The Traveller's Magazine
Low-cost airlines are notorious for complicated luggage rules and regulations. Many believe they do this to catch unsuspecting travellers out at the airport and lay a hefty fine on them.
To its credit, Ryanair has recently simplified its luggage policy. The Traveller’s Magazine is here to give you the low-down on prices, weights and dimensions, so you will never face an unexpected fine again.
Permitted dimensions for hand luggage
Every Ryanair passenger can bring up to two pieces of hand luggage on board:
- One small bag (handbag, laptop bag, etc.) not exceeding 35 x 20 x 20 cm.
- One larger bag not exceeding 10 kg in weight and 55 x 40 x 20 cm in size.
From 15 January 2018, only passengers who purchased Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, Flexi Plus, Plus or Family Plus will be allowed to bring both bags into the cabin. If your ticket does not fall into one of these categories, you can only bring the small bag on board. Your second bag will be tagged and put into the aeroplane hold free of charge.
Random checks of the dimensions of the passengers’ luggage are carried out at the gate. If your cabin bag is found to be oversized, you will have to pay a fee of £50 for it to be placed in the aircraft’s hold.
Fees for checked luggage
Travelling only with hand luggage is fine if you’re off on a weekend city break, but if you’re away for longer you may need to purchase checked luggage. Each Ryanair passenger can purchase up to 3 checked bags weighing up to 20 kg each. Each bag will cost £25 if booked along with the flight, or £40 if added to the booking later. So make sure you know what you’re going to pack when you book!
If your bags are found to be too heavy at the check-in gate, you will be charged £10 for each excess kilo. Ryanair will not carry bags that are heavier than 32 kg and/or larger than 81 x 119 x 119 cm. Also note that Ryanair reserves the right to charge a £10 supplement during peak travel periods (Christmas/Easter/summer holidays). On the bright side, you can pool your luggage allowance with any travel companions, as long as you booked and check in together.
