Ryanair is perhaps most famous for its extremely low prices, with direct flights available to countries across Europe and North Africa for as little as £21 return. But, of course, there is a catch to these lucratively low prices – that’s additional charges.
If you’re the kind of traveller who is happy to fly light – extremely light – then you’ll be able to fly with a small bag free of charge. But, if you’re looking to pack more than a change of pants, the cost can start to spiral.
Given Ryanair’s additional charges for cabin and hold luggage, the cost of your flight can quickly spiral, especially if you want to choose your seat or opt for some additional legroom. And things can get even worse if you show up at the airport unknowingly with the wrong-sized bag.
You can read our full guide to the latest Ryanair luggage rules and charges, as well as some handy hacks here.
Before packing your bags, you absolutely must check exactly how much luggage you are permitted to bring onboard. In all cases, you can save the most money on Ryanair luggage when you purchase extra bags online. If you leave it until you get to the check-in desk, you can end up shelling out as much as £45.99 for a last-minute hold bag check-in fee.
One of the most purse-friendly options is to opt for a Priority fare.
- Priority fares allow customers to take a small personal bag (40 x 20 x 25cm) and a 10kg bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) with them onboard. You’ll also get to board the plane first via the Priority Queue as an added bonus.
- Priority plus two extra bags costs between £6 and £30 when done online, compared to at the check-in desk where it can cost anywhere from £6 to £35.99.
But be warned, Ryanair isn’t always so easygoing when it comes to luggage sizes. It’s not uncommon for a passenger to be stopped and asked to pop their bag into the luggage sizer.
And if yours is too big, you could be forced to check your bag into the hold for, you guessed it, an additional fee. So it’s absolutely imperative you make sure your bag matches the sizing.
Luckily, there are three bags which have gone viral online, with customers recommending them on social media. To make things even better, all three bags are available for less than £26.
Decathlon KIPSTA Essential Bag
If you’re looking for a super cheap option, Decathlon offers its lightweight KIPSTA Essential Bag that can be your go-to Ryanair carry-on and your favourite gym bag when you’re not jetting off.
The 20L bag is enough to pack enough clothes for a “one week” trip according to TikTok users, and is so light it doesn’t risk tipping you over your 10kg allowance. It comes with a long shoulder strap, as well as two handles, to make for easier carrying.
@vagabond_squad_ I finally bought viral Ryanair travel bag in Decathlon! #traveltok #travelhacks #rynair #decathlon #viral #packing ♬ RUNAWAY – KAYDEN
Decathlon describes the bag as “an excellent choice for hand luggage whilst travelling”, and the bag even folds up into its own side pocket to store it with ease.
There’s a storage pocket inside, which will hold either a pair of shoes or serves as a spot for your passport, keys and other bits and bobs.
When compressed down, the bag measures 23 x 20 x 10 cm, meaning it is well within Ryanair’s specific dimensinsons.
Measuring 40 x 23 x 20cm when folded and 23 x 20 x 10 cm when compressed, this lightweight bag is great option as a hand luggage item when flying with Ryanair.
40 x 23 x 20cm
Hayayu Convertible Cabin bag
Measuring exactly 40 x 20 x 25cm, the Hayayu convertible cabin bag is a great option for those travelling with Ryanair.
And, on top of its compact size, it can be expanded via the zipper to 45 x 36 x 20cm if you’re travelling with an airline that allows slightly larger cabin bags.
Inside, there is one main storage compartment as well as one zipper wet-lined pocket perfect for swimming garments, a small, zipped inside pocket and one back pocket which is great for storing your essentials such as a passport or phone.
@cheapholidayexpert Small Cabin Bag Review ������ Hayayu Extendable Bag40x20x25cm But EXPANDS TO… 45x36x20cm ������ What I liked… ✅ Extends from Ryanair allowance to EasyJet allowance so really makes the most of both ✅ Reinforces handles and a long strap ✅ Feels better quality And here’s what I didn’t like ������ ❌ Personal preference means I would prefer to carry a backpack ❌ It’s a bit more expensive but again, better value for money so comes down to how much you’re willing to spend ������ ������ LET ME KNOW… What do you think of this bag?Plenty more luggage reviews on small cabin bags are coming so if you don’t fancy this one the next might be up your alley! Hint: ������ Head to cheapholidayexpert.com/shop if you’re interested in any of the bags in this series! #smallcabinbag #handluggage #ryanair #wizzair #easyjet #carryonbag #luggagereview ♬ original sound – Cheap Holiday Expert
TikTok creator Cheap Holiday Expert put the bag to the test and praised the “reinforced handles”, the extra strap with “support” and the amount of space inside.
A TikTok user named Eva commented: “Love this bag! [I’ve] taken it as my small cabin bag on two Ryanair flights now with another carry-on and testing it in a month as my only carry-on.”
To top it off, the bag is available on Amazon for just £20.95.
This Hayayu expandable bag can be zipped up to fit with Ryanair’s luggage allowance, measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm, or expanded to measure 45 x 36 x 20cm for airlines who allow a slightly larger allowance.
Cabin Max Manhattan Travel Bag
Coming in at just under £30, the Cabin Max Manhattan backpack is available on Amazon for £29.95 and according to social media users, is a great option for short trips with Ryanair.
The bag measures 40 x 20 x 25cm and is designed to fit under the seat in front of you while flying. Internal pockets allow for organisation while travelling, and there is also a padded tech pocket for the likes of phones, laptops or iPads.
Along with Ryanair, the travel bag can also be used on budget carriers such as Jet2 and easyJet. If you are travelling with another airline, make sure you understand what luggage allowance applies to your ticket. You can read our full guide to the latest Jet2 luggage rules here and our full guide to easyJet’s baggage allowance here.
Though the most expensive of the three, the Cabin Max Manhattan Travel Bag is a sturdy option and measures 40 x 20 x 25cm so it can be easily popped beneath the seat onboard.
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