How strict is Ryanair with carry-on baggage?

Ryanair is a major airline providing low-fare flights across Europe. If you have booked a flight with Ryanair, you are advised to check the baggage. The airline is very particular about baggage. To ensure a hassle-free and convenient trip, it is important to ensure the weight, dimension, and number of baggage are within the limit. Continue to read and learn carry-on baggage limitations. 

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Ryanair's carry-on baggage policy is straightforward but strictly enforced. As of the latest guidelines:

1. Standard Fare:

• Passengers are allowed one small bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. The maximum dimensions for this bag are 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. These bags include a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag.

Priority & 2 Cabin Bags:

• Passengers who purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags, Flexi Plus, Plus, or Family Plus fares are allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage:
• One small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm).
• One larger cabin bag with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and a maximum weight of 10kg.

Policy Enforcement

Ryanair is very strict about these dimensions and weight limits. Here?s what you can expect:

• Size Checks: Ryanair staff frequently check the size and weight of carry-on bags at the gate. The passengers will have to pay extra for oversized and overweight bags to get them on the flight.
• Fees for Non-Compliance: If your bag doesn?t fit the size restrictions, you will be required to pay a fee to place it on hold. If you add a bag, this fee can be significantly higher at the gate than at the time of booking.
• Bag Sizes: Ryanair uses bag sizers to check if the bags are within the dimensions as fixed by the airlines. Your bags cannot cross the maximum dimension as fixed by the airline. 

Restricted Items

To ensure safety, Ryanair enforces strict regulations on items you can and cannot bring on board. Here are some key points:

• Liquids: You are allowed to bring liquids in containers of 100ml or less, all of which must fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.
• Prohibited Items: Items such as sharp objects, flammable liquids, explosives, and certain sporting goods are not allowed in carry-on baggage. Detailed lists of prohibited items can be found on Ryanair?s website.
• Electronic Devices: Laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices are allowed but must be removed from bags and screened separately at security checkpoints.

Special Considerations

Certain items and situations require special consideration:

• Medical Equipment: Passengers needing to bring medical equipment should contact Ryanair in advance. Necessary medical items are usually allowed in addition to standard baggage allowances.
• Duty-Free Purchases: Items purchased at the airport after security can be brought on board in addition to your carry-on allowance.
• Infants and Children: Passengers traveling with infants (under two years) can bring a stroller, but it will count as checked baggage. Children aged two and above have the same carry-on allowance as adults.

Ryanair ensures that every passenger gets enough space for their luggage. Therefore, they do not allow the bags after a certain limit. If you violate the Ryanair baggage policy, you may have to leave the extra bags behind or pay extra to get them on board. However, after a certain limit, you cannot add more luggage to your trip.

Packing Tips

To ensure compliance with Ryanair?s carry-on baggage policy, consider these packing tips:

1. Measure Your Bag: Before leaving for the airport, measure your bag to ensure it meets the size requirements. A compact, soft-sided bag is often more flexible and easier to fit into the sizer.
2. Weigh Your Bag: Use a luggage scale to ensure your bag doesn?t exceed the weight limit.
3. Plan for Essentials: Keep essential items like travel documents, medications, and valuables in your small personal bag to ensure easy access during the flight.
4. Wear Bulky Items: If possible, wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing items (like jackets and boots) to save space and weight in your carry-on bag.

Additional Fees and Options

Ryanair offers additional services for passengers who need more flexibility with their baggage:

• Checked Baggage: For larger items, you can add checked baggage to your booking. Ryanair offers different weight options (10kg, 20kg) for checked luggage, which can be added during the booking process or later via the Ryanair app or website.
• Excess Baggage Fees: If your checked baggage exceeds the weight limit, you will be charged an excess baggage fee. It's more economical to pre-purchase the appropriate baggage allowance than to pay these fees at the airport. 
• Business Class: Passengers with a business class seat can add baggage of up to 32 kg to their journey. They can take a maximum of two checked baggage for free. 

Conclusion

Certain restrictions are imposed on passengers regarding carrying carry-on baggage. The size, weight, and dimension of the luggage must be appropriate as per the airline's rules and regulations so it can easily fit inside the flight or under the seat. Read the information provided above and learn the baggage allowance policies at Ryanair, and then pack your bags accordingly. For more updated information, reach out to their agent.