Choosing a Cabin Bag for Ryanair: Size Before Brand

Choose your fare allowance before choosing a bag. Ryanair's free allowance is 40×30×20 cm under the seat. Priority & 2 Cabin Bags adds a 55×40×20 cm bag up to 10 kg.

Compare external dimensions

Manufacturer capacity in litres is not a fit measurement. Check external dimensions including wheels and handles, the unexpanded and expanded size, and the empty weight. Your packed weight includes the bag itself.

Example: an empty bag weighing 2.5 kg leaves 7.5 kg within a 10 kg limit. A 40-litre description alone says nothing about whether its depth is 20 cm or 25 cm. Ask for model-specific measurements where a listing is incomplete.

Keep the bag you already own if it meets the rule

Measure it packed, then use the Ryanair checker. A bag below the previous 40×25×20 cm allowance can still fit the current 40×30×20 cm allowance. A larger allowance is not a reason to replace a compliant bag.

If your bag fits the overhead limit but your fare is Basic, compare the cost of Priority or an appropriate checked option with repacking into the free allowance. Do not buy another overhead suitcase to solve a fare condition.

For product research, compare the precise model and version on the manufacturer's page. We do not claim airport testing or hands-on bag measurements in this guide.

Sources: Ryanair bag policy and fare bundles, checked 5 September 2026.