Can you not take hand luggage on ryanair

Passengers on the Irish budget airline receive one complimentary small personal item with maximum dimensions 40×20×25 cm that must fit under the seat. Typical examples: laptop sleeve, compact backpack, small tote. A larger carry-on measuring 55×40×20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg is permitted only with Priority boarding or included in certain fare bundles; oversized carry-ons will be moved to the hold for an extra fee.

Price guidance: Priority upgrades commonly range between €6 and €20 per flight depending on route and booking time. Online checked-bag fees usually start around €20–€35; airport or gate check fees and gate-checked carry-on charges are higher, frequently €40–€60. Adding baggage or Priority via the booking portal before arrival typically offers the lowest rate.

Practical steps to avoid unexpected charges: measure the intended personal item at home against 40×20×25 cm; place passport, wallet, chargers and medications in that bag; if a larger piece is essential, purchase Priority at booking or add a checked bag online. Keep valuables and travel documents in the under-seat item for easy access.

At boarding staff will verify dimensions and tag oversize carry-ons for the hold with associated fees applied at the gate. For connections or multi-leg itineraries, pre-booked hold baggage reduces the chance of delays. Consult the airline booking confirmation and mobile app for the exact allowance and fees tied to the specific reservation.

Options for travelling without a cabin bag on a low-cost airline

Recommendation: purchase the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags add-on to secure allowance for a 55 x 40 x 20 cm item up to 10 kg; otherwise restrict belongings to a personal item sized 40 x 20 x 25 cm that fits beneath the seat.

Strict measurements: the complimentary personal item must not exceed 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Priority passengers are permitted an additional cabin item 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a maximum mass of 10 kg. Home verification with a tape measure and kitchen scale reduces surprises at the gate.

Packing tactics: wear a bulky coat and shoes to shift weight off the bag; distribute electronics and chargers into pockets and jacket compartments; place liquids in 100 ml containers inside a transparent resealable bag; use single-layer compression cubes to maximize usable volume inside the allowed personal-item envelope; choose collapsible footwear or thin travel sneakers to reduce bulk.

Pre-booking strategy: reserve a checked hold bag online during booking for the lowest fee; upgrades at the airport or at the gate carry higher charges. When carrying fragile or valuable items, pre-paid hold baggage avoids last-minute gate handling and potential damage.

Gate procedures and likely outcomes

At gate, measurement frames and weight checks are used. Oversized or overweight cabin items will be placed into hold and may incur a surcharge payable immediately; early compliance through correct sizing eliminates delays and additional costs. Staff instructions at the gate are final for boarding eligibility.

Compact gear recommendation

For a rain-ready setup that fits a personal-item allowance, select a small folding umbrella made from lightweight canopy fabrics such as 190T polyester or pongee; detailed material comparisons are available at best canopy material for a patio umbrella. Opt for models with quick-dry fabric and a slim folded length under 25 cm to slip into the permitted under-seat bag.

Is it permitted to board the airline with zero cabin items?

Yes – passengers may board carrying zero onboard items; fare tier governs allowed cabin possessions: standard/non-priority fares include one small personal item up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm, while priority fares permit a larger cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a 10 kg limit.

Practical checklist for zero-item boarding: complete online check-in by the airline’s deadline (commonly up to 2 hours before departure), have boarding pass and photo ID ready, arrive airside 60–90 minutes prior for short-haul sectors, note that bag-drop counters typically close ~40 minutes before departure and gates often close ~30 minutes before. Any items brought to the gate that exceed the booked allowance are usually tagged and checked immediately with a fee applied.

Minimal personal-item strategy: use a compact crossbody or tote that fits the small-item dimensions to keep passport, phone, medication and boarding documents accessible – see best crossbody tote bags for travel for models under the size cap. Store valuables in inner zip pockets; keep liquids under 100 ml in a clear resealable bag for security screening.

Post-trip maintenance tip: for stubborn dirt on a travel tote after outdoor use, a powerful cleaning option is useful – see best pressure washer for concrete patio. Always follow fabric care instructions and test on an inconspicuous area first.

How skipping cabin bag changes fare class, priority boarding and baggage entitlements

Choose the Basic fare and carry only a small personal item (40 x 20 x 25 cm) to keep the base fare at its lowest and avoid purchasing Priority; add hold baggage online if checked capacity becomes necessary.

Basic fare: includes a single under-seat personal item sized 40×20×25 cm at no extra charge. Priority and second cabin-bag allowance are sold as an add-on or bundled with higher fare tiers that include a larger cabin bag (typically 55×40×20 cm, max 10 kg) plus boarding priority.

Typical costs and timing (approximate, mid‑2024): Priority add-on when booked during reservation €6–€20 per sector, at check-in or gate €25–€50; hold baggage (prebooked) 10 kg €12–€45, 20 kg €18–€70, 25 kg €25–€90 per sector depending on route and purchase moment. Prices rise substantially at the airport.

Recommendations: travel with only an under-seat personal item to minimise total spend; compare the sum of add-on prices across both segments with the price difference for an upgraded fare before purchasing; always prebook checked bags and Priority online to keep costs lowest.

Which items to keep on your person if leaving your bag behind

Keep passport, boarding pass and government ID in a zipped inner pocket or money belt; originals must stay with the traveller rather than inside stored baggage.

