Ryanair hand luggage without the bullshit. Everything You need to know for Your business trip!

Simply put, Ryanair's hand luggage allowance for each fare includes one small bag with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. The bag or backpack must fit under the passenger's seat. Importantly, Ryanair does not provide a separate weight limit for it on its baggage policy page. If you require an additional cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg, you must have Priority service and two pieces of hand luggage. These differences are quite significant when traveling on business. A laptop, charger, documents, and other items needed for a business meeting can quickly fill a small bag, and a larger suitcase may be necessary. In this guide, we explain the differences between the available options and how to choose the right bag for your travel plans.

Ryanair hand luggage: The most important rules at a glance

Type of luggage	Dimensions	Libra	Place	Availability
Small personal bag	40 × 30 × 20 cm	No separate limit provided by Ryanair	Under the seat	In every tariff
Cabin suitcase with Priority	55 × 40 × 20 cm	Up to 10 kg	Overhead storage	With Priority service
Checked baggage 10 kg	According to the booking conditions	Up to 10 kg	Luggage compartment	Handed over before inspection

Source: Ryanair: Baggage rules.

• Each passenger can take one small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm free of charge. The small bag goes under the seat, not in the overhead compartment.
• Ryanair does not provide a separate kilogramme limit for the free bag on its baggage policy page.
• Priority also allows you to bring a suitcase measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg. Luggage that does n't fit the gate's measuring tape may be rejected or directed to the hold for an additional fee.

Three Ryanair luggage options for business travel

Ryanair offers a 10kg cabin bag and a 10kg checked bag, which represent two different modes of transport. You take the first one on board, and you check the second one at security. Before departure, check your booking not only for the weight, but also for the name of the service purchased and where the bag is stored. In practice, Ryanair baggage allowances are assigned to a specific traveler and the selected service, so you should check the allowance directly in your booking.

Free Ryanair hand luggage

Ryanair's free carry-on baggage allowance is one small bag or backpack measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. It must fit under the seat in front of you. If you have a separate backpack and computer bag, that's two pieces. Before boarding, you must combine them into one piece of luggage or sign up for a service that allows for an additional bag. For someone flying for a day of business, this option is often sufficient. The bag can fit a laptop, a small cable organizer, documents, travel toiletries, and a light layer of clothing. A pro tip in this case is to remember to leave some room. A soft backpack that feels like a pillow when packed may not pass the measuring test.

There are special backpacks on the market designed for carry-on luggage dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. They often have a rectangular shape, a separate laptop compartment, and handles that allow them to be carried as a bag. A model in a calm color, without large prints or protruding straps, looks good on a business trip. If you're planning to treat yourself to such a handy and comfortable bag, remember that the manufacturer's "Ryanair backpack" label doesn't guarantee it will fit. The actual dimensions of the bag after packing are what count. Pockets, soft contents, and a loose zipper can add a few centimeters. So what should you pack in a free backpack?

• a laptop that fits in your pocket and a small power supply,
• phone, headphones and power bank in accordance with the carrier's rules,
• ID card or passport, payment card and documents for the meeting,
• a small cosmetic bag with liquids in containers up to 100 ml (some airports in Poland have increased the liquid limit in 2026 - so it is worth checking the applicable rules each time) ,
• notebook, pen and a thin layer of clothing for the cold cabin.

You can find other proven tips on packing your carry-on luggage in a separate guide: Carry-on Luggage for Business Travel: From Planning to Packing. It's best to match your outfit to your agenda, the weather, and, of course, the meeting. If you're wondering what to wear for a one-day business trip, read the guide: How to Dress for a Business Trip? You can also check out the article on how to effectively prepare for a business trip. And if you want to learn how to behave during a flight and avoid disturbing other passengers, check out the guide to etiquette for business travel.

Ryanair hand luggage: Dimensions with Priority

Ryanair's larger cabin bag dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and the weight limit is 10 kg. The bag goes in the overhead bin. You can carry it along with a small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm if your booking includes Priority and two pieces of hand luggage. The Priority option can be convenient for a two- or three-day business trip. A big advantage of this option is that you don't have to wait at the baggage carousel after landing.

Ryanair 10kg checked baggage on business trips

A 10kg checked bag must be checked in before security. The bag travels in the hold and must be collected upon arrival. This option allows for larger liquid containers, but should not include a laptop, power bank, documents, or other items needed during the flight. Current allowances can be found in the Ryanair Help Center. Baggage selection should be based on your travel plans, not just the price of the allowance. If you're heading straight to a meeting after arrival, saving a few minutes on baggage retrieval can be more valuable than the small price difference. If you're carrying full-size cosmetics, promotional materials, or tools that are only allowed in the hold, checked baggage is preferable. Before choosing an airline, also check out our Guide on What really determines when choosing an airline for business travel. Ticket price is just one factor. Flight times, travel time, possible changes, and the time required after landing also count.

Ryanair luggage dimensions: What's changed in 2025?

