Quick Answer
The best Ryanair cabin bag in 2026 depends on your fare type:
• If flying without Priority, your bag must fit 40 x 20 x 25 cm.
• If flying with Priority, you can bring a 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin bag (max 10kg).
The safest strategy is to choose a bag slightly undersized to ensure it always passes the Ryanair sizer at the gate.
This guide compares the best Ryanair cabin bags that reliably fit, pass enforcement checks, and maximize packing capacity.
Understanding Ryanair Cabin Bag Rules (2026)
Ryanair operates one of the strictest cabin baggage policies in Europe.
Free Allowance (Standard Fare)
One small personal item:
40 x 20 x 25 cm
Must fit under the seat
No formal weight limit, but must be liftable
This is often referred to as the “small bag” allowance.
Priority & 2 Cabin Bags
If you purchase Priority boarding, you may bring:
• One small bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
• One cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
• Maximum weight: 10kg
This larger bag must fit in the overhead bin.
How Strict Is Ryanair About Cabin Bags?
Very strict.
Ryanair uses metal sizers at boarding gates.
Staff frequently check bags that look oversized.
If your bag does not fit:
• You may be charged €60 at the gate
• The bag will be checked
• No negotiation
The key to avoiding this fee is choosing a bag that fits comfortably inside the sizer.
Best Ryanair Cabin Bags (40 x 20 x 25 cm – No Priority)
These are designed to maximize capacity while staying within Ryanair’s strict dimensions.
airlines that charge for carry-on
1. Cabin Max Metz 20L (Ryanair Size Specialist)
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Capacity: 20 liters
Weight: ~500g
Why it works:
• Designed specifically for Ryanair free allowance
• Soft-sided, compressible
• Very lightweight
• Fits sizer comfortably
Best for:
• Weekend trips
• Short city breaks
• Personal item only travel
Authority Verdict:
If you want zero stress at boarding, this is one of the safest Ryanair cabin bag choices available.
2. WANDF 40x20x25 Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Capacity: ~20L
Weight: Ultra-light
Why it works:
• Budget-friendly
• Compressible
• Water-resistant
Best for:
• Minimalist travelers
• Under-seat compliance
• Budget-focused buyers
3. Aerolite 40x20x25 Backpack
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Structured shape
Multiple compartments
Why it works:
• Slightly structured but still compliant
• Easy organization
• Affordable
Best for:
• Organized packing
• Carrying tech safely
Best Ryanair Cabin Bags (55 x 40 x 20 cm – Priority)
If you purchase Priority, you can maximize space.
4. Samsonite Base Boost Cabin
Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight: ~2kg
Max load: 10kg
Why it works:
• Reputable brand
• Durable
• Fits Ryanair overhead allowance
Best for:
• Longer trips
• Business travel
5. American Tourister Bon Air Cabin
Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Hard shell
Lightweight
Why it works:
• Exact dimension compliance
• Good durability
• Sleek look
Best for:
• Structured packing
• Fragile items
How to Choose the Best Ryanair Cabin Bag
1. Always Choose Slightly Undersized
Do not buy bags that measure exactly 40 x 20 x 25.
Choose:
39 x 19 x 24 cm
That extra margin prevents sizer issues.
2. Avoid Expandable Bags
Expandable zippers add risk.
Even if you don’t expand them, they look bulkier.
3. Weight Matters
Ryanair enforces the 10kg limit for larger cabin bags.
Choose:
Lightweight bag under 2kg
This leaves more allowance for clothing.
4. Soft vs Hard Shell
Soft-sided:
• More forgiving
• Compressible
• Better for strict enforcement
Hard-sided:
• More protective
• Less forgiving if overpacked
For the 40 x 20 x 25 allowance, soft-sided is safer.
Packing Strategy for Ryanair Small Bag
You can fit 2–3 days’ clothing inside 40 x 20 x 25 if you pack smartly.
Technique:
• Roll clothes
• Wear bulky items
• Use compression cubes
• Limit shoes to one pair
Realistic packing capacity:
• 2 outfits
• Toiletries
• Laptop
• Chargers
This is realistic for weekend travel.
Ryanair Cabin Bag Comparison Table
| Bag | Size | Best For | Enforcement Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Max Metz | 40x20x25 | Free allowance | Very low |
| WANDF Backpack | 40x20x25 | Budget travel | Low |
| Aerolite | 40x20x25 | Organized packing | Low |
| Samsonite Base Boost | 55x40x20 | Priority | Low |
| American Tourister Bon Air | 55x40x20 | Priority | Low |
What Happens If Your Ryanair Bag Is Too Big?
If it fails the sizer:
• Charged at gate
• Bag checked
• €60 fee possible
This is common.
Many travelers underestimate how strict Ryanair enforcement is.
airline baggage strictness ranking
Should You Pay for Priority?
Consider Priority if:
• Traveling more than 3 days
• Carrying heavier items
• Need guaranteed overhead space
Sometimes the Priority upgrade costs less than checked baggage.
Always compare options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact Ryanair cabin bag size?
Small bag: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
Priority cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg)
Does Ryanair weigh cabin bags?
Small bags are rarely weighed.
Priority cabin bags may be weighed (10kg limit).
Do wheels count in measurements?
Yes. Wheels and handles are included.
What is the safest Ryanair cabin bag size?
Choose slightly smaller than official dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably in the sizer.
Final Verdict
The best Ryanair cabin bag is one that:
• Fits comfortably within 40 x 20 x 25 cm (or 55 x 40 x 20 cm if Priority)
• Is lightweight
• Avoids expansion
• Compresses easily
• Maximizes internal organization
If you want absolute certainty at boarding, choose a Ryanair-specific bag designed for compliance.
Avoid oversized generic “cabin size” luggage.
Ryanair is strict.
Prepared travelers avoid fees.