• Passport & travel documents

  • Original passport, visas and boarding pass on the body; one printed photocopy stored separately in a different pocket.
  • Scanned copies uploaded to email/cloud and a screenshot saved offline on the phone for access without network.

• Prescription medication

  • Carry medicines in original labelled containers with the prescription or doctor’s letter; pack at least 48–72 hours extra supply.
  • For temperature-sensitive drugs (insulin, biologics) use an insulated case and keep a clinician’s note; syringes/needles should be declared and stored safely.
  • Liquid medicines over 100 ml: keep with documentation in an accessible pocket for security checks.

• Money and payment methods

  • Split cash between a secure on-body pouch and a separate location (wallet, cardholder). Carry a small amount of local currency for immediate needs (€50–€150 or equivalent depending on destination).
  • Keep one primary debit/credit card on the person and a backup card stored elsewhere; memorise PINs, do not store them with cards.

• Phone, charger and power bank

  • Phone with emergency contacts, travel apps and insurance details accessible; portable battery must remain on the person for transport.
  • Compact charging cable and plug in an easy-access pocket to avoid rummaging through stored items.

• Keys and essential access items

  • House and car keys on a subdued keyring kept in a zipped pocket; include a spare key or smart-lock code stored with an emergency contact.

• Important contacts and insurance

  • Printed list with emergency numbers, insurer policy number and local embassy/consulate contacts kept separate from phone (in case of phone loss).

• Valuables and identity safeguards

  • High-value items (watches, jewellery, small electronics) kept on the body or in a money belt rather than inside stored baggage.
  • Use an RFID-blocking wallet for passports/cards when available.

Store receipts and any health declarations with the on-person documents until arrival at the destination; keep items in secure zipped compartments and split risk across pockets rather than a single container.

How to pass security and manage liquids, laptops and duty-free without a carry-on

Place all liquids into a single transparent resealable 1‑litre bag; each container must be ≤100 ml (3.4 fl oz); present that bag separately at the security conveyor.

1. Preparation before queueing:
   • Wear a jacket with zip pockets or a travel vest for small items and a clear 1‑litre bag inside an outer pocket for quick access.
   • Transfer toiletries into 100 ml travel bottles; consolidate duplicate products into one bottle where possible.
   • Replace liquid shampoo/conditioner with solid bars and swap liquid deodorant for stick format to avoid limits.
2. At the screening lane:
   • Place the sealed 1‑litre liquids bag in a bin by itself; laptop and large tablets must be removed from any sleeve or case and laid flat in a tray.
   • Place chargers, dongles and small electronics in the same tray as the laptop if space allows; loose batteries and power banks should be presented separately.
   • Shoes with minimal metal speed processing; metal belts and large jewellery should be removed into a tray to speed inspection.
3. Duty‑free purchases:
   • Ensure liquids bought airside are packed in a tamper‑evident sealed bag (SEA) with the receipt visible inside the bag.
   • Keep SEA bag sealed until final destination or until after any additional airside security; presenting the SEA bag plus receipt at transfer points reduces the chance of confiscation.
   • For international transfers, confirm transfer-country rules and the carrier’s policy before purchase; retain proof of purchase on paper or device.
4. Power banks and batteries:
   • Carry power banks on the person or inside an accessible pocket; placing them in checked hold is prohibited for lithium batteries.
   • Maximum standard allowance: 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh requires airline approval; >160 Wh is restricted. Convert mAh to Wh via Wh = (mAh/1000) × V (typically 3.7V).
5. After screening:
   • Repack the laptop into a slim sleeve; store the sealed 1‑litre bag in an outer pocket or a small crossbody pouch kept visible for transfer checks.
   • If onwards travel requires extra liquid allowance, purchase sealed items airside and keep receipts; otherwise rely on solids and minimal liquids packed on person.

Quick checklist to print or screenshot: 100 ml containers only; single 1‑litre clear bag; laptop out and flat; SEA bag + receipt for duty‑free; power banks <100 Wh carried on person.

Buy Priority or prepay a hold bag during booking to avoid gate charges

Booking choices

Purchase the “Priority & 2 Cabin Items” add-on at checkout; typical prices range €6–€20 when purchased during booking, rising to €35–€60 at the airport. Add a checked bag via Manage Booking before departure – a 10 kg allowance commonly costs €15–€40 online, increasing to €45–€70 at the desk. Seat reservation does not include boarding priority; treat Priority as a separate purchase.

Compare bundled fares versus individual extras: sometimes a bundle (Priority plus a checked allowance) is cheaper than buying multiple add-ons separately. For round trips, add baggage allowances during the initial purchase for the lowest per-flight rate. Retain confirmation emails and baggage receipts for any fee disputes.

Check-in and gate procedures

Complete web or app check-in and download the mobile boarding pass to avoid kiosks. For prepaid checked bags, use the labelled bag-drop desk where staff will attach the tag and provide a receipt. Plan arrival so bag-drop occurs well before the published cut-off (typically 40–60 minutes before departure); gates often close about 30 minutes before scheduled departure.

Weigh and measure bags at home; slight overweights or oversize items are usually charged at the gate at elevated rates. If a bag is refused during boarding, staff will offer an on-the-spot purchase of a checked allowance at a premium – prepaying online eliminates that surcharge. Keep critical items in a small personal item carried into the cabin to ensure immediate access after arrival.

Video: