Surprise! The new Ryanair hand luggage policy, allows you to bring a slightly larger personal bag on board for free. The new maximum dimensions for Ryanair hand baggage are 40 x 30 x 20 cm, offering travelers a bit more space to pack essentials without extra fees. This change aligns Ryanair with new European standards and makes it easier to travel light yet efficiently.
If you’re planning to fly with Ryanair and want to make the most of this new allowance, choosing the right bag is crucial. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 bags that perfectly fit Ryanair’s new hand luggage size limits, combining style, functionality, and compliance.
Best of all, every one of these bags will fit through the Stansted security scanners without a problem.
Lightweight and versatile trolley bag with wheels and carry handles
Perfect for under-seat storage with smooth rolling and retractable handle
Multiple compartments for organised packing
Eco-friendly materials and durable design
Black, blue or pink colour options
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Compact, wheeled cabin bag designed specifically for Ryanair’s allowance
Padded internal tablet pocket and compression system for efficient packing
Made from recycled polyester, combining sustainability with durability
Front and side pockets for easy access to travel essentials
Stylish and spacious backpack with multiple compartments
Waterproof layer to protect your belongings
Compression straps to maximise storage potential
Sturdy handle, chest strap and breathable back for comfort
Black, red, blue, pink and grey colour options
Expandable design to maximise packing space while staying within Ryanair’s limits
Lightweight with smooth wheels and extendable handle
Eco-friendly materials and robust construction
Integrated combination lock to protect your valuable
Opens like a suitcase with two separate compartments for better organisation
Dedicated padded laptop compartment and quick-access front pockets
Suitable for Ryanair hand luggage and other budget airlines’ under-seat requirements
Lightweight and practical for day trips and short breaks
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Simple, no-frills holdall bag that fits Ryanair’s free hand baggage size
Made from durable nylon-like fabric to hold shape even when empty
Shoulder strap and carry handles
Affordable option for travellers on a budget
Easy to carry and store under the seat
Hybrid design offers wheels or backpack straps according to your preference
Compression straps to ensure the bag fits under your seat
Multiple organisational pockets and side bottle holder
Available in various colours, practical and affordable
Shower-resistant and eco-friendly backpack with tactical design
USB charging port and multiple compartments for tech and travel gear
Durable with a 10-year warranty and TSA lock included
0.82kg weight is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and frequent flyers
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Features an anti-theft back pocket and USB charging port
Multiple compartments for organised packing, including laptop and toiletry sections
Water-repellent material for added protection
Stylish and functional for modern travellers
Compact backpack with selection of pockets and compartments
Stylish black and gold waterproof fabric for those who like eye-catching luggage
Fits perfectly under the seat with 40x20x25cm dimensions
Multiple pockets for easy organisation
Compression straps to keep luggage within limits
Why Choose the Right Ryanair Hand Baggage?
Choosing a bag that fits Ryanair’s hand baggage allowance is essential to avoid unexpected fees and hassle at the airport. The new allowance of 40 x 20 x 25 cm gives you a bit more room, but bags must still be compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Get the size wrong, and you’ll be charged a hefty fee to check your luggage in at the gate.
These top 10 bags are designed to maximise space, offer practical features like wheels, laptop compartments, and anti-theft pockets, and are made from durable, often eco-friendly materials. Whether you prefer a backpack, trolley, or holdall, there’s an option here to suit your travel style and needs.
IMPORTANT – Hand Baggage vs Carry-On
It is very, very important to note that hand baggage is not the same as a carry-on. If your bag is larger than the dimensions specified (40 x 20 x 25 cm), it classifies as a carry-on.
And that is a chargeable extra under Ryanair fare rules.
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What Makes a Great Ryanair Carry-On Bag?
Selecting the ideal Ryanair hand luggage means balancing strict airline regulations against practical travel needs. With recent (2025) changes to Ryanair’s cabin bag policy, the following factors are now more important than ever:
Footprint and Size Compliance
The single most vital factor is the bag’s footprint—ensuring your carry-on meets Ryanair’s official size limits. As of July 2025, the airline’s free cabin bag allowance is 40 x 30 x 20 cm (height x width x depth), and these must include handles, wheels, and any external pockets. Bags that exceed these dimensions—even slightly—risk being rejected at the gate or incurring steep fees. The bag must fit under the seat in front of you; overstuffed or rigid bags won’t make the cut.
Ryanair is notoriously strict on size. Hard-shell cases and bulky luggage are far more likely to trigger extra charges, while soft-sided bags are favoured as they can be compressed for the gate sizer if needed.
Weight and Portability
Ryanair currently does not have a strict weight limit for the free small cabin bag (beyond what you can safely lift), but this may change. For priority/larger cabin bags (55 x 40 x 20 cm), the limit is 10kg—and this is sometimes enforced, especially if your bag looks heavy.
For the small bag, ultra-lightweight construction (ideally under 1kg for maximum packing flexibility) is a real bonus. Over-packing can make your bag difficult to handle, especially on quick boarding/disembarking or long walks through the airport. Consider ergonomic features like padded straps, trolley sleeves, or even small wheels if you expect to haul heavier loads.
Durability and Material
Durability matters—your bag must withstand rough handling, tight overhead or underseat storage, and frequent airport use. Many top-rated Ryanair bags use 600D polyester or recycled RPET for a robust yet eco-friendly build.
Reinforced stitching, quality zippers, and water-resistant materials help protect your belongings from spills, rain, and rough cobblestones at your destination.
Smart Organisation
A well-organised bag makes airport security and in-flight access far easier. Look for:
- Multiple compartments (main, front, side, hidden)
- Quick-access pockets for tickets, passport, phone, and snacks
- Internal compression straps to maximize space without bulging
- Separate wet/dry areas for toiletries or damp swimwear
Bags that open flat (suitcase-style) can make packing and unpacking much faster. Padded laptop/tablet sleeves and security pockets (for valuables) are also highly valued.
Practical Design Features
- Soft-sided construction for flexibility at the gate
- Expandability for occasional extra capacity (but don’t rely on this for Ryanair, as the airline is strict)
- Trolley strap to slide onto your rolling suitcase handle
- Side bottle holder for quick hydration
- Anti-theft features like slash-resistant fabric or hidden zippers
Summary Table: Key Factors for a Ryanair Carry-On
| Factor | Why It Matters | Ideal Specs/Features |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Avoid fees/rejection at gate | 40 x 30 x 20 cm max, soft-sided, compressible |
| Weight | Easier to lift, carry, and stow | As light as possible (<1kg for max packing) |
| Durability | Lasts through rough travel, protects contents | 600D polyester/RPET, reinforced seams, water-resistant |
| Organization | Quick access, easy security checks, tidy packing | Multiple pockets, compression straps, expandable |
| Design | Convenience at airport and onboard | Trolley strap, bottle holder, anti-theft, ergonomic |
Final Tips for Ryanair Hand Luggage
- Always check Ryanair’s official policy before you fly, as rules can and do change.
- Test your bag in the sizer at home—don’t assume it will fit if it’s close.
- Choose soft, flexible bags for maximum compliance and packing efficiency.
- Balance capacity with comfort—if you routinely pack heavy, consider a bag with wheels or extra padding.
By focusing on size compliance, lightweight durability, smart organisation, and practical features, you’ll have a carry-on that not only gets you through Ryanair’s famously strict checks but also makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
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