Ryanair Baggage Policy

Ryanair adopts a unique approach toward its baggage policy. Passengers flying Economy and opting for Standard or Flexi Plus tickets are charged for every checked bag. However, those who purchase Plus or Family Plus tickets have the benefit of checked baggage included in their baggage allowance.

It’s also important to remember that fees are higher when transactions are made through the call center or directly at the airport. Therefore, it’s advisable to complete your purchase online before your departure date.

The major highlights of Ryanair baggage policy are as follows.

• All fares include a free baggage allowance of 1 small personal bag, such as a laptop or handbag not exceeding 40cm x 20cm x 25cm in size, which must fit under your front seat. Ryanair does not provide a weight restriction for this piece, as long as it fits under your front seat.
• Regular, Flexi, and Family Plus fares include 1 personal item and 1 cabin bag within the ticket price. 
• Your free baggage allowance will depend on what type of fare you’ve purchased:
  • Economy fares, which are the most affordable, include a baggage allowance of only 1 small personal item (40cm x 20cm x 25cm) which must fit under your front seat. 
  • Regular fares come with a standard seat and priority boarding. They include a baggage allowance of 1 small personal item (as above) for under-seat storage plus a 10kg cabin bag not exceeding 55cm x 40cm x 20cm for the overhead bin.
  • Plus fares include a standard seat with a baggage allowance of 1 small personal item (as above) plus a 44lb/20kg checked bag.
  • Family Plus fares, which are ideal for families, include a baggage allowance of 1 small personal item (as above) for under-seat storage plus a 22lb/10kg check-in bag per group member plus free seating for children under 12 plus a 44lb/20kg family check-in bag. Family Plus fares are eligible for bookings of up to 6 passengers with at least one child or teenager and are available on all flights.
  • Flexi Plus fares, which come with priority boarding, include a baggage allowance of 2 cabin bags, comprising 1 small cabin bag (as above) plus a 22lb/10kg cabin bag.
• If you need to carry additional baggage, you must purchase it.
  • Depending on your route, a standard carry-on bag will cost you anywhere from €6 to €30 (£6 to £30) at the time of booking and between €6 to €35.99 (£6 to £35.99) after booking or at the airport.
  • The following Ryanair baggage size restrictions apply:
    • The size of the personal carry-on bag should not exceed 40cm x 25cm x 20cm (15.7in x 9.8in x 7.9in).
    • The size of the standard carry-on bag should not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.7in x 15.7in x 7.9in).
    • Carry-on bags that exceed the above dimensions must be placed in the hold for a fee of €69.99 (£69.99).
• The size of a 44lb/20kg checked bag must not exceed 80cm x 120cm x 120cm (31.5in x 47.2in x 47.2in) and that of a 22lb/10kg checked bag must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.7in x 15.7in x 7.9in).

Note. Regular, Flexi, and Family Plus fares already include 1 personal item and 1 cabin bag within the ticket price. 

• The maximum weight and size of a checked bag must not exceed 70lb/32kg or 81cm x 119cm x 119cm, either on the aircraft or in the cargo hold. However, this restriction does not apply to mobility aids.
• Lap Infant Carry-on Policy. A lap infant (8 days to 23 months) accompanying an adult is allowed an additional baby bag weighing up to 11lb/5kg and measuring up to 45cm x 35cm x 20cm (17.7in x 13.8in x 7.9in), aside from their cabin baggage allowance.
• Stroller Check Policy. Each child is entitled to 2 pieces of baby equipment as checked baggage without any charges: one stroller and one additional item (either a car seat, booster seat, or travel cot). Strollers can be used up to the aircraft steps and will be returned at the steps upon landing.
• Mobility aids can be carried free of charge. 
• Larger musical instruments, including cellos, guitars, violas, or violins that don’t fit within standard cabin baggage sizes, can be brought into the cabin provided you purchase an extra seat for it (in which case no additional checked or cabin baggage allowance will be due).

Ryanair Baggage Fees

Navigating the complexities of Ryanair baggage fees can be crucial for travelers looking to manage their travel expenses effectively. Whether you’re booking your luggage in advance or planning to add it closer to your departure date, understanding the fee structure for various baggage types—including small carry-on items, priority boarding with additional carry-ons, and both 10kg and 20kg checked bags—can help avoid unexpected costs. 

Additionally, Ryanair offers options for excess baggage and special declarations for valuables, with prices varying based on timing and the specifics of your flight route. Below is a detailed breakdown of Ryanair baggage fees to help you plan accordingly.

Extra/Over limit Baggage Fees 

Traveling with more than your allocated baggage allowance can lead to additional charges, especially when it comes to extra or overweight luggage. Ryanair baggage policy applies specific fees for baggage that exceeds the standard weight limits, ensuring passengers are aware of potential extra costs. 

Whether you’re carrying additional luggage or special items like sports equipment or musical instruments, understanding Ryanair baggage fees structure for extra or over-limit baggage is crucial for a seamless travel experience. 

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect in terms of extra baggage fees with Ryanair.

• €9/£9 for each kilogram (when booked online up to 2 hours before takeoff)
• €11/£11 for each kilogram (if paid at the airport). 

