget airline famously has one of the strictest baggage allowances in Europe, and it has recently gotten even stricter. Additionally, even if you do stick to their rules, you may still be penalized for tiny infractions.



Ryanair is legendary for its strict adherence to baggage policies, and in 2026, this remains a cornerstone of its low-cost model. Every passenger is entitled to one small personal item (max 40 x 30 x 20cm) that must fit under the seat. Gate agents frequently use metal sizers to check dimensions, and if your bag does not fit or if you bring an unpurchased second bag to the gate, you will be charged a "Gate Bag Fee" that can exceed £/€60. "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" is the most popular add-on, allowing a 10kg overhead bag (55 x 40 x 20cm). It is vital to measure your bags including wheels and handles, as even a slight protrusion can trigger a fine. For checked luggage, the 10kg or 20kg weight limits are strictly enforced, with excess weight fees charged per kilogram at the airport desk.

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

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Excess baggage can be purchased online up to 2 hours before departure for €/£9 per extra kilo. The price at the airport/call centre/kiosk is €/£11 per extra kilo. Allows for a higher limit on carrier liability.

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

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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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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.

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Yes! You can bring a hair straightener in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage on a flight. However, if you do not have a TSA approved travel adapter, you should check with your airline before traveling to ensure that they allow you to take a straightener in your carry on bag or checked bag.

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You might even be able to access an airport lounge or an aircraft with showers, which is even better for freshening up. Even if your flight is short and direct, it's still helpful to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your baggage gets delayed.

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Typically in economy, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. If you bring two bags, one must fit underneath your seat and the other can go into the overhead bin. If you're flying in an upgraded class like business or first, you may be allowed an additional carry-on bag.

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As per BCAS AVSEC order, “No passenger should be permitted to carry more than one handbag other than those items already listed in the circular including ladies bag. However, it has been seen that a passenger on average carries 2-3 handbags to the screening point.

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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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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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Well it gets pretty simple, if you go over 7KGs of allowed weight you have to either shift some luggage into your check-in bags. in case you are travelling on a hand luggage flight only then you will most probably pay for excess weight.

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