It’s well-known that Ryanair are among the cheapest flights in Europe but if you don’t follow their baggage allowance/Policy, you could be left with some nasty fines that cost more than the flights themselves.
To help you avoid paying the extra fees at check in, we have written a useful guide covering everything you will need to know about Ryanair’s luggage policy.
What is Ryanair’s baggage policy For Cabin Luggage?
Ryanair offers two options: a non-priority and a priority customer. Both have the same carry-on requirement of 40x20x25cm but the priority lets you take a larger bag with you measuring a maximum of 55x40x20cm and weighing up to 10kg. Ryanair has the lowest baggage allowance in Europe as well as the highest fees for excess luggage.
If a non-priority customer wants to take on another bag, you will be required to pay an extra fee at the drop off desk at the airport which we will go into a little bit later on.
For passengers who would like to put bags into the hold, a maximum of three 20kg bags are allowed. The charges for these can vary depending on popularity and distance but we recommend paying for these online as it can sometimes be more than double at the airport.
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What isRyanair’s baggage policy For Checked In Luggage?
For Ryanair flights, the maximum size for checked baggage is 81cm x 119cm x 119cm. Any bag that exceeds this size limit may be subject to an excess baggage fee, or it may not be accepted for check-in at all. It is also important to note that your checked bag must not exceed 20kg in weight, as any excess weight may also result in additional fees.
If you require additional checked baggage, you can purchase this as an add-on when booking your Ryanair flight. However, it is important to note that once you have purchased a checked bag, it is non-refundable, and the cost is charged per person, per one-way flight. This means that if you change your travel plans and no longer require the checked bag, you will not be able to get a refund.
What is the best bag for Ryanair’s 40x20x25cm cabin baggage policy?
Our BPMAX03 and HOLD615 bags are specifically designed to fit the 40x20x25cm sizer, taking away any stress or worries about whether your bag will be the correct size. You’ll be surprised at how much you can fit into these bags for your short trips.
What are the Ryanair charges?
If you exceed the maximum size or weight requirement, you could be charged up to an expensive £69 at the gate depending on the size and weight of what you bring. Also note that sometimes this fee may be higher during peak travel time.
If you bring any checked-in baggage that is overweight, you will be charged £11 per kilo. Also take into account that these fees are each way so prepare for paying double as you might get a fee on your return as well.
Ideally, you want to be making sure that your bag satisfies the requirements back at home to avoid the hassle when you get to the airport.
How can you avoid Ryanair’s baggage fees?
Ryanair are well known for not being very lenient when it comes to baggage dimensions and fees if your luggage is either slightly overweight or too big. We understand that 40x20x25cm isn’t a huge amount of space but if you pack light, you have something to work with especially for short trips.
It may seem like a back-breaking challenge but if you pack correctly, you could save yourself having to pay any excess baggage fees.
Whether that’s rolling your items or wearing your heaviest items, there are many space saving tips which will help keep your bag light and well within the size limits.
But most importantly, make sure you weigh and measure your baggage at home! The fees are considerably higher at the airport than if extra purchased during your online booking.
There is no denying that Ryanair offers some of the most affordable flights in Europe and if you are travelling light with minimal amount of luggage, then it is a fantastic option. The moment you go above the maximum size and weight allowances, you can expect additional charges to be added onto your booking or even worse at the airport. Check out our range of Ryanair approved carry on bags to make sure you avoid facing any unexpected charges.
Frequently Answer Questions:
Q: What is Ryanair's baggage allowance policy?
A: Ryanair's baggage allowance policy allows passengers to bring one small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm) on board for free. Passengers can also bring a larger bag (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) on board for an additional fee (Priority Boarding).
Q: Can I bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on board?
A: No, Ryanair only allows passengers to bring one small bag on board for free. Any additional bags, including personal items, must be checked in and incur an additional fee.
Q: How much does it cost to bring a larger bag on board?
A: The cost of bringing a larger bag on board varies depending on the route and time of booking. Passengers can check the fees for their specific flight on the Ryanair website.
Q: Can I purchase additional baggage allowance at the airport?
A: Yes, passengers can purchase additional baggage allowance at the airport, but it is more expensive than purchasing it in advance online.
Q: What happens if my baggage is over the weight limit?
A: If your baggage is over the weight limit, you will be charged an excess baggage fee. The fee varies depending on the weight of the baggage and the route.
Q: Can I bring sports equipment on board?
A: Ryanair allows passengers to bring sports equipment on board, but it must be pre-booked and there may be additional fees. Passengers can check the fees for their specific equipment on the Ryanair website.
Q: Can I bring liquids in my carry-on bag?
A: Yes, you can bring liquids in your cabin bag on Ryanair flights, but they must be in containers that are no larger than 100ml each. All containers must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. Only one plastic bag per passenger is allowed.
Q: What happens if my baggage is lost or damaged on a Ryanair flight?
A: If your baggage is lost or damaged on a Ryanair flight, you should report it to the Ryanair Baggage Services desk at the airport before leaving the airport. Ryanair will then provide you with a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and will begin the process of locating your bag or providing compensation for any damage.
Q: Can I upgrade my baggage allowance after booking my Ryanair flight?
A: Yes, you can upgrade your baggage allowance after booking your Ryanair flight, but you will need to do so at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure time. You can upgrade your baggage allowance through the Manage Booking section of the Ryanair website or mobile app.
Q: What happens if my cabin bag is too big to fit in the overhead locker on Ryanair flights?
A: If your cabin bag is too big to fit in the overhead locker on Ryanair flights, you may be asked to check it in at the boarding gate. If you have not purchased priority boarding, you may be charged an excess baggage fee for checking in your bag.
Q: Can I bring a musical instrument on Ryanair flights?
A: Yes, you can bring a musical instrument on Ryanair flights, but additional fees may apply. The fees and restrictions vary depending on the type of instrument and the route you are flying. It's recommended to check with Ryanair before your flight to ensure that you are aware of any fees or restrictions that may apply.
Q: What is the maximum size for checked baggage on Ryanair flights?
A: The maximum size for checked baggage on Ryanair flights is 81cm x 119cm x 119cm. If your bag exceeds this size limit, you may be charged an excess baggage fee or it may not be accepted for check-in. Also make sure your bag does not exceed 20kg.
Once you have purchased a checked bag on a Ryanair flight, it is non-refundable and the cost is charged per person, per one-way flight. Additionally, the checked bag cannot be transferred or swapped between passengers or changed to another baggage option. It is important to carefully consider your baggage needs and choose the appropriate option when booking your Ryanair flight.
