- Mr Plane Guy
- Sep 13, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Ryanair Increases Free Cabin Bag Size in 2025
New Hand Luggage Allowance Explained
By Flight and Travel Expert Mr Plane Guy
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When it comes to budget airlines, baggage rules are one of the biggest talking points. Ryanair in particular has long been known for having some of the strictest cabin bag policies in Europe. For years, passengers had to make do with a small underseat bag measuring just 40 x 20 x 25 cm. If your bag was even slightly too big, you risked paying extra fees at the gate.
But as of 2025, Ryanair has quietly updated its rules. The Ryanair hand luggage allowance has increased slightly, with the maximum free cabin bag size now set at 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
It may not sound like a huge change, but this adjustment makes a real difference for travellers. In fact, it brings Ryanair more in line with other low-cost airlines like easyJet and Wizz Air, making it easier to choose a cabin bag that works across multiple carriers.
The Best Bags for Ryanair’s New Cabin Bag Size
If you’re in the market for a new Ryanair-approved cabin bag, you now have far more options. Here are some great picks designed exactly to fit the new allowance:
1. Cabin Max Metz 40 x 20 x 25cm
I used to recommend the small version of this for flying Ryanair but since the rule change you can now use the standard 44L like most other airlines.This bag has been a budget-traveller favourite for years. Lightweight, easy to carry, and a proper rectangular shape to maximise space. It comes in so many different colour options, I really like mine because of the padding it's really comfortable to carry around unlike so many others I've tried. I also like the straps at the side because if I've over packed, you can pull the straps in and compress it all.
2. Aerolite Carry On Backpack
This is a super-affordable soft backpack that’s specifically sized for Ryanairs free bag rules. It even has a handy rear strap to attach to your suitcase handle if you’re travelling with a roller bag too.
3. Samsonite Guardit Underseat Bag amsonite Guardit Classy
If you want something a little more stylish, this Samsonite option is a premium soft-sided underseat bag that still fits within 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Made from recycled materials too.
4. Cabin Max Narvik 2.0 Stowaway 20L Trolley Case
Prefer wheels? This little rolling suitcase is designed to fit as your free Ryanair personal bag. Perfect for city breaks where you don’t want to carry everything on your back.
5. Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel
A great budget option, this duffel folds flat when not in use but still expands to fill the maximum 40 x 30 x 20 cm allowance. Ideal as a backup bag too.
These bags don’t just work for Ryanair – they’ll also fit within the free allowances on most European budget airlines. That makes them a smart investment if you travel frequently.
If you’re mixing and matching airlines for your holiday, TUI’s baggage rules are a whole different story, especially on long-haul or package deals.
Check out my full TUI Luggage Allowance Guide for 2025 to compare cabin bag and checked-baggage limits before you pack.
What About Old 40 x 20 x 25 cm Ryanair Bags?
If you already bought a bag to fit the old Ryanair hand luggage rules, don’t worry, you can still use it. The new allowance is bigger, not smaller.
In fact, these smaller bags are now often available at discounted prices, so if you like to travel light, they can be a bargain.
A Few Packing Tips For Your Free Bag
✅ Choose a soft-sided rectangular bag — they squish better into the sizer.
✅ Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane.
✅ Use packing cubes to maximise space.
✅ Leave room for snacks (because Ryanair’s inflight sandwiches are… not it).
✅ Bring a reusable water bottle you can refill airside.
Why Packing Smart Matters More Than Ever
Here’s the thing: with the 40 x 30 x 20 cm free allowance, it’s not that you can’t travel light it’s that most of us pack badly. Clothes take up way more space than they need to. Shoes are bulky. And once you’ve stuffed in a jacket and a couple of jeans, suddenly your bag is bulging and you’re in trouble.
This is where I started experimenting with vacuum travel packing bags.
My Secret Weapon: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags
I first came across these when I was prepping for a 4 day trip to Rome. I didn’t want to pay for a large cabin bag, but I also didn’t want to live in one pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
Enter: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here
What They Are
Resealable bags you pack your clothes into.
Roll them and then pump the air out.
Result? Clothes are flattened into a neat little condensed packed bag.
Why They’re Brilliant for Ryanair
Shrink your clothes by up to 70%. That’s basically doubling your space.
No bulging bag. Everything is flat, neat, and easy to slide into the sizer.
Stay organised. Separate outfits, keep dirty laundry sealed away.
Real-Life Test: Regular Packing vs Vacuum Bags
I did a side-by-side pack for a recent weekend in Riga with Ryanair. Same items, two different packing methods.
Regular Packing
2 jeans
4 t-shirts
1 jumper
1 jacket
1 pair trainers
Toiletries
Result? Bag wouldn’t zip. Had to ditch the jumper.
