What is the baggage allowance for Ryanair flights?

Air Travel

By Caroline Lascom

Baggage allowance for Ryanair flights

Knowing the baggage allowance for Ryanair flights is essential to avoid extra fees at the airport. Ryanair, an Irish low-cost airline, has strict policies regarding baggage, both checked and cabin, to ensure efficient operations and low fares for their passengers. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to understand Ryanair’s baggage policy.

Checked baggage: How much can you take?

Ryanair allows passengers to check up to 3 bags, each with a maximum weight of 20 kilograms per bag. However, the total weight of the checked bags cannot exceed 44 kilograms per passenger. If you exceed the weight limit, you will have to pay an additional fee of €11 per kilogram at the airport. You can purchase checked baggage during the booking process or add it later on the Ryanair website up to 2 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. Please note that checked baggage fees are non-refundable, and the dimensions of each bag must not exceed 81cm x 119cm x 119cm.

Cabin baggage: What are the size and weight limits?

Ryanair’s cabin baggage policy has changed multiple times over the years, causing confusion among passengers. Currently, each passenger can bring one cabin bag on board, which must not exceed 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. The bag’s weight must not exceed 10 kilograms, including any additional items such as duty-free shopping, a handbag, or a laptop bag. If you exceed the weight limit, you will have to check the bag and pay the applicable fee. It is also worth noting that Ryanair has a strict "one cabin bag per passenger" policy, and any additional bags brought on board will be subject to a fee.

Priority and 2 cabin bags: Who can take advantage?

Ryanair offers passengers the option to purchase priority boarding, which grants them the privilege of bringing two cabin bags on board. The first bag must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, and the second bag must not exceed 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. The combined weight of both bags must not exceed 10 kilograms. The priority boarding fee starts at €6 per person, per flight, and can be added during the booking process or at any time before the flight’s scheduled departure time. Please note that priority boarding is subject to availability, and only a limited number of passengers can take advantage of this service on each flight.

Sports equipment: Can it be taken on board?

Ryanair allows passengers to bring sports equipment on board, subject to certain restrictions and fees. You must inform Ryanair of your intention to bring sports equipment during the booking process or at least 24 hours before your flight’s departure time. Sports equipment must be packed in a suitable container and must not exceed the maximum weight and size limits. The fees for bringing sports equipment on board vary depending on the type of equipment and the route. It is recommended to check Ryanair’s website for detailed information on sports equipment fees and restrictions.

Musical instruments: What are the rules?

Ryanair recognizes the importance of musical instruments to musicians and allows them to bring their instruments on board, subject to certain restrictions and fees. Musical instruments must be packed in a hard case and must not exceed the maximum weight and size limits. Instruments that do not fit in the cabin baggage size limits can be checked in and must be booked as part of your checked baggage allowance. The fees for musical instruments vary depending on the route and the type of instrument. It is recommended to check Ryanair’s website for detailed information on musical instruments fees and restrictions.

Additional items: What can you bring for free?

Ryanair allows passengers to bring some additional items on board free of charge, such as a small handbag, a laptop bag, or an umbrella. These items must fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. Ryanair also allows passengers to bring a baby bag on board for infants under 2 years old. The baby bag must not exceed 5 kilograms and must contain essential items such as food, nappies, and bottles.

Excess baggage: How much will it cost?

Ryanair charges a fee of €11 per kilogram for excess baggage at the airport. If you exceed the weight limit of your checked or cabin baggage, you will have to pay the applicable fee. It is recommended to purchase additional baggage allowance during the booking process or on the Ryanair website to avoid extra fees at the airport.

Prohibited items: What should you leave at home?

Ryanair has strict rules regarding prohibited items on board their flights. Items such as weapons, explosives, flammable liquids, and medicines are strictly forbidden. Additionally, some items such as lithium batteries, hoverboards, and e-cigarettes have restrictions and must be packed in your checked baggage. It is recommended to check Ryanair’s website for a detailed list of prohibited items before your flight.

Conclusion: Tips to avoid extra fees

To avoid extra fees at the airport, it is recommended to purchase additional baggage allowance during the booking process or on the Ryanair website. You can also take advantage of Ryanair’s priority boarding service, which allows you to bring two cabin bags on board. Remember to check Ryanair’s website for detailed information on baggage allowances, fees, and restrictions. Following these tips will help you have a stress-free and enjoyable flight with Ryanair.

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Caroline Lascom

Caroline is a seasoned travel writer and editor, passionate about exploring the world. She currently edits captivating travel content at TravelAsker, having previously contributed her exceptional skills to well-known travel guidebooks like Frommer’s, Rough Guides, Footprint, and Fodor’s. Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies from Manchester University (UK) and a master's degree in literature from Northwestern University. Having traveled to 67 countries, her journeys have fueled her love for storytelling and sharing the world's wonders.

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