Note

• After completing your flight check-in online, you can enhance the weight limit of your 44lb/20kg checked bag by up to 3kg to each such bag for a fee up to 2 hours before departure. 
• However, the option to secure additional baggage allowance online is not available for flights departing from certain airports. This list includes, but is not limited to, cities such as Newcastle, Naples, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Krakow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff, Bristol, Bologna, Birmingham, Milan Bergamo, and London Stansted. If your departure is from any of these airports and you need to expand your luggage limit, you have the option to do so at the check-in desk at the airport.

For fees concerning specialized baggage (such as sports gear, musical instruments, and more), consult Ryanair specific guidelines below.

Ryanair Baggage Size 

When traveling with Ryanair, understanding the Ryanair baggage size restrictions is crucial to ensure a smooth and fee-free journey. Below are the key dimensions and rules for carry-on and checked luggage, as well as allowances for those flying with infants.

• Personal Carry-on Item Size
  • The maximum size of your personal carry-on item must not exceed 40cm x 25cm x 20cm (15.7cm x 9.8cm x 7.9 inches).
  • Each passenger is allowed one personal item of these dimensions, which must fit under the seat in front of you. No weight limit applies to such items.
• Standard Carry-On Bag Size
  • The size of your standard carry-on bag must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.7in x 15.7in x 7.9in). Also, a weight limit of 22lb/10kg applies per standard carry-on bag. 
  • Bags exceeding these size or weight limits will be checked into the hold, and a fee of €69.99/£69.99 will be applied.
• Lap Infant Carry-on Baggage Size
  • The maximum dimensions of a lap infant’s carry-on bag must not exceed 45cm x 35cm x 20cm (17.7in x 13.8in x 7.9in). There’s also a weight limit of 11lb/5kg per bag.
  • Accompanying adults can carry a baby bag of this size and weight in addition to their own cabin baggage when traveling with an infant aged between 8 days and 23 months.
• Checked BaggageSize
  • The maximum size of a 44lb/20kg checked bag must not exceed 80cm x 120cm x 120cm (31.5in x 47.2in x 47.2in).
  • The maximum size of a 22lb/10kg checked bag must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.7in x 15.7in x 7.9in).
  • Checked bags exceeding 70lb/32kg or 81cm x 119cm x 119cm are not permitted on the aircraft or in the cargo hold (except mobility aids).

Ryanair Baggage Allowance 

Ryanair baggage policy offers passengers a variety of baggage options tailored to different needs and fare types. Understanding your baggage allowance is key to a smooth journey. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect based on your ticket purchase:

• Personal Carry-on Baggage Items. Every ticket, regardless of fare type, allows for 1 small personal item. This can be a laptop bag or a handbag with dimensions not exceeding 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. This item must be small enough to be stowed under the seat in front of you. Ryanair does not impose a weight limit as long as it fits under the seat.
  
• Cabin Baggage Allowance. Your cabin baggage allowance will depend on what type of ticket you’ve purchased, as shown below.
  • Economy Fare: Offers the most economical option, but includes only the 1 small personal carry-on item mentioned above as part of your free Ryanair baggage allowance. Additional carry-on or checked baggage must be purchased for a fee.
  • Regular Fare: Enhances your travel experience with a standard seat and priority boarding. This fare includes both the small personal item and a cabin bag weighing up to 22lb/10kg, with dimensions within 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, to be placed in the overhead bin. 
  • Plus Fare: Provides a standard seat and expands your luggage allowance to include the small personal item plus a 44lb/20kg checked bag.
  • Family Plus Fare: Tailored for family travel, this option allows 1 small personal carry-on item, a 22lb/10kg check-in bag per group member, free seating for children under 12, and a 20kg family check-in bag. It’s available for groups of up to 6 with at least 1 child or teen and is applicable on all flights.
  • Flexi Plus Fare: Designed for flexibility and convenience, offering priority boarding and a Ryanair baggage allowance of 2 cabin bags, i.e., the personal carry-on item and an additional 22lb/10kg cabin bag.

Note. Always remember to measure and weigh your baggage before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Sports Equipment Policy

Below is a snapshot of Ryanair sports equipment policy.

• Sports equipment is allowed as part of your cabin bag allowance if it fits within the Ryanair baggage size restrictions.
• For items too large for cabin baggage, you have the option to buy an extra seat. Book/Change using “EXTRA” as the first name and “ITEM SEAT” as the surname.
• Purchasing an extra seat does not grant extra cabin or checked baggage allowance.
• Items not fitting in cabin bags or without an extra seat can be checked in, subject to a fee based on the equipment category.
• Sports equipment exceeding the 44lb/20kg limit (bikes up to 30kg) will incur an excess Ryanair baggage fee of €/£11 per excess kilo.
• Bicycles must be in a protective box/bag with a maximum weight of 66lb/30kg. Electric bicycles are not permitted.