Vacuum Bag Packing
Same items (plus 2 extra t-shirts).
Clothes compressed into 3 vacuum bags.
Toiletries and shoes fitted neatly around them.
Result? Bag zipped with space to spare. Fit perfectly under the seat.
Ryanair Cabin Bag Hacks with Vacuum Bags
Here are my top hacks if you’re going to try this out yourself:
Pack bulky items (hoodies, jeans, jumpers) in vacuum bags. These shrink the most.
Roll, don’t fold. Rolling creates tighter packs that compress better.
Use one bag just for underwear and socks. Easy to grab when you arrive.
Leave one bag empty. Perfect for sealing dirty laundry on the way home.
Don’t overstuff your cabin bag. Gate staff spot bags that look “swollen” vacuum bags keep things slim and tidy.
Don't forget these handy Hand Luggage Regulation approved waterproof liquids wash bags.
Ryanair Hand Luggage FAQs
Can I bring a handbag as well as my cabin bag?
No. Ryanair only allows one free underseat bag. That means you need to fit everything – handbag, laptop, and personal items – into your 40 x 30 x 20 cm allowance. If you want two bags, you’ll need to pay for Priority.
What happens if my bag is too big?
If your bag doesn’t fit in the size checker at the gate, Ryanair will charge you to place it in the hold. These fees are significantly higher at the airport than if you pay in advance, so it’s best to stick to the rules.
Can I bring a duty-free bag on Ryanair?
Yes. A bag of duty-free purchases bought at the airport is allowed in addition to your cabin bag.
Do Ryanair weigh cabin bags?
For the free underseat bag, weight limits aren’t usually enforced, as long as you can lift it yourself and it fits under the seat. For larger cabin bags (10kg overhead allowance), Ryanair does enforce the 10kg weight limit.
Is Ryanair stricter than other airlines?
Until recently, yes. Ryanair’s old allowance was one of the smallest in Europe. The new 40 x 30 x 20 cm rule brings them in line with competitors, making things fairer for passengers.
A Quick Recap: Ryanair Bag Size Rules Now
Ticket Type | Included Bags | Bag Size |
Standard Fare | 1 free personal bag | Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm |
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags | 1 free personal bag + 1 larger cabin bag (10kg) | Personal: 40 x 30 x 20 cm, Cabin: 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
Checked Bag (optional) | 10kg or 20kg | Various |
What About Larger Cabin Bags on Ryanair?
The free allowance only covers your one underseat bag. If you want to bring a bigger cabin bag (like a wheelie case that fits in the overhead locker), you’ll need to pay extra.
Here are the options:
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags – This upgrade allows you to bring your free 40 x 30 x 20 cm underseat bag plus a larger cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (maximum 10kg) to place in the overhead lockers.
Checked Baggage – Ryanair also sells checked luggage options (10kg or 20kg), which can be cheaper in advance than paying at the airport.
1. Cabin Max Anode 40L Trolley Case
Exact fit for Ryanair Priority (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
Lightweight with 360° wheels
Ideal for trips up to 7 days
Check it out HERE
It is so light weight, it has 360 spinning wheels so I can push or pull it around the airport and place my small undereat bag on top of it. It has a well made lock to keep all my items secure. For the price as well it is excellent quality!
For those who need more space, the Cabin Max Anode 40L is a fantastic option.
Spacious and Lightweight: Perfect for trips up to 7 days, with enough room for clothing, toiletries, and extras.
Durable and Stylish: Available in various colours, so you can travel in style.
It's also a perfect fit for Ryanair Priority: No worries about your bag arriving separately, as you can keep it with you.
It comes in so many colours!
Top Tip: I put an AirTag in my suitcase, I was able to check that my had arrived at the aircraft and is such good peace of mind!
Final Boarding Call, Ryanair’s Hand Luggage Rules in 2025
Ryanair’s updated cabin bag policy may be a small change on paper, but it makes a big difference for passengers. The extra width means you can pack more comfortably, and the new size matches what other budget airlines already offer.
If you fly Ryanair regularly, this is good news. You’ll have more choice when buying luggage, more consistency between airlines, and a little less stress when it comes to fitting everything under the seat in front of you.
The bottom line: stick to 40 x 30 x 20 cm for your free under-seat bag, and you’ll be set for smooth travels with Ryanair in 2025.
Looking for a smart way to manage travel spending?
Follow @mr_planeguy on TikTok and Instagram for lounge walkthroughs, travel hacks, and airport meltdowns.
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If you love starting your holiday with a touch of luxury, this alone might make the upgrade worthwhile.
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Ryanair Increases Free Cabin Bag Size in 2025 New Hand Luggage Allowance Explained.
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