Ryanair allows one small personal bag for free on most standard fares, and larger cabin bags usually need a paid option, so the best way to avoid gate fees is to check your bag size and your fare rules before you travel. The exact dimensions, weights and fare options change from time to time, so always confirm the latest figures on the official Ryanair website. This guide explains the general rules, the difference between the small bag and larger cabin bags, how strict airport checks tend to be and the practical tips that help you pack within the limits.
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What is the small bag size?
Ryanair offers a free small personal bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you. At the time of writing the commonly quoted maximum is around 40 by 20 by 25 centimetres, but airlines update these rules, so check the official site for the current size before you fly. Because the space is limited, the bag needs to be soft and flexible, such as a small rucksack or a compact holdall.
Think of the free bag as the essentials: a change of clothes, toiletries in a clear bag, chargers, a book and your documents. If you can pack within this limit, you can travel on a very low fare without paying extra.
What about the 10kg bag?
Ryanair sells a larger cabin bag option, often called a priority or 10kg bag, which lets you take a bigger bag in the overhead locker. The size and weight limits are published by the airline, and they differ from the free small bag, so check the latest rules and fare details. A common limit quoted is around 55 by 40 by 20 centimetres and 10 kilograms, but confirm this on the official site.
If you are travelling for a few days or need space for a jumper or coat, the larger bag can be worth paying for online. Prices are usually lower when you add it during booking, and higher at the airport or the gate. Compare this with the cost of checking a hold bag, as the best choice depends on how much you plan to carry. For other ways to keep your trip affordable, see our guide to cheap holidays.
How strict are checks?
Airlines that sell paid cabin bag options tend to check bag sizes at the gate and sometimes at the bag drop or boarding area. How strict this is varies by airport, time and flight, so it is safer to assume that staff may check your bag. If a bag does not fit the size guide or is overweight, you may be charged a fee, and gate fees are normally higher than the price of adding a bag online.
To reduce risk:
- Measure your bag fully packed, including pockets and handles.
- Weigh it at home if you have a larger cabin bag.
- Wear your bulkiest items, such as a coat, rather than packing them.
- Use a soft bag that can flex slightly if it needs to fit a sizer.
- Check the airline website the day before you fly, in case rules have changed.
How to pack small and avoid fees
- Roll clothes and use packing cubes to save space.
- Choose versatile items you can mix and match.
- Decant toiletries into small containers and follow airport liquid rules.
- Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane.
- Share items such as toiletries with other people travelling with you.
- Leave room for a small bag of souvenirs, or plan to wear extra layers on the return.
If you are flying from Gatwick, see our holidays from Gatwick page for more airport tips.
Should you pay for a hold bag instead?
If you are travelling for a week or more, taking sports equipment, or travelling with children, a hold bag may be a better option than squeezing everything into cabin luggage. Compare prices at the time of booking, as the cost of a hold bag can differ depending on how and when you add it. Remember that very low fares can become more expensive once you add bags, seats and other extras, so look at the total cost before you decide. For flexible trip ideas, see our guide to last minute holidays.
Other things to check before you fly
- Boarding pass rules, such as online check in, which can vary by airline.
- Liquids and electronics rules at security.
- Passport validity, and where relevant, entry requirements for your destination.
- Travel insurance for your trip, which can cover lost luggage and delays.
Our travel insurance guide explains what cover to look for.
Airport and gate tips
Arrive at the airport with enough time to deal with any problems. If your bag is close to the limit, keep a spare small bag or a way to move items into your pockets, as this can save a fee if a bag does not pass a size check. Do your online check in as early as the airline allows, as many carriers charge fees for airport check in or for printing boarding passes.
Why rules and prices vary
Low cost airlines make money from optional extras, so fares often look cheap but exclude services you may want. Bag rules, seat selection, priority boarding and payment fees all affect the final price. Always compare the total cost of a trip, including extras, across different airlines and different dates. It can be worth comparing flights from several airports, and also looking at package deals that include baggage.
Travelling with children and sports equipment
Families and people carrying sports equipment need to read the rules carefully, as allowances for children, infants and special items differ between airlines. Buggies, car seats and mobility aids often have separate rules, so check the airline guidance and contact them if you are unsure. Booking extras in advance is usually cheaper and less stressful than arranging them at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handbag extra to my small bag?
Rules on extra items can vary, so check the airline guidance. Many airlines count a handbag as your one free personal item.
Can I take a coat on board?
Many airlines let you carry a coat or jacket separately, but the rules can vary, so check the latest guidance.
Do I need to pay at the airport?
You can often avoid higher airport fees by adding the bag you need during booking or online before you travel.
Are sizes the same on every airline?
No. Each airline has its own size and weight rules, so check each carrier before you travel.
Can I buy a bigger bag after booking?
Usually yes, but prices can rise closer to travel, so it is usually best to add it early.
A practical packing plan for cabin bag only
Travelling with only a small cabin bag can save money and time, but it takes a little planning. Start by laying out everything you think you need, then remove a third of it. Choose clothes that mix and match, wear your bulkiest items on the plane and use packing cubes or compression bags to make the most of the space.
What to pack first
- Travel documents, phone, wallet and any medication you need
- Chargers and a small power bank, following current airline rules
- A change of underwear and a basic washbag
- Layers rather than bulky single items
Liquids and security
Rules on liquids in hand luggage apply at security checks and can change between airports and over time. Check the official airport and government guidance before you fly, and keep any liquids you are allowed in a clear bag that is easy to reach.
Measuring and checking your bag
Do not rely on guesswork. Check the maximum dimensions on the airline site and measure your bag, including wheels, handles and any outside pockets. A bag that looks small can still be too big once it is full, so avoid overstuffing it. If you are in any doubt, a soft bag that can squash into a sizer is often safer than a rigid case.
Avoiding fees at the airport
Low-cost airlines can charge significant fees if your bag does not meet the rules at the gate, so it is far cheaper to check in advance. Arrive in good time, join the correct queue and be prepared to show that your bag fits if asked. Keep important items easy to remove in case you need to move something to a hold bag.
Planning the rest of your trip
Baggage rules are only one part of planning. If you are looking for cheap flights and breaks from the South East, see our holidays from Gatwick and cheap holidays guides. Remember to arrange travel insurance before you travel.
More questions about hand luggage
Can I bring a personal item as well?
This depends on the fare you choose and the current airline rules. Check the official baggage page before you pack.
What should I do if my bag is too big?
If you are told your bag does not meet the rules, you may have to pay to move it to the hold. It can be cheaper to add a bag online in advance, so check your options before the day.