Will My Suitcase Fit the Ryanair Cabin Baggage Rules?

Ryanair bag size check at Dublin Airport Pic Courtesy Chris Bacon Daily Mail

We are asked quite a lot about whether our suitcases fit Ryanair Cabin Baggage allowance.  Ryanair are pretty strict with their guidelines – they even specify smaller sizes than the standard UK hand luggage guidelines drawn up by the Department for Transport:

Ryanair Cabin Baggage size:

Strictly one item of cabin baggage per passenger (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm is permitted. (handbag, briefcase, laptop, shop purchases, camera etc.) must be carried in your 1 permitted piece of cabin baggage.

A selection of Ryanair cabin baggage for kids from KidsTravel2

 *click KidsTravel2 Ryanair cabin baggage to see the full selection.

Trunkis on Ryanair?  No Problem

We recently travelled to Barcelona on Ryanair and my daughter took her Trixie Trunki on as hand luggage.  We even spoke to Trunki who confirmed that although the measurements are slightly over they have never heard of a Trunki being refused as hand luggage by Ryanair.   Trunki can also personally vouch for this as the team flew to Ibiza last year with Ryanair and they all had Trunkis

How do Ryanair check the hand baggage size?

You’ll have to slot your suitcase, holdall or bag into one of Ryanair’s measuring cages.  If it fits you’re through and on.  If it doesn’t, well…  here’s what one group of young travellers did and am sure they are not the only ones to do this.

What happens if my bag is bigger?

Ryanair will refuse extra/oversized cabin baggage at the boarding gate.  You can place it in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of £40/€40. If you are unsure, check at the Bag Drop desk before going through security.

Avoid this hassle by checking our top tips here:

1.  Battle of the bulge.  

Be aware that unless your suitcase is a rigid, hard case it is liable to bulge out of the specified dimensions so take care not to over fill it.  There is some lea way with the box and cage check but you don’t want to push your luck too far!

2.  Keep it light

Don’t forget about the weight allowance  and be sure to make sure you don’t exceed it.  You can always wear heavier or bulkier items that you want to take like jeans, jackets or boots.

3.  Share

If you’re travelling as a group and all want to take hand baggage then don’t double up on things you can share like toiletries and hair dryers.  If space is a premium you can always buy cheap items when you arrive at your destination

4.  Use your child’s allowance

Children under the age of 2 are classified as infants and do not qualify for a cabin baggage allowance.  Older children do so make the most of this by giving them their own trolley suitcase, holdall or rucksack to carry on.

5.  Use straps

If your luggage has straps, buckles and belts be sure to use them to hold things in place and keep your luggage within the guideline dimensions set by Ryanair – don’t overfill external pockets and pouches to push your baggage over the limits.

You can see our selection of Ryanair Cabin Baggage including suitcases, rucksacks on wheels and holdalls.  For details of what you are allowed to carry in your hand baggage see our article on hand luggage guidelines

Have you ever had trouble boarding with your cabin luggage?  We’d love to hear your stories.