Before I boarded my first Ryanair flight, I thought, “How complicated can baggage be?”
Well… turns out, if you’re not really clear on Ryanair baggage policy, you might end up paying more for your bag than your actual ticket.
So here’s everything you need to know — explained like a real traveler, not a legal document.
What’s the Deal with Ryanair’s Personal Item Size?
Let’s start with the most asked question:
“What’s the Ryanair personal item size in 2025?”
Ryanair gives all passengers a free personal item — but they’re super strict about its size. Like, airport-staff-checks-it-in-a-metal-box strict.
- Ryanair personal item size:
40cm x 20cm x 25cm
(That’s about the size of a small backpack or laptop bag)
It needs to fit under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t, you’ll likely get charged at the gate (ouch).
Real Talk:
If you’re flying with just that tiny bag — power to you. But for most of us? You’ll probably want more room.
Ryanair Baggage Allowance: What’s Included?
Here’s how Ryanair’s baggage tiers work:
| Fare Type | Included Bags | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Fare | 1 personal item | Strict size rules (40x20x25cm) |
| Priority & 2 Cabin Bags | Personal item + 10kg carry-on | Skip the long check-in line |
| Add Checked Bag (20kg) | Optional | Costs extra; pay online for better rates |
A Tip From Experience:
Always book your bags in advance. Ryanair loves to charge way more at the airport.
I once saw someone pay €70 at the gate for a bag that would’ve cost €25 online. Brutal.
What Counts as a Personal Item?
Wondering if your favorite bag will make the cut?
Here are items that usually pass the Ryanair personal item size test:
- A compact backpack
- A small duffel bag
- A tote that actually fits under the seat
- Laptop sleeves or camera bags (if small enough)
Avoid hard-shell mini-suitcases — even if they’re “cabin-sized,” Ryanair might still reject them unless you’ve paid for Priority.
Pro Tips to Avoid Ryanair Baggage Fees
I’ve learned these the hard way, so here you go:
- Measure your bag before flying — not just “eyeball” it.
- Use packing cubes to squeeze more in your personal item.
- Bundle up! Wear bulky jackets or boots if your bag’s tight.
- Always book baggage online — never wait until the airport.
- Print or download your boarding pass in advance — not related to bags, but it saves € too.
Final Verdict
Ryanair keeps fares low, but they make their money through extras — and baggage is a big one.
If you know what to expect and plan ahead, it’s totally possible to fly cheap without those nasty surprise fees.
But if you try to wing it?
Let’s just say Ryanair is not the airline to play that game with.
Quick FAQs
Q: What is the personal item size allowed on Ryanair in 2025?
A: 40cm x 20cm x 25cm — must fit under the seat.
Q: Can I bring a cabin bag for free?
A: Only if you book the Priority fare. Standard fares allow just one small personal item.
Q: What’s the Ryanair baggage allowance for checked bags?
A: You can add a 20kg checked bag at an extra cost. Prices vary based on route and time of booking.
Want more travel hacks? Stick with the Jupiter team at FlightDeskFinder, where we turn confusing airline rules into simple travel wins.
Have a Look 👉🏻 How to contact RyanAir Customer Service?
