Few travel policy changes spark as much confusion as airline baggage rules, especially when they shift mid-year. Ryanair’s 2026 cabin baggage allowance changes have done exactly that—increasing the free personal item size by 20 percent while leaving the paid cabin bag rules largely untouched, and this guide breaks down the new dimensions, how the EU mandate forced the update, and exactly what your fare buys you.

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New personal item size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm ·
Previous personal item size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm ·
Size increase: 20% ·
Allowed weight for cabin bag: 10 kg ·
Priority boarding fee (approx): €6 – €10 ·
Minimum fare includes: 1 underseat bag 40x30x20cm

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact fee for priority boarding varies by route and season (Which?)
  • Whether Ryanair will enforce sizer checks more strictly at gates (Which?)
3Timeline signal
  • Pre-2026: free personal item limit was 40x20x25 cm (MyBaggage)
  • April 2026: new size 40x30x20 cm took effect (Extra.ie)
4What’s next
  • EU standardization mandate likely forces further harmonization across carriers (The Irish Times)
The upshot

The 20% increase in underseat bag volume means non-priority passengers now get 38% more usable space—enough for a 15-inch laptop in a padded sleeve. Priority travelers, however, get nothing new: the 10 kg cabin bag remains unchanged.

The following table summarises the key bag sizes and fees.

Source: Ryanair Official Help Centre, Which?, Extra.ie
Category Details
Smallest free bag 40 x 30 x 20 cm (underseat)
Priority cabin bag 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg max
Weight limit for cabin bag 10 kg only for priority
Checked bag fees 10 kg from €10, 20 kg from €20 (subject to route)
EU mandate Triggered size increase in April 2026

These figures reflect the policy as of April 2026.

Has Ryanair changed their cabin baggage allowance?

What triggered the change?

The EU’s updated hand luggage standardization mandate, which aimed to harmonise size limits across European carriers, directly forced Ryanair to increase its personal item dimensions. According to The Irish Times, the new rules came into force after the July 2025 announcement, with the full effect seen by April 2026. The Irish carrier had previously offered a 40 x 20 x 25 cm underseat bag; under the mandate, that grew to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

What are the new dimensions?

The free personal item now measures exactly 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm—a 20% volume increase from the earlier 40 x 20 x 25 cm limit. As reported by MyBaggage, this change took effect from summer 2025, though many travellers only noticed the update when booking spring 2026 flights. The airline’s official bag policy page now lists 40 x 30 x 20 cm as the standard for all fares.

When did the changes take effect?

The adjustment rolled out in two phases: announced in July 2025, then fully enforced by April 2026. A Brussels Court ruling on 28 January 2026 confirmed that Ryanair’s cabin bag policy—including the free underseat bag structure—complies with EU law Ticket prices already reflect the new dimensions at booking, so passengers flying from April 2026 onward should see the larger allowance.

Why this matters

Travellers who book basic fares can now fit slightly bulkier items—like a soft-sided duffel or a weekend backpack—without upgrading to priority. The ruling’s finality means Ryanair won’t face further legal challenges on this front.

The legal confirmation means no further changes are expected soon.

Can I take my handbag as well as hand luggage on Ryanair?

What counts as a personal item?

For non-priority passengers, the single allowed item must fit under the seat and measure no more than 40 x 30 x 20 cm. According to Which?, no weight limit is specified for this underseat bag, though it must be stowable without encroaching on legroom. Handbags, small backpacks, and laptop bags all count as this single personal item unless you hold a priority fare.

Can I bring a handbag and a backpack?

Only if you’ve purchased priority boarding. The Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option allows one underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) plus a second cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg) stored in the overhead bin. Without priority, you choose: a handbag OR a backpack, not both—even if the handbag is small.

What about a small rucksack?

A small rucksack qualifies as a personal item as long as it fits the sizer. Soft-sided bags that compress easily are your best bet because rigid frames may not squeeze into the sizer. The Irish Times notes that Ryanair often checks bag sizes at the gate, so even a slightly overstuffed rucksack could attract a fee.

The catch

Non-priority travellers effectively face a strict one-item rule. A woman’s handbag is not treated as a separate “personal item”—if it doesn’t fit into the underseat bag or cannot be folded inside it, the passenger must crew-check it for a fee.

The implication: pack a single bag that meets the sizer or pay for priority.

Can you still take a 10kg bag on Ryanair?

Is the 10kg bag included in all fares?

No—the 10 kg cabin bag is only included with priority boarding. Basic fares entitle you to the underseat bag alone. According to Which?, the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on costs between £12 and £36 when booked at the same time as the flight, or £20 to £60 if added later.

How do I add a 10kg checked bag?

If you prefer to check your luggage, Ryanair offers a 10 kg checked bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) from roughly €10, and a 20 kg option from €20, depending on the route. The airline’s bag policy page also lists a 23 kg checked bag (one per passenger) for longer trips or bulkier needs.

What are the dimensions for the 10kg cabin bag?

The priority cabin bag must stay within 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weigh no more than 10 kg. That’s a standard wheeled cabin suitcase size—though soft-sided duffels and backpacks often squeeze into the sizer more easily. The Brussels Court ruling confirmed that this two-tier system (underseat + optional cabin bag) satisfies EU law, so don’t expect a free upgrade anytime soon.

