Our Guide To Ryanair Priority & Standard Baggage Allowance
All details in this blog were accurate at the time of writing (September 2024). However, please double-check with your airline before travelling, as policies may change.
Planning your next trip with Ryanair and unsure about their baggage policies? We are here to help! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ryanair, including what Priority Boarding offers, how it compares to standard fares and some of the top suitcase and luggage recommendations to ensure you have a smooth journey. So, are you ready to jet off together?
Introducing Ryanair: Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline
Ryanair is a leading low-cost airline based in Ireland, serving over 230 destinations across Europe and beyond. Known for its budget-friendly fares, Ryanair operates with a no-frills approach, giving passengers the option to pay for additional services such as baggage, seating and Priority Boarding. With Ryanair, you can tailor your travel experience to your needs and budget, especially when it comes to baggage options.
Ryanair Priority vs Standard: What’s The Difference?
Ryanair Priority Boarding is an upgrade that offers passengers several key benefits over standard fares, making the flying experience a bit smoother. The main difference? Priority passengers can bring a second, larger cabin bag on board (along with their small personal bag), and they also get to board the plane earlier via a designated Priority Queue.
Just so you know Priority boarding is capped at 100 passengers per flight, so it’s always recommended to book in advance.
Hand Luggage: What You Can Bring Onboard
- Non-Priority Passengers: Can bring only one small bag (40 x 20 x 25cm), which must fit under the seat in front.
- Priority Passengers: Can bring a second, larger bag (55 x 40 x 20cm, up to 10kg) in addition to their small personal bag.
Tripp Recommendation:
For your larger cabin bag, check out our Retro cabin suitcases. These cases are designed to meet Ryanair’s exact dimensions and are lightweight, making them perfect for Priority passengers.
Tripp Retro Pewter Underseat Cabin 45x36x20 (Dual Wheel)Underseat Carry On Suitcase£35.00 £95.00 Save 63%(4)Tripp Retro Mint Cabin Suitcase 55x37x20cm (Dual Wheel)4 Wheel Carry On Suitcase£35.00 £95.00 Save 63%(5)Hold Luggage: Know Your Options
Ryanair also offers flexible hold luggage options, which can be added at the time of booking or later via their website or app.
10kg Check-In Bag:
For passengers who don’t secure Priority Boarding or need a bit more space, the 10kg check-in bag is a good option. You’ll drop this bag at the check-in desk, and it will be placed in the hold.
20kg Check-In Bag:
For longer trips, you can purchase up to three 20kg check-in bag. This is a traditional hold luggage option that allows you to bring more belongings without worrying about cabin space restrictions. Make sure to book it online, as airport fees for excess luggage can be high.
Tripp Recommendation:
Our Style Lite Hard range is an excellent choice for hold luggage, as it’s spacious yet lightweight, helping you stay within Ryanair’s weight limits. It also comes complete with an integrated combination TSA lock, zip-around divider and four dual wheels.
Tripp Style Lite Hard Underseat Cabin Case 45x36x20cmUnderseat Carry On Suitcase£35.00 £49.50 Save 29%(3)Tripp Style Hard Blue Cabin Case 55x36x20 (Dual Wheel)4 Wheel Carry On Suitcase£35.00 £49.50 Save 29%(2)Travelling With Extras: Ryanair’s Rules For Sports & Family Travel
Ryanair allows passengers to bring additional items, such as sports equipment and musical instruments, for an extra fee. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sports Equipment: Items like skis, golf clubs and bikes can be added to your booking. These items must be booked in advance to avoid high fees at the airport.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be brought onboard as your cabin bag, while larger instruments will need to be checked in.
- For more information on how to add these to your booking, check out Ryanair’s bag rules here.
- Family Travel: If you're travelling with an infant under 2 years old, you can bring two pieces of baby equipment for free, including a small collapsible pushchair or car seat. Older children (2 years and above) receive the same baggage allowance as adults.
- Got a few more questions? Here’s a bit more information on travelling with children.
Ryanair Priority Explained: Perks, Baggage, & Boarding
How Do You Get Ryanair Priority?
Booking Ryanair Priority is easy! You can add it when booking your flight, or later via the Ryanair app up to 40 minutes before departure, or via their website up to two hours before your flight. Keep in mind that Priority is limited to 100 passengers per flight, so it’s best to secure it when booking.
How Much Does Ryanair Priority Cost?
The cost of Ryanair Priority ranges between £6 and £36, depending on your route and travel date. If you are thinking of going for it, make sure to purchase it at the time of booking to benefit from these reduced prices.
Is Ryanair Priority Worth It?
Let’s be honest - Priority isn’t just about early boarding; it’s all about the extra hand luggage. If you find that a small personal bag isn’t enough for your trip and you don’t want the hassle of waiting for hold luggage, Priority is a great option. It streamlines your travel experience and helps avoid baggage carousel delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you further, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Ryanair’s baggage restrictions.
What are the dimensions for hand luggage with Ryanair?For non-priority passengers, hand luggage must be 40 x 20 x 25cm. For Priority passengers, you can bring an additional larger cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm and weighing up to 10kg.
How strict are Ryanair with hand luggage?Ryanair is very strict with hand luggage dimensions. If your bag does not fit within the size or weight limits, you will be required to check it in, and additional fees may apply.
What baggage are you allowed on Ryanair?Non-priority passengers can bring one small bag (40 x 20 x 25cm), while Priority passengers are allowed an additional larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm, up to 10kg). You can also purchase additional checked baggage options.
How much is Priority Boarding with Ryanair?The cost of Priority Boarding ranges between £6 and £36, depending on your route and travel date. It’s best to book in advance, as prices increase closer to the departure date, and at the airport.
What is Ryanair Priority?Ryanair Priority Boarding allows you to bring an additional 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) onboard, along with a small personal item (40 x 20 x 25cm). It also gives you access to a separate Priority Queue for faster boarding.
Does Priority Boarding include seats on Ryanair?No, Priority Boarding does not include seat selection. If you want to reserve a seat, you will need to pay for it separately.
How much baggage can you take on Ryanair?With Ryanair, you can bring:
- Non-priority: 1 small bag (40 x 20 x 25cm).
- Priority: 1 small bag and 1 larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm, up to 10kg).
- Additional hold luggage: You can purchase up to three 20kg check-in bags and a 10kg check-in bag.
Ready For Takeoff: Pack Smart With Ryanair & Tripp
Now that you’re fully informed about Ryanair’s Priority baggage allowance, you can confidently pack for your next flight! Whether you’re flying with just a cabin case or upgrading for extra luggage space, Tripp has the perfect suitcase for your journey. Explore our full range of Ryanair-friendly luggage and travel with ease and style!
Image by @carlalynne.x via Instagram
- 11th August 2022