You’re standing in line at the gate. You see the yellow-and-blue sizer. That metal cage of doom has ruined more holidays than a rainy week in Benidorm. We’ve all been there, watching some poor soul try to kick and shove a bulging backpack into a space clearly meant for a laptop sleeve. It’s stressful. Honestly, Ryanair carry on luggage rules are designed to be a bit of a maze, but once you know the internal logic of their pricing tiers, you can stop sweating every time a flight attendant looks your way.
The basic reality is that Ryanair isn't just an airline; it's a logistics company that happens to fly planes. They want you off that aircraft in twenty minutes so they can load the next batch. Luggage slows them down. That’s why the "free" bag is so tiny.
The Small Bag Mystery (40x20x25cm)
If you haven’t paid for "Priority," you are entitled to exactly one small personal bag. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you. Period. The official dimensions are 40 x 20 x 25cm. To give you some perspective, that is roughly the size of a standard school backpack or a medium-sized tote.
Many travelers think they can sneak a slightly larger soft-shell bag because "it squishes." Sometimes you get lucky. But Ryanair ground staff are often incentivized to check. If your bag doesn't slide into that sizer without a fight, you’re looking at a gate bag fee that can often cost more than the flight itself. We are talking £45 to £70 depending on the route. It’s a steep price for five extra centimeters of polyester.
I’ve seen people wearing three coats and stuffing socks into their pockets just to make their bag fit. It’s a sight. If you’re traveling for more than a weekend, the small bag is a challenge. You need to be a minimalist. Think rolling clothes, choosing one pair of shoes for the whole trip, and embracing the "sink wash" lifestyle for your t-shirts.
Why Priority & 2 Cabin Bags is Usually the Better Deal
Most regular flyers end up choosing the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option. This gives you that small personal bag plus a 10kg wheelie bag (55 x 40 x 20cm). The 10kg bag goes in the overhead locker.
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It sounds simple, but here is the catch: Priority is limited. On a standard Boeing 737-800, there are only about 90 Priority slots available for nearly 190 passengers. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you wait until the last minute to add luggage, you might find that the Priority option is greyed out. At that point, your only choice is the 10kg Check-in Bag.
Wait. There is a massive difference here. The 10kg Check-in Bag must be dropped off at the check-in desk before you go through security. If you take that 10kg bag to the gate without having "Priority" on your boarding pass, they will charge you the "Gate Bag" fee and put it in the hold anyway. It is a very expensive mistake to make.
What Most People Get Wrong About Ryanair Carry On Luggage
The biggest misconception is that the "sizers" are exactly the dimensions listed on the website. In reality, the metal sizers at the gate are often about 1-2cm larger than the official rules. This is a tiny bit of "grace" provided by the manufacturer. However, you cannot rely on it. If your bag has hard wheels or a rigid handle that sticks out, that’s usually what catches people out.
Another weird quirk? Duty-free. Ryanair is actually fairly chill about duty-free bags. You can usually carry your airport shopping alongside your small personal bag without a problem. But don't use a massive Harrods bag to hide a second handbag. They've seen that trick a thousand times.
The "Wearable Luggage" Hack
Is it ridiculous? Yes. Does it work? Absolutely. There are companies like Jaktogo or even just specialized "fishing vests" with massive pockets that allow you to carry an extra 3-5kg of gear on your person. Since it’s "clothing," it doesn't count toward your Ryanair carry on luggage allowance.
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I once flew from Dublin to Berlin with a guy who had literally strapped his laptop to his back under a parka. He looked like a hunchback, but he saved 30 Euro. It’s about how much dignity you’re willing to trade for a cheap fare. For most of us, just buying a bag that is specifically designed for the 40x20x25cm dimensions is the saner move. Brands like Cabin Max or Aerolite make bags specifically for these "under-seat" rules. They maximize every single millimeter.
Dimensions and Weight: The Hard Numbers
Let's look at the technical breakdown because guessing is where the fees start.
- Small Personal Bag: 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. No weight limit is officially strictly enforced, but you must be able to lift it and it must fit under the seat. If it looks like it's holding a lead brick, they might weigh it.
