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Ryanair offers some of the cheapest flights in Europe, but exceed its baggage allowance and you could be slapped with a hefty fine. The budget airline changed its luggage policy twice in 2018, updating size restrictions for carry-ons, so its always best to check before ramming your suitcase with flip flops and hoping for the best.
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Read on for everything you need to know about Ryanairs cabin baggage policy, so you dont get caught out at the baggage gauge (you know, that foreboding suitcase measurer you see dotted around airports).
What is Ryanairs baggage allowance today?
Ryanair presently only lets non-priority customers take one small bag on board free of charge, which must fit underneath the seat in front of you. Dimensions are a wee 40 x 20 x 25cm, so if youre going away for more than a couple of nights or unless youre headed to Ibiza with a carry-on of swimwear only holidaymakers might want to think about buying more baggage allowance.
If you purchase Priority boarding, youll be able to take a larger cabin bag with you too; this has a dimension restriction of 55 x 40 x 20cm and a 10kg maximum weight restriction. Prices start at £6.
How much does Priority Boarding cost and what does it include?
Priority Boarding starts from £6 and for this sum (and upwards) youll be able to bring two cabin bags: the 40 x 20 x 25cm personal bag and the 55 x 40 x 20cm 10kg wheelie bag. Plus, youll be able to board the plane via the Priority Queue with both of your bags in tow, freeing you up from the monotony of the baggage reclaim carousel.
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How can I avoid Ryanairs hand luggage fees?
Put simply, pack light. Dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25cm are tight, but theyre not impossible to work with. If you select and wear your only pair of shoes wisely, make sure to layer up on the plane, and buy your mini toiletries at the airport, you can save a great deal of space. Capsule wardrobes are a smart idea too: make sure each item you pack is classic and versatile a white shirt can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, and goes with pretty much anything.
Meanwhile, Ryanairs website shows light travellers some of the ways they can use their allotted 40 x 20 x 25cm which includes rucksacks, chunky laptop bags or briefcases, and handbags on the larger side.
What charges should I be aware of?
Oversized cabin baggage will, where available, be placed in the hold and incur a £69.99 fee. If theres no room in the hold, cabin baggage could be refused at the boarding gate. There is a bag gauge available by the Bag Drop desk, so you can ensure your bag is the right size before going through security although ideally you want to be measuring and weighing up at home to avoid the risk.
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The best hand luggage for a Ryanair flight
1. Aerolite Holdall Cabin Luggage: The best for Ryanairs free baggage allowance
Price: £21 | Buy now from Amazon
This smart, compact holdall from firm favourite Aerolite fits the bill if youre looking to stay within Ryanairs free cabin baggage allowance. Measuring up at you guessed it 40 x 20 x 25cm it fits snugly under the seat in front of you, steering you firmly out of £70 fine territory.
Which brings us onto price, which makes this piece of travel kit a fantastic budget option. You neednt worry about longevity either; this hardy holdall is so durable that Aerolite offers a 3 year guarantee replacement service. There are multiple strap options, so you can sling it over your shoulder or clutch it in your hands. Available in classic Black, sleek Charcoal or a slightly retro-looking Wine (think collegiate-style holdalls), theres a colour to suit every traveller.
2. Aerolite Lightweight Hard Shell Cabin Suitcase: The best for paid Ryanair carry-on luggage
Price: £48 | Buy now from Amazon
If you’re thinking of paying to bring a bigger suitcase on board with you, the Aerolite hard shell wheelie is a great option. It looks and feels a lot more premium than its price tag would suggest, and is available in a range of exotic colours including Wine and Rose Gold.
The hard shell exterior means you wont get caught out with a bulging bag at the baggage gauge too. Simply pack your loot into this 55 x 35 x 20cm suitcase and breeze through your boarding gate. Our one small bugbear was that the handle felt a little short for our 5ft 4in reviewer so it might not be the most comfortable option if youre particularly tall.
