Ryanair Baggage Policy: A Complete Guide for Travelers

When booking a flight, one of the most important things to consider is the baggage policy. Ryanair, a popular budget airline in Europe, has specific rules regarding baggage that every passenger should be aware of before traveling. Understanding the Ryanair baggage policy can save you time, money, and potential stress at the airport. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the details of Ryanair’s baggage policy, including carry-on and checked baggage, fees, and tips to help you travel smart.

Understanding Ryanair's Baggage Policy

Ryanair is known for offering low-cost flights, but with that comes a more streamlined and stricter approach to baggage. The Ryanair bag policy outlines exactly what passengers can bring aboard, what they need to pay for, and how they should pack their items. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the rules to avoid unexpected charges and ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Ryanair Carry-On Baggage

Ryanair allows passengers to bring one small cabin bag for free, but it comes with restrictions on size and weight. Here's what you need to know about Ryanair’s carry-on baggage:

• Free Cabin Bag: The free cabin bag must be no larger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm (length x width x height). This bag should fit under the seat in front of you.

• Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: If you've purchased Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, you are allowed to bring an additional cabin bag with a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and a weight limit of 10 kg. This bag must fit in the overhead bin.

• Personal Item: Along with your free cabin bag, you can also bring one small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag. This must also fit under the seat in front of you.

Ryanair Checked Baggage

If you need to bring more than just a small carry-on bag, you’ll need to check in additional luggage. Ryanair’s baggage policy allows for different sizes of checked luggage, each with its own fees.

• 10kg Checked Bag: Ryanair offers a 10kg checked bag, which is the lightest option available. It’s perfect for a short trip with minimal luggage.

• 20kg Checked Bag: For longer stays or if you have more to bring, you can opt for a 20kg checked bag. This is a more common option for many travelers.

• Additional Luggage: If you need even more space, Ryanair offers the option to purchase extra checked baggage, but each bag must weigh no more than 20kg. Charges apply for every additional bag you check in.

Ryanair Baggage Fees

The fees for Ryanair baggage depend on the type and size of the luggage you're bringing. Here’s an overview of typical charges:

• Cabin Bags: If you’re only bringing a small cabin bag (under 40cm x 20cm x 25cm), it’s free. However, if you purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, you’ll pay an extra fee to bring a larger carry-on bag (up to 10kg).

• Checked Baggage Fees: Fees for checked baggage vary depending on the route and when you book. Generally, expect to pay between €10 to €30 for a 10kg bag, with the cost increasing as you add more weight or additional bags.

• Excess Baggage Fees: If your bag exceeds the weight limit (20kg per checked bag), you’ll face additional fees. These can range from €10 to €20 for each additional kilogram.

It’s always best to pay for baggage in advance when booking your flight to get the lowest rates. Last-minute baggage fees can be much higher at the airport.

Ryanair Special Baggage

For passengers traveling with special items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or medical equipment, Ryanair has a specific baggage policy that covers these items:

• Sports Equipment: Ryanair allows you to bring sports equipment, such as skis, golf clubs, or bicycles, for an additional fee. Make sure to check the size and weight limits for these items.

• Musical Instruments: If you need to bring a musical instrument, such as a guitar, you can bring it as a carry-on item if it fits the size requirements or check it in for an additional fee.

• Medical Equipment: Ryanair offers assistance for passengers traveling with medical equipment. This includes things like wheelchairs or oxygen tanks. Be sure to contact Ryanair in advance to arrange special assistance if needed.

Ryanair Baggage Allowance for Children

Ryanair also has baggage policies specific to families with young children:

• Infants: Children under the age of 2 are allowed to bring a small bag containing essential items for the flight, such as food, diapers, and toys. You can also bring a stroller for free, but it must be checked in at the gate.

• Children (2-12 years old): Children aged 2 and older are subject to the same baggage policies as adults. They can bring the standard cabin and checked baggage allowance based on their ticket type.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

Here are a few tips to help you avoid paying unnecessary fees when flying with Ryanair:

1. Pack Light: Stick to Ryanair’s free cabin bag allowance by packing only the essentials. If possible, avoid checking in additional baggage.

2. Book Baggage in Advance: The earlier you add baggage to your booking, the cheaper it will be. Don’t wait until the last minute to pay for extra luggage.

3. Weigh Your Bags: Before heading to the airport, weigh your luggage to ensure it meets the weight limits. If your checked bag is too heavy, you’ll face additional charges.

4. Check the Baggage Dimensions: Double-check that your bags meet the required dimensions for both cabin and checked luggage. This will help you avoid having to pay for oversized luggage.

5. Consider Ryanair's Priority Option: If you have more items, the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option might be worth considering. It allows you to bring an additional cabin bag and speeds up your airport experience.

Conclusion

Navigating the Ryanair baggage policy is essential for any traveler who wants to avoid unnecessary surprises or additional charges. By understanding the guidelines for both cabin and checked baggage, as well as the various fees involved, you can travel more efficiently and save money. Remember to carefully review the baggage rules before booking your flight, and always ensure that your bags are packed according to the airline’s size and weight limits.