Musical Instruments Policy

The major highlights of Ryanair musical instruments policy are as follows:

• Musical instruments within cabin bag limits are allowed onboard as part of cabin/carry-on baggage.
• For larger instruments like guitars or violins exceeding the cabin baggage size, you can purchase an extra seat. Use “EXTRA” as the first name and “ITEM SEAT” as the surname for booking.
• Extra seat purchases do not include additional baggage allowances.
• Instruments too large for cabin bags can also be checked in for a fee.
• Excess weight beyond the 44lb/20kg limit incurs a fee per additional kilo.
• Once purchased, the musical equipment allowance is non-refundable and non-removable from your booking.
• Musical instruments weighing more than 44lb/20kg will incur an excess baggage charge of €/£11 per excess kilo.

Items Requiring Check-in for Safety Reasons

For the safety of all passengers, certain items must be transported in checked baggage due to their potential to cause harm. These include but are not limited to:

• Sports Equipment: Items like tennis and squash rackets, cricket, baseball, and softball bats, including batons, whether rigid or flexible, must be checked in.
• Clubs and Sticks: Golf clubs, hockey sticks, hurley sticks, lacrosse sticks, and similar items are only permitted in hold luggage.
• Paddles and Boards: Kayak and canoe paddles, as well as skateboards, need to be checked in.
• Cues and Rods: Billiard, snooker, pool cues, and fishing rods must be transported in the hold.
• Martial Arts Gear: Items such as knuckledusters, coshes, flails, nunchakus, kubatons, and kubasaunts are strictly checked baggage material.

Precautions for Sharp Objects. Sharp items in checked luggage should be securely wrapped to avoid causing harm to baggage handlers.

Pointed and Bladed Objects. Sharp or pointed items that could cause injury, including axes, hatchets, arrows, darts, crampons, grappling irons, harpoons, spears, ice equipment, knives longer than 6cm, meat cleavers, machetes, sabers, swords, razors (excluding safety razors), scalpels, scissors with blades over 6cm, ski poles, walking/hiking poles, throwing stars, and tradesman’s tools with potential as weapons, must be placed in checked luggage. 

Damaged, Delayed, and Lost Baggage

If you encounter any issues with your checked baggage being lost, delayed, or damaged, immediate action at your arrival airport is crucial for a timely resolution. Here’s how to navigate the process effectively with Ryanair:

• Upon discovering any issues with your checked baggage, promptly report it to the Lost Property Desk at the arrival airport. You’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which includes a 10-character file reference at the top (e.g., STNFR12345). This reference is essential for tracking the status of your baggage.
• It’s important to understand that reporting the issue at the airport does not automatically initiate a baggage claim with Ryanair. For that, you must fill out and submit a separate baggage claim available on Ryanair website, ensuring to include the 10-character file reference from your PIR.
• In terms of timing:
  • Claims for damaged baggage must be submitted within 7 days from the damage date.
  • Claims for misplaced baggage should be submitted within 21 days from the date the baggage was reported as misplaced. 

These time frames are per the Montreal Convention 1999 and Ryanair regulations.

• Ryanair processes claims for damaged or delayed baggage within 15 working days and lost baggage claims within 28 working days or upon completion of the full tracing process. You will be notified via post or email about any updates on your claim.
• If the resolution provided by Ryanair does not meet your expectations, there are further steps you can take. You have the option to escalate your complaint to a local Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body via odr@ryanair.com, although queries sent directly to this email address are generally not answered.

Ryanair Lost Baggage Compensation 

If your baggage is received without immediate complaint, it’s presumed to be in good condition, unless proven otherwise. Claims regarding loss, damage, or delay of checked luggage must be submitted within 7 days for loss (or damage), and within 21 days for delays.

Compensation Claims 

• Lost or Damaged Baggage. For destroyed, lost, or damaged baggage, Ryanair liability is limited to 1,288 SDR, unless the baggage was inherently defective. For carry-on items, liability arises only if the fault lies with Ryanair.
• Baggage Delays. Ryanair will assume all responsibility for delayed baggage, unless all reasonable steps to prevent the delay were taken, or it was not possible to take such measures. In such cases, the compensation for baggage delays is capped at 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR).
• Reporting and Claiming. Reporting delayed, lost, or damaged baggage at the airport does not constitute a compensation claim. You must file a direct claim within the following periods, as stipulated by the Montreal Convention 1999:
  • Damage: Report immediately and claim within 7 days.
  • Loss: Report immediately and claim within 21 days from when the baggage was made available to you.
• Increased Liability Limits. Although the Montreal Convention 1999 sets the standard liability for baggage issues at 1,288 SDR (about €1,600) per item, you can increase the limit. To increase the limit, you must make a special declaration of interest before check-in, subject to a fee of €50/£50 (or local equivalent), plus VAT on domestic flights, per passenger for each one-way trip. In such a scenario, Ryanair liability will increase to 2,262 SDR (roughly €2,600).

Frequently Asked Questions on the Ryanair Baggage Policy

Navigating the specifics of airline baggage policies can often be confusing, especially with varying allowances, fees, and restrictions. To help you prepare for your journey with one of Europe’s largest budget airlines, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of FAQs on Ryanair Baggage Policy. It helps clarify any doubts you may have and ensure you have all the information needed for a hassle-free flight.