Ryanair Baggage Rules 2025: Free Extra Bag for Children

Mr Plane Guy
Jun 7
6 min read

Ryanair Baggage Rules 2025: Free Extra Bag for Children

By Mr Plane Guy,Travel expert, carry-on connoisseur, and proud survivor of Ryanair check-in queues

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase – and every bit helps me keep this blog flying high.

Flying with Ryanair in 2025? Good news – for once, there’s been a baggage rule change that actually benefits you (especially if you're travelling with small humans). The airline famous for measuring your bag with a ruler made of rage has updated its policy…

Children aged 2–11 can now bring a Trunki or similar ride-on suitcase for free, even though it’s technically bigger than the standard Ryanair hand luggage size.

Yep. You read that right. More space. No extra charge. No need to smuggle it in under the buggy.

Let’s break down exactly what’s changed, what bag sizes are allowed, and how to avoid Ryanair’s infamous last-minute fees – all with a few handy links to bags I’ve tested myself.

Wait… What’s a Trunki and Why Is This News?

A Trunki is a ride-on suitcase for kids – part luggage, part toy, part airport survival kit. The dimensions are 46 x 21 x 31 cm, which is over Ryanair’s standard free carry on size of 40 x 20 x 25 cm.

Until now, parents using Trunkis were getting slapped with fees because it didn’t fit the strict allowance. One Mumsnet user even had to hide it inside their pushchair bag to dodge a charge.

But now? Ryanair has updated its policy on their website to confirm that:

“Children (2–11 years) are permitted to carry one Trunki case, which may exceed these dimension limits of the small bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm).”

You can also bring other similar-sized bags – not just Trunkis – as long as they’re designed for kids. A surprisingly generous move for a budget airline, no?

Blog Post: Ryanair Cabin Bags: What You Need to Know

The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is a game-changer for travelling with kids. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and doubles as both luggage and entertainment — little ones can sit on it, ride it, or be towed through the airport. With a generous 46 x 21 x 31 cm capacity and Ryanair now officially allowing it as free carry-on for children, it’s the perfect travel companion.

👉 Grab a Trunki on Amazon here

What’s Ryanair’s Free Hand Luggage Size for Adults?

If you’re not a child (sorry), here’s what you get for free:

Ryanair Hand Luggage Size (Free Personal Item)

Max Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Weight Limit: No official max, but don’t overstuff it
Must Fit: Under the seat in front of you
Examples: Small backpack, handbag, laptop case

Trying to sneak in anything larger? Expect to pay a hefty gate fee of £46. It’s like a game of bag roulette, and Ryanair always wins if you’re unprepared.

My Favourite Under-seat Bag (That Actually Fits)

If you want to avoid Ryanair’s sizing drama, I use and recommend the Cabin Max METZ 20L.

Exact size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Weighs just 500g
Eco-friendly (made from recycled bottles)
Loads of compartments to stay organised
Comes in loads of colours so you can flex your personality at Gate 52

Perfect for Ryanair’s free allowance and light enough to carry through three terminals and a toddler tantrum. You can check it out here.

Need More Space? Use Ryanair Priority & 2 Cabin Bags

Want to bring more than a glorified lunchbox? You’ll need to buy Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, which gets you:

One small personal item (under the seat)
One cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg max) in the overhead
Priority boarding so you don’t have to play “musical overhead bins”

My Go-To Cabin Bag:

👉 Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase

Fits perfectly in Ryanair’s overhead size rules
360-degree spinner wheels for smooth airport dodging
Only 2.5kg, so you get max packing power
Lockable and sleek – looks far more expensive than it is
It's also a perfect fit for Ryanair Priority: No worries about your bag arriving separately, as you can keep it with you.

I’ve taken mine on dozens of flights and it’s never been questioned. Packs enough for up to a 7-day trip without needing to check luggage. Check it out here.

Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm)

It comes in so many colours!

Take a Look HERE

Of course you can also find all of the Cabin Max Metz range on Amazon.

Ryanair Checked Baggage Options in 2025

For those going long-haul (or just like bringing 12 outfit options), here are the updated rules:

10kg Checked Bag

Drop it off at check-in
Online price: £11.99 – £29.99
Gate fee: £46 (yes, again)

20kg Checked Bag

For long trips or over-packers
Online price: £20.99 – £59.99
Overweight fee: £9 per extra kg

Top Tip: Use a digital luggage scale to avoid unpleasant check-in surprises.

Genius Packing Tips for Ryanair (That Actually Work)

Use a Ryanair-approved underseat bag – like the METZ 20L
Wear your bulkiest shoes/jacket on the plane
Use compression packing cubes – these ones are great
Don’t vacuum-pack your clothes – folding or rolling works better in Ryanair’s tiny bags
Pack a clear liquid bag like this one to breeze through security
Bring an AirTag – here’s the one I use

Don't forget these handy Hand Luggage Regulation approved waterproof liquids wash bags.

Here they are on Amazon.

Top Tip: for bonus in-flight comfort: this phone clip attaches to the tray table so you can watch Netflix hands-free without neck strain. Genuinely life-changing.

I will link one here on Amazon

Final Boarding Call on Ryanair Bag Size Rules in 2025

Yes, Ryanair bag size rules are strict. But they’re also beatable – if you know the game. Now that Trunkis and similar kids' bags are officially allowed, parents get a little extra packing room (and a little less stress).

Whether you're going full minimalist with a 20L bag or bringing the full 10kg + 20kg arsenal, knowing the Ryanair hand luggage size, carry on size, and baggage size rules will save you money, time, and gate-check drama.

Got any Ryanair packing horror stories? Drop them in the comments – I read every single one.

Lounge Access Before You Fly

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Use my link to get your pass :Take a Look Here If you're flying from London Gatwick South Terminal.

👉 Claim your Priority Pass discount here!

What are my rights if I am delayed or my Ryanair flight is cancelled?

Check out this delay guide

Did you know you can claim up to £520 in the UK per person for delayed or cancelled flights?

👉 Claim your Priority Pass discount here!

Don't forget to get an eSim before you fo and save lots of money on data roaming!

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I promise not to bombard you! Just the occasional news full of amazing travel deals!

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