- Priority 10kg Bag: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. This has a hard 10kg limit.
- Medical Equipment: This is a big one people miss. If you have a CPAP machine or vital medical supplies, you can bring these for free in addition to your bag, but you need to contact Ryanair's Special Assistance line in advance to get a waiver letter. Don't just show up and expect the gate agent to know the nuances of medical aviation law.
The Enforcers: What Happens at the Gate?
The "gate shuffle" is a real thing. You’ll see the staff walking down the line, eyeing bags. They are looking for three things:
- Wheels on bags that shouldn't have them.
- Bags that look "thick" or overstuffed.
- People trying to hide a second bag behind their back.
If they tag your bag, you’re sent to the side to pay via card. Ryanair has moved away from cash at most gates, so if you don't have a working card or phone pay, you're in for a nightmare.
Interestingly, the level of enforcement varies wildly by airport. Stansted and Dublin tend to be very strict. Smaller regional airports in Italy or Spain might be a bit more relaxed, but banking on "relaxed" is a gambler’s game. The moment you assume you're safe is the moment you get hit with a £60 fee for a bag that cost £20.
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Strategies for the Modern Traveler
If you’re traveling as a couple, one of the smartest things you can do is book one "Priority" and one "Small Bag Only." You can then split the heavy stuff (liquids, shoes) into the 10kg wheelie bag and keep the essentials in the small backpack. It’s a middle-ground way to save 20 or 30 Euro.
Also, be wary of "expandable" bags. You might pack it at home and it fits the sizer. But then you buy a souvenir, unzip the expansion joint, and suddenly your bag is 25cm deep instead of 20cm. You’ve just turned your carry-on into a checked bag without meaning to.
Liquids and Security: The Hidden Time Sink
Even if your Ryanair carry on luggage is the perfect size, the "liquids rule" still applies. Yes, some airports are phasing out the 100ml rule thanks to new C3 scanners (like at Teesside or some terminals in London City), but most of Ryanair's network—especially in Europe—still demands the clear 1-liter plastic bag.
If you have a 10kg cabin bag, remember that you still have to pull those liquids out. If your bag is packed so tight that opening it causes a "clothes-splosion," you’re going to be that person everyone sighs at in the security line. Pack your liquids in an outside pocket. It’s basic, but you’d be surprised how many people bury them at the bottom.
Actionable Steps to Beat the System
Don't leave your luggage strategy to chance. Follow these steps to ensure you never pay a penny more than your base fare:
- Measure with a Tape Measure: Don't trust the label on the bag you bought five years ago. Labels lie. Wheels and handles are part of the dimensions. Measure from the floor to the top of the handle.
- The Squish Test: If using a soft bag, don't pack it until it’s round. It needs to remain flat enough to slide into a metal frame.
- Buy Luggage Late: Sometimes, if you skip the luggage options during the initial booking, Ryanair will email you a "discounted" luggage offer a few days before the flight to entice you. This isn't guaranteed, but it happens often enough to be a viable tactic for the bargain hunters.
- Download the App: It sounds simple, but having your boarding pass on the app makes it easier to see your "Bag Status." It’s clearly marked with "Priority" or "Small Bag Only." If you’re confused, the app is the final source of truth.
- Check the Weight at Home: 10kg is less than you think. A standard empty hardshell suitcase can weigh 2.5kg to 3kg on its own. That leaves you with only 7kg for clothes. If you're close to the limit, switch to a lightweight duffel bag.
Traveling with Ryanair is a game of margins. They offer a low seat price and hope you mess up the luggage rules. By choosing the right bag and understanding the difference between Priority and a 10kg Check-in, you keep the power—and the cash—in your own pocket. Keep it light, keep it small, and keep it under the seat if you want the cheapest flight possible.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check your itinerary: Look at your boarding pass right now. Does it say "Priority" or "Small Bag Only"?
- Verify your bag size: Use a physical tape measure on your intended bag, including wheels and handles.
- Prepare your liquids: Ensure all gels and creams are under 100ml and fit into a single transparent bag to avoid delays at security.