Compare Ryanair’s policy with other major EU carriers:

Comparison of major EU carriers’ free hand luggage policies. Sources: Which?, Ryanair
Airline Free cabin bag size Weight limit Extra bag with priority
Ryanair 40 x 30 x 20 cm (underseat) No weight limit stated 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg
EasyJet 45 x 36 x 20 cm (underseat) Max 15 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm, 15 kg
British Airways 56 x 45 x 25 cm + small bag 40 x 30 x 15 cm 23 kg each Included in fare
Wizz Air 40 x 30 x 20 cm (underseat) 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm + 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Aer Lingus 55 x 40 x 24 cm (overhead) + 33 x 25 x 20 cm (underseat) 10 kg total Included in fare

The comparison reveals a clear pattern: Ryanair and Wizz Air offer nearly identical underseat allowances, while full-service carriers like British Airways and Aer Lingus include both overhead and underseat bags at no extra cost. For budget-conscious travellers, the trade-off is clear: pay less upfront, but add priority if you need more than a small backpack.

What are the current Ryanair cabin bag size limits?

Underseat bag size and weight

  • Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
  • Weight: No limit specified by the Ryanair Official Help Centre—must fit under seat
  • Included in: All fares (basic, priority, business plus)

Priority cabin bag size and weight

  • Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
  • Weight: Up to 10 kg
  • Included: Only with Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or Business Plus fares

Checked bag options (10 kg and 20 kg)

  • 10 kg checked bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, from €10 depending on route
  • 20 kg checked bag: 81 x 119 x 119 cm (max 3 bags total), from €20
  • 23 kg checked bag: one per passenger, cost varies

The pattern: Ryanair now offers a more generous underseat bag than before, but still charges for every overhead-bin bag. Priority boarding remains the cheapest way to bring a wheeled cabin suitcase.

What is an example of a 10kg cabin bag on Ryanair?

What types of bags fit in the sizer?

Soft-sided duffels and small backpacks are the safest bets because they compress to fit the 55 x 40 x 20 cm sizer. The Which? guide recommends avoiding hard-shell cases for Ryanair’s priority cabin bag, since rigid frames may not squeeze into the metal checker at the gate. Common examples that pass include a standard 30 L backpack (packed lightly), a soft-sided weekender duffel, and most “cabin-size” wheeled suitcases from major luggage brands—as long as they don’t exceed 55 cm in height.

Can I use a backpack as my cabin bag?

Yes, as long as it fits within the 55 x 40 x 20 cm limit for priority or the 40 x 30 x 20 cm limit for non-priority. A 40 L backpack generally exceeds the dimensions when fully packed, so a 30–35 L pack is safer. Extra.ie reports that many travellers now use convertible laptop backpacks that fit under the seat as a personal item while still holding a 15-inch laptop and a change of clothes.

What are the best rated bags for Ryanair?

  • Soft-sided weekender duffel (35–45 L): flexible, compresses easily, fits priority sizer
  • Lightweight cabin suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm): brands like Samsonite, Antler, or It Luggage
  • Laptop backpack (30 L): fits underseat even with a padded laptop compartment (best laptop backpack for women: styles & Ireland picks)

The trade-off: Hard-shell cases may look sleek but risk being caught by Ryanair’s sizer. Soft-sided luggage gives you a margin of error—and a better chance of avoiding last-minute gate fees.

“Passengers can now bring a personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm—a 20% increase from the previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm limit.”

— Dublin Live

“Under updated rules, travellers can now take a personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.”

— Extra.ie

“All fares include one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat.”

— Ryanair Help Centre

“The Brussels Court ruling confirming Ryanair’s cabin baggage and other policies is now final and binding.”

— Ryanair Corporate

Bottom line: Ryanair has genuinely increased the free underseat bag size for all passengers. Non-priority travellers: you now get 38% more volume. Priority travellers: your 10 kg cabin bag remains unchanged—you’re paying for convenience, not extra space. For frequent European flyers on a budget, the basic fare now accommodates a proper weekend backpack. For anyone needing a wheeled suitcase, priority boarding is still the cheapest add-on.

The changes give budget travellers more flexibility without paying extra.

For travellers booking spring and summer 2026 trips, the takeaway is straightforward: if you can pack everything into a 40 x 30 x 20 cm underseat bag (roughly the size of a small rucksack), you don’t need priority. If you need a 10 kg cabin suitcase, budget €6–€10 for priority at booking—or risk €20+ at the gate. The December Europe travel strikes remind us that travel disruptions compound when you’re already juggling bag fees—so plan your packing before you book.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the new Ryanair cabin bag size?

The free personal item now measures 40 x 30 x 20 cm (increased from 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority passengers can also bring a second cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg.

Do I need to pay for priority to bring a 10 kg bag?

Yes—only Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or Business Plus fares include the 10 kg overhead cabin bag. Basic fares include only the underseat personal item.

What are the dimensions of the underseat bag?

40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. No weight limit is specified, but the bag must fit under the seat without encroaching on legroom.

Is there a weight limit for the personal item?

Ryanair does not specify a weight limit for the underseat personal item. However, it must fit under the seat in front of you—excessive weight that prevents proper stowage may be questioned at the gate.

How much does it cost to add a checked bag?

A 10 kg checked bag starts at €10, a 20 kg bag from €20, and a 23 kg bag is also available—prices depend on the route. Booking at the same time as your flight is cheapest.

What happens if my bag exceeds the size limit at the gate?

Ryanair staff may charge a gate fee—typically €20–€40—and place the bag in the hold. Soft-sided bags that compress are less likely to be flagged.

Does Ryanair check bag sizes strictly?

Yes—especially at busy gates and on routes to airports like Stansted, Dublin, and Barcelona. Ryanair uses metal sizers at boarding gates. The Brussels Court ruling confirmed this enforcement is legal.