There are plenty of good reasons to travel with just hand luggage. It’s more economical, it saves time at your destination with no wait at the carousel, and it means there’s less to carry once you're on the move.
However, with airlines like Ryanair having so many rules around cabin bag dimensions and weight, it can be tough to get right. So, how do you avoid getting caught out at the gate?
We're here to help. Whether you’re after a compact cabin case or something a little roomier, there's an Antler bag to suit both you and your airline’s requirements. So, to help you on your way, we’ve done a deep dive on Ryanair’s baggage allowance policy.
Ryanair Cabin Baggage Size
If you're flying with Ryanair, you’re permitted one small cabin bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. For infants under the age of two who won’t have their own seat, their belongings will need to fit within your allocated allowance.
Ryanair's 'Priority & 2 Cabin Bags' Fare
If you prefer a little more flexibility, Ryanair’s Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option is ideal. It allows you to bring two items onboard - a compact one, plus a larger piece weighing up to 10kg. Just ensure the bigger bag doesn’t exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Think of it as a fast-track upgrade for your luggage.
Ryanair Checked Baggage
For longer journeys or more extensive plans, you can check in up to three bags -though additional fees do apply. Remember to check Ryania’s rules for packing hand luggage vs. hold luggage. Keep valuables and electronics in your hand luggage, and remember to label your checked bags clearly with your name.
Ryanair Excess Baggage
Carrying more than expected? No problem - you can always pay a little extra for the excess. This applies to bulkier items too, like golf clubs, skis or musical instruments. To keep things smooth, we’d suggest weighing and measuring everything before you travel—it's the easiest way to sidestep any last-minute surprises at the airport.
Ryanair Baggage Fees
To make things simple, see our table below for a breakdown of options, dimensions, and fees, correct as of July 2025:
|
Type of Luggage |
Dimensions |
Online Price (at time of booking) |
At Airport |
|
Small Bag |
40cm x 25cm x 20cm |
Free |
Free |
|
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags |
55cm x 40cm x 20cm |
€/£12 - €/£36 |
€/£20 - €/£60 |
|
10kg Check-in Bag |
55cm x 40cm x 20cm |
€/£9.49 - €/£44.99 |
€/£23.99 - €/£44.99 |
|
20kg Check-in Bag |
81cm x 119cm x 119cm |
€/£18.99 - €/£59.99 (per flight) |
€/£39.99 - €/£59.99 (per flight) |
|
Excess Baggage |
81cm x 119cm x 119cm |
N/A |
€/£13 (per kg) |
|
Fee for Special Declaration of Valuable Baggage |
N/A |
N/A |
€/£50 |
Ryanair Hand Luggage FAQs
Which Antler bags fit the free Ryanair hand luggage allowance?
We have a selection of smaller crossbody bags that fit Ryanair’s free hand luggage allowance, like the foldable Essential Crossbody (6cm x 25cm x 18cm), navy and stone. The Discovery Crossbody (16cm x 16cm x 5cm) is another great Personal Item option, with the option to adjust the strap to fit over the shoulder or around the waist.
What size cabin suitcase can I take if I pay for Ryanair Priority boarding?
If you pay for Priority boarding, you can take a wheeled, cabin-sized suitcase with you without checking it into the hold. Ryanair’s hand luggage size must be no more than 55cm x 40cm x 20 cm and the weight musn’t exceed 10kg.
Which Antler cabin cases fit the Ryanair Priority boarding hand luggage allowance?
The Antler cabin luggage that fit the ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ allowance from Ryanair include:
- This Icon Stripe hard-shell cabin case with four, 360-degree double spinner wheels
- The Soft Stripe four-wheeled soft-sided cabin that’s light yet extremely durable
- The Stamford 2.0, a revamped classic that’s built to last, available in midnight black, berry red, and field green
What if my cabin bag is overweight or oversized?
Found your cabin bag is larger or heavier than expected? If it tips the scales or stretches beyond Ryanair’s size limits, it'll have to go in the hold. This unexpected change in travel plans for your bag comes with a fee of up to £59.99, depending on the size and weight.
Is it possible to pay nothing for Ryanair hand luggage?
In short, yes. If you’re flying Ryanair, and you’re not paying for Priority boarding, you can take a small, soft-sided bag that measures 40cm x 25cm x 20cm, but it must fit under the seat in front of you. Any combination of those measurements are fine, so your bag could be 40cm tall, 25cm wide, and 20cm deep. Or it could be 25cm tall, 40cm wide, and 20cm deep, for example.
Can I take a cabin-sized suitcase on Ryanair without paying a fee?
No, you can’t take a wheeled case with you into the cabin unless you pay extra for Priority boarding (more on that below). So, you’ll have to pack extremely light to ensure it fits a small travel or lifestyle bag, like a backpack or holdall, measuring 25 x 40 x 20cm.
What are Ryanair's hand luggage rules when travelling with infants?
Although Ryanair doesn't give infants their own additional cabin bag allowance, they do allow you to carry two baby equipment items per child, free of charge.
Can you pay in advance with Ryanair to take on a cabin-sized suitcase as hand luggage?
Yes, and this is included in Ryanair’s luggage cost. Priority boarding costs between £12 and £36 and it’s not refundable. This means you can take a cabin-sized suitcase on board with you into the cabin. But be sure to look out for Ryanair’s specific cabin bag size and weight restrictions. Also bear in mind that cabin size suitcases come in different sizes so you’ll need to check your specific suitcase will fit.
Am I allowed to take a small bag or handbag with me as well as my cabin case?
Yes, with Priority boarding you can take what Ryanair calls a ‘small personal bag’ measuring 40cm x 20cm x 25cm, which is the same size as the bag you could take for free (if you don’t want to pay for Priority boarding). There is more information about Ryanair’s luggage cost on their website in the section called ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’.
Are there any other benefits to paying for Ryanair Priority boarding?
Paying for Ryanair’s Priority boarding means that you’ll also be able to board via the Priority Queue, though bear in mind a large number of other passengers will be doing the same thing, so it won’t necessarily get you on first.