Ryanair Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Ryanair allows one small personal item for free, but charges for all standard carry-on and checked bags on basic fares. Fees vary dynamically based on route and booking time, with significant penalties for adding bags at the airport.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Ryanair (FR) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 55x40x20 cm, 10 kg max (requires Priority & 2 Cabin Bags purchase) |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 40x30x20 cm (must fit under the seat) |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Basic/Standard: 0 bags. Plus: 1 bag (20 kg). Family Plus: 1 bag (20 kg) and 1 bag (10 kg). |
| First Bag Fee | $13 to $27 (10kg) or $20 to $65 (20kg) when booked online; higher at airport |
| Second Bag Fee | $20 to $65 (20kg) when booked online; passengers can purchase up to 3 checked bags of 20kg |
| Overweight Fee | $10 to $14 per kg over the standard weight limit (up to 32 kg max) |
| Oversized Fee | $76 to $81 at the gate for oversized cabin bags placed in the hold |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment: $43 to $49. Large sports items/Bikes: $65 to $81. Ski equipment: $49 to $54. Golf clubs: $43 to $54.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (e.g., cello, guitar, violin or viola) that exceed cabin baggage dimensions may be carried in the cabin if a seat for it has been reserved and the appropriate fare paid. Larger instruments can be checked for a fee of $65 to $81.
International Rules
Ryanair is primarily a short-haul European carrier; baggage rules and fees are generally consistent across its network but vary dynamically based on route, travel dates, and demand rather than strictly by international vs. domestic.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Always purchase baggage allowance online during initial booking, as airport fees are significantly higher. 2. Ensure your bags strictly adhere to size and weight limits, as Ryanair is known for strict enforcement and high excess fees. 3. Consider purchasing a Plus or Family Plus fare if you know you will need checked bags, as it may be cheaper than adding them a la carte. 4. Use a soft-sided personal item that can easily squish into the sizer.
Unique Nuances
Ryanair uses dynamic pricing for baggage fees based on route and travel dates. They are notoriously strict with bag sizers at the gate, and their sizer is open at the front, meaning soft bags that bulge might slip forward and be deemed oversized. Infants get no cabin bag allowance but the accompanying adult can bring a 5kg baby bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Ryanair charge for checked bags?
- Ryanair charges $13 to $27 (10kg) or $20 to $65 (20kg) when booked online; higher at airport for the first checked bag and $20 to $65 (20kg) when booked online; passengers can purchase up to 3 checked bags of 20kg for the second bag.
- What is Ryanair's carry-on bag size limit?
- Ryanair carry-on allowance: 55x40x20 cm, 10 kg max (requires Priority & 2 Cabin Bags purchase). 1 personal item: 40x30x20 cm (must fit under the seat)
- Does Ryanair include free checked bags in economy?
- No, Ryanair does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Basic/Standard: 0 bags. Plus: 1 bag (20 kg). Family Plus: 1 bag (20 kg) and 1 bag (10 kg).
- What is Ryanair's overweight baggage fee?
- $10 to $14 per kg over the standard weight limit (up to 32 kg max)
- Can I bring sports equipment on Ryanair?
- Sports equipment: $43 to $49. Large sports items/Bikes: $65 to $81. Ski equipment: $49 to $54. Golf clubs: $43 to $54.
- What are Ryanair baggage fees?
- Ryanair baggage fees are $13 to $27 (10kg) or $20 to $65 (20kg) when booked online; higher at airport for the first checked bag and $20 to $65 (20kg) when booked online; passengers can purchase up to 3 checked bags of 20kg for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $10 to $14 per kg over the standard weight limit (up to 32 kg max). Ryanair is primarily a short-haul European carrier; baggage rules and fees are generally consistent across its network but vary dynamically based on route, travel dates, and demand rather than strictly by international vs. domestic.