From September 4, 2025, Ryanair's free small bag can measure 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Previously, the limit was 40 x 25 x 20 cm. The carrier also announced a change in airport measuring tapes. This change is confirmed by an official Ryanair statement. Always measure your luggage after it's packed. Include its full external dimensions, including wheels, handles, frame, and stuffed pockets. The folded handle should not exceed the permitted dimensions. You should also weigh your larger Priority suitcase with your laptop, chargers, and other contents. If your bag is actually over the limit, move the items to your pocket before entering the queue. However, don't assume the staff will accept an excess.

Does Ryanair check hand luggage at the gate?

Yes, the staff may ask you to place your bag or suitcase in a measuring cup. According to airline rules, baggage that doesn't fit in the measuring cup may be refused boarding or, if possible, placed in the hold for a fee. It doesn't matter if your bag wasn't measured on your previous flight. The screening process may be different at a different airport, with different occupancy and staff. When traveling for business, it's best not to base your schedule on the hope that things will work out this time.

What can you take in your Ryanair hand luggage?

You can pack clothes, documents, electronic devices, medications, food, and cosmetics in your carry-on baggage, as long as they meet safety regulations. Ryanair's carry-on baggage dimensions determine the size of the bag. What you can pack inside is also dictated by security screening regulations and hazardous materials policies.

Item	Is it possible?	The most important rule
Laptop and tablet	Yes	Carry it in the cabin and position it so that you can easily remove the device for inspection.
Documents and telephone	Yes	Keep it in a small bag, not in your checked luggage.
Power bank	Yes, with restrictions	Max. 2 pieces, each up to 100 Wh; on your person or under your seat (read here about how to choose a power bank for a plane).
Liquid cosmetics	Yes, but with some restrictions	Containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag up to 1 liter.
Liquid medications	Yes	In the quantity needed for the flight; prepare for separate inspection.
Food	Usually yes	Check the safety restrictions and regulations of your destination country.

Laptop, power bank and batteries on Ryanair during a business trip

Laptops, phones, and tablets are permitted in the cabin. Ryanair allows a maximum of 15 electronic devices for personal use. Spare lithium batteries and power banks have more specific rules: you can bring up to two power banks, each with a capacity of up to 100Wh. They must be carried on the passenger's person or in a bag under the seat. They cannot be placed in the overhead bins or checked baggage. Ryanair publishes the current requirements.

If you're flying for the first time or want to streamline your formalities, also read our step-by-step online check-in guide. For checked baggage, you'll need to allow extra time for check-in.

Ryanair hand luggage and the comfort of a business trip

Choosing the right seat is crucial for the comfort of your business trip. An aisle seat makes it easier to exit the plane quickly, while a window seat allows for a more peaceful rest. If you're working before departure, also check out business lounges at Polish airports. After a business meeting, you might have a few hours before your return flight. In that case, left-luggage storage can be helpful, especially if you're traveling with a cabin bag. We've prepared a separate guide explaining where to safely leave your luggage during a business trip. Check out left-luggage storage for business trips. Choosing the right luggage means less stress before boarding. You can simplify the rest of your business trip planning in one place. Check out worktrips.com's solution for business travelers and see how to conveniently manage your reservations, documents, and travel changes.

Do you also fly with other carriers? See LOT's hand and checked baggage guide.

 

Ryanair baggage FAQs

What are the current Ryanair hand luggage dimensions?

The free small bag can measure a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20 cm and must fit under the seat. With Priority, you can also bring a cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm up to 10 kg.

Does Ryanair hand luggage have a weight limit?

Ryanair does not specify a separate weight limit for the free 40 x 30 x 20 cm bag on its baggage policy page. An additional Priority cabin bag can weigh a maximum of 10 kg.

Can I have a backpack and a bag separately on Ryanair?

The basic fare allows for one small piece of luggage. A backpack, handbag, or laptop bag may serve this purpose, but they cannot be checked in as multiple pieces without the appropriate service.

What is the difference between a 10kg cabin bag and a 10kg checked baggage on Ryanair?

With Priority, you take your cabin baggage through security and place it in the overhead locker. Your 10kg checked baggage is checked in before security, placed in the hold, and collected upon arrival.

What happens if my Ryanair baggage is too big or too heavy?

Baggage may not be allowed on board. Typically, excess weight will result in additional fees, and the bag will be sent to the hold. Please check the carrier's official price list for the current amount.

Can I take a laptop and power bank in my Ryanair hand luggage?

Yes. It's best to carry your laptop in a small bag in the cabin. Ryanair allows a maximum of two power banks of up to 100Wh each. The power bank must be on the passenger's person or in a bag under the seat, not in the overhead bin.

Which Ryanair hand luggage should I choose for a business trip?

For a one-day trip, a lightweight 40 x 30 x 20 cm backpack with a laptop pocket is often sufficient. For a 2-3-day business trip, a Priority with an additional 10 kg suitcase is more convenient. The choice depends on your equipment and your post-landing plans.