Ryanair Baggage Policy Explained: How to Avoid Extra Fees

When traveling with Ryanair, understanding their baggage policy is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey. Ryanair, a popular budget airline in Europe, offers affordable flights, but its baggage rules can sometimes be confusing for passengers. This blog will take you through Ryanair’s baggage policy, providing essential details on carry-on, checked baggage, special items, and baggage fees. By understanding these rules, you can avoid surprises at the airport and enjoy your trip without hassle.

Introduction to Ryanair Baggage Policy

Ryanair is known for keeping costs low, but this also means passengers have to follow specific baggage guidelines. The Ryanair bag policy has been designed to keep flights affordable while still offering flexibility to travelers who need to carry more luggage. However, not following these guidelines can result in hefty fees or delays. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the baggage options available before you fly.

Ryanair Carry-On Baggage Rules

Ryanair allows passengers to bring one free cabin bag, but there are specific requirements for the bag's size and weight. Understanding the rules around carry-on luggage is the first step to making sure you comply with the Ryanair baggage policy.

• Free Cabin Bag: Ryanair provides one free cabin bag, but it must not exceed the size of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm (length x width x height). This is a small bag that should fit under the seat in front of you. Items that typically fit this size include a backpack, small handbag, or a laptop bag.

• Priority Boarding & Additional Cabin Bag: If you’ve purchased Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, you can bring an additional larger cabin bag up to 55cm x 40cm x 20cm in size and weigh up to 10 kg. This larger bag must fit in the overhead bin. In addition, Priority passengers can also bring a duty-free shopping bag, an extra personal item, and a small item like a coat or umbrella.

• Personal Items: Along with your free cabin bag, you are allowed one personal item. This can be a handbag, laptop bag, or any small item that can fit under the seat in front of you.

Ryanair Checked Baggage Options

If you need to bring more than just a small carry-on, you’ll need to check in additional luggage. Ryanair offers different baggage options for checked luggage, which vary in size and price. Here’s what you need to know:

• 10kg Checked Bag: If you’re traveling light and only need a small checked bag, Ryanair’s 10kg checked luggage option is a good choice. This option is suitable for shorter trips or if you pack light.

• 20kg Checked Bag: The 20kg checked bag is the most popular option for many travelers. It offers enough space for a week-long trip or longer. This size is ideal for those bringing a bit more clothing and personal items.

• Additional Bags: If you need even more space, you can pay to bring an additional 20kg checked bag. Ryanair’s baggage policy allows you to check in multiple bags, but each additional bag will incur an extra fee.

Ryanair Baggage Fees

Ryanair’s baggage fees are one of the key aspects of the airline’s budget model. The fees can vary depending on the type of baggage, destination, and time of booking. To avoid high fees, it’s recommended to add baggage to your booking as early as possible. Here’s an overview of typical Ryanair baggage fees:

• Cabin Baggage Fees: The small free cabin bag (under 40cm x 20cm x 25cm) is free of charge. However, if you opt for Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, there is an additional fee, which typically ranges from €6 to €10. The exact fee depends on the flight route and time of booking.

• Checked Baggage Fees: Ryanair charges a fee for checked baggage, with rates typically ranging from €10 to €30 for a 10kg bag. The price can increase if you opt for a 20kg bag or if you add baggage at the last minute. Be aware that fees are generally higher at the airport compared to online bookings.

• Excess Baggage Fees: If your bag exceeds the weight limit (20kg for checked luggage), you’ll need to pay an excess baggage fee. This can range from €10 to €20 per additional kilogram, so make sure to weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

To avoid paying these additional fees, consider purchasing your baggage allowance in advance. Early bookings tend to be cheaper and can help you save money on your overall trip.

Ryanair Special Baggage Items

Ryanair’s baggage policy also includes rules for transporting special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or medical equipment. These items require careful handling and often come with additional fees.

• Sports Equipment: Ryanair allows passengers to bring sports equipment such as bicycles, golf clubs, and skis. These items can be checked in for a fee, which typically ranges from €30 to €50, depending on the item. Make sure your sports equipment meets the size and weight restrictions to avoid any problems.

• Musical Instruments: Musical instruments such as guitars can be brought on board as part of your carry-on luggage or checked luggage. Instruments that fit within the size limits for cabin baggage can be carried for free, but larger instruments will need to be checked in for an additional fee.

• Medical Equipment: Ryanair provides assistance to passengers traveling with medical equipment like wheelchairs, crutches, or oxygen tanks. You must notify Ryanair in advance if you need to bring any medical equipment, and it may be carried free of charge if necessary.

Ryanair Baggage Allowance for Children

Ryanair’s baggage policy for children is slightly different from that for adults. Here's what you need to know:

• Infants: Children under the age of 2 are allowed to bring a small cabin bag with essentials like food and diapers. Additionally, you can bring a stroller or pushchair for free, but it must be checked in at the gate.

• Children (2-12 years old): Children aged 2 and above are allowed the same baggage allowance as adults. They can bring a free cabin bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm) and a checked bag, depending on the baggage package purchased.

Tips for Avoiding Excessive Baggage Fees

Here are some useful tips to help you avoid additional baggage charges when flying with Ryanair:

1. Pack Light: Stick to the free cabin bag allowance whenever possible. This helps you avoid baggage fees and speeds up the check-in process.

2. Weigh Your Luggage: Before heading to the airport, weigh your checked bags to make sure they’re under the weight limit. This will save you from incurring excess baggage charges.

3. Pre-book Your Baggage: Add your baggage allowance to your booking in advance. This will be cheaper than adding it at the airport.

4. Check the Baggage Dimensions: Double-check the dimensions for both cabin and checked luggage to ensure they comply with Ryanair’s rules.

5. Consider Priority Boarding: If you have a lot of items, purchasing Priority & 2 Cabin Bags might be worth the extra cost. It allows you to bring more onboard and gives you priority boarding, saving you time at the airport.

Conclusion

Understanding Ryanair’s baggage policy is essential for a stress-free trip. By following the guidelines and packing smartly, you can avoid additional fees and enjoy a hassle-free journey. Whether you're bringing a small carry-on or checking in multiple bags, knowing the size limits, weight restrictions, and fees can help you plan ahead and save money.