A Ryanair cabin bag can save you from extra fees, provided you follow the rules for your ticket to the millimetre. Yet many travellers discover at the boarding gate that their bag is too thick, their hard-shell suitcase won't fit under the seat, or the stated dimensions leave no margin for error.
Here are the points to check before buying a Ryanair cabin bag, a rucksack or a small suitcase for a weekend away, a business trip or a student stay.
With the cheapest tickets, Ryanair usually includes a personal item to be placed under the seat. A larger bag, intended for the overhead locker, may require purchasing an additional option.
A model sold as "cabin" does not automatically benefit from the same conditions. Before you travel, check your booking, the fare type you've chosen and the dimensions permitted by Ryanair.
Wheels, handles, front pockets and padding can increase the actual size. Even a soft bag measuring 40 × 20 × 25 cm risks exceeding these limits if it's overstuffed.
To avoid nasty surprises, measure the bag when closed and packed, without compressing it excessively. Keeping a few centimetres of margin is always preferable, especially with a 20 L travel bag filled with clothes.
A large capacity doesn't guarantee a better choice. An ABS cabin suitcase weighing 2.65 kg, for example, leaves far less weight available for your belongings than a soft bag weighing 0.36 kg. On short trips, a lightweight bag is also more comfortable to carry through stations, up metro stairs or during walking connections.
For a Ryanair personal item, the models featured here are designed around the 40 × 20 × 25 cm format. However, this limit must be checked against the conditions applicable at the time of your trip.
Some more compact models measure 35 × 20 × 20 cm. They offer less space but slide more easily under a seat. As rules can vary from one low-cost airline to another, always consult the official website of the carrier in question.
A 14 L travel bag can hold a tablet, documents, a book, earphones and a few lightweight clothes. For a weekend, a 20 L model will be more comfortable, provided you don't fill it to the point of distorting its shape.
Also remember to check:
Oxford fabric and reinforced polyester are flexible and generally lightweight. Some bags are advertised as water-resistant: they'll withstand a few splashes, but they don't replace a proper waterproof cover.
A hard-shell suitcase in ABS offers better protection for its contents against knocks and is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its four spinner wheels. However, it is heavier and its dimensions must be checked carefully. A classic cabin-sized suitcase may require a paid option if it exceeds the limits for a personal item placed under the seat.
Why it suits them: this soft bag is ideal for short trips and keeps your hands free thanks to its adjustable shoulder strap.
Its stated dimensions of 40 × 20 × 25 cm and soft design make it easier to control the overall size. However, it's still essential to check the bag once packed.
Stated capacity of 20 L, weight of 0.36 kg, front pocket and rear strap for telescopic handle.
Why it suits them: this hard-shell suitcase is aimed at travellers who value structured protection and comfortable movement on four wheels.
The XS size is marketed as "Lowcost", but its dimensions of 47 × 32 × 20 cm do not match those of a personal item at 40 × 20 × 25 cm. So check your allowance before buying.
Hard ABS shell, four spinner wheels, stated weight of 2.05 kg and capacity of 23.4 L.
Why it suits them: its rucksack format is ideal for public transport, carrying a laptop and moving between multiple locations.
The padded back, adjustable straps and chest strap make carrying more comfortable. However, note that the dimensions are stated as approximate, with a possible variation of 1 to 3 cm.
Suitcase-style opening, laptop or tablet compartment, metal zips and rear strap for trolley.
Why it suits them: this compact format is ideal for travellers who pack light for one night, a meeting or an express trip.
Its smaller volume naturally limits the temptation to overpack. It's still best to check the rules applicable to your booked flight.
Stated weight of 0.3 kg, adjustable shoulder strap, top handles and Oxford fabric advertised as water-resistant.
We've put together an updated selection of products suited to different needs and travel formats.
The models in this selection mainly focus on the 40 × 20 × 25 cm format, while some bags measure 35 × 20 × 20 cm. The airline's policy can change and depends on the ticket you've chosen: check the conditions associated with your booking before you travel.
Yes, provided you travel light. It can hold two days' worth of clothes if you roll them, keep your toiletries to a minimum and only take one pair of shoes. The separate pockets of a cabin rucksack or holdall make it easier to access documents and electronic devices.
Yes, if its dimensions and weight match the allowance you've purchased. A hard-shell suitcase protects its contents effectively, but it's often heavier and less flexible than a soft bag. For the free item to be placed under the seat, pay particular attention to the length, width and depth of the suitcase once packed.