Buyers Guide: Ryanair Cabin Baggage Rules

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to provide you with clear, objective information for your purchasing decisions. Travelling with budget airlines like Ryanair requires careful planning, especially when it comes to luggage. Additional fees for cabin bags can quickly inflate the cost of a cheap flight ticket.

This article focuses on a practical solution: choosing a compliant Ryanair bag with the dimensions 40x20x25 cm. The goal is to help you find a suitable piece of luggage that qualifies as a "small personal item," is allowed on board free of charge, and fits under the seat in front of you.

What to Look for When Choosing a Ryanair 40x20x25 Bag

Selecting the right piece of luggage is based on objective criteria. Here are three key points to help you decide on a functional and compliant 40x20x25 flight bag.

1. Material and Weight

The material affects the durability and the unladen weight of your bag. Many models in this category are made from Oxford fabric, a type of polyester known for its durability and water-resistant properties. A low unladen weight is crucial, as it allows you to use more of your personal weight allowance for your belongings. A lightweight under-seat bag is also easier to carry.

2. Functionality and Carrying Options

A well-designed bag offers more than just storage space. Look for the following functional features:

• Trolley Sleeve: A strap on the back that allows the bag to be slipped over the handle of a larger rolling suitcase. This makes navigating the airport significantly easier.
• Compartmentalisation: Separate compartments for a laptop, documents, and small items help you stay organised and quickly access important belongings.
• Carrying Styles: Adjustable shoulder straps, sturdy carry handles, or even backpack straps offer flexibility depending on how you travel. For instance, a carry-on backpack keeps your hands free.

3. The Correct Dimensions: 40x20x25 vs. 35x20x20

The standard size for the small, free personal item on Ryanair is 40 x 20 x 25 cm. However, more compact formats like a 35x20x20 cm cabin bag are also available. These smaller bags are a safe bet in case regulations change or if you travel with different airlines that may have stricter rules. Soft-sided bags have the advantage of being easier to fit into the sizing gauges at the gate if they aren't completely full.

Our Choose Flight Bags

Based on the criteria above, we have compiled a selection of luggage pieces that meet Ryanair's requirements for a small personal item.

Kono 40x20x25 Holdall Travel Bag 20L (Navy)

What makes it stand out: This travel bag is tailored exactly to the 40 x 20 x 25 cm dimensions and, with a 20-litre capacity, offers enough space for a short trip. Its low weight and integrated trolley sleeve make it a very practical companion.

Pros:

• Precise Dimensions: Perfectly matches Ryanair's specifications for a small personal item.
• Lightweight: Weighs only 0.36 kg, allowing you to maximise your luggage allowance.
• Thoughtful Features: Includes a trolley sleeve, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a zipped front pocket.
• Durable Material: Made from hard-wearing and water-resistant Oxford fabric.

Who it's for: Ideal for travellers looking for a classic and flexible 40x20x25 cabin bag for weekend getaways or as a supplement to their main luggage.

Kono 35x20x20 Cabin Bag 14L (Grey)

What makes it stand out: With its ultra-compact dimensions of 35 x 20 x 20 cm, this bag is an option for minimalists. It is extremely light yet still offers key features like a trolley sleeve and multiple carrying options.

Pros:

• Compact Format: Guaranteed to fit under the seat and complies with even stricter cabin bag rules.
• Extremely Light: Weighing just 0.3 kg, it's barely noticeable.
• Functional: Despite its small size, it comes equipped with a trolley sleeve, shoulder strap, and front pocket.
• Flexible: The soft material allows for optimal use of the 14-litre storage space.

Who it's for: Perfect for travellers who pack only the essentials or need a bag that is accepted as a small personal item across a wide range of budget airlines.

Kono Carry-on Backpack 40x20x25 20L (Black)

What makes it stand out: This carry-on backpack combines regulation-compliant dimensions with the carrying comfort of a backpack. The main compartment opens fully like a suitcase, which makes packing easier. Ergonomic features like padded straps and a chest strap enhance comfort.

Pros:

• Ergonomic Design: Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a breathable back panel ensure comfortable carrying.
• Suitcase-Style Opening: The main compartment can be fully opened, allowing for easy access and clear organisation.
• Compliant Dimensions: Designed at 40 x 20 x 25 cm for use as a small personal item on Ryanair.
• Organisational Pockets: Multiple internal and external pockets, as well as side compression straps, help keep contents secure and compact.

Who it's for: A great choice for city explorers, commuters, and anyone who wants to keep their hands free while travelling and values organised storage.

Looking for More Options?

If the models presented here don't exactly meet your needs or if you prefer a different type of bag, you can find more solutions in our broader selection. Discover different styles and sizes that might be perfect for your next trip.

Explore our selection of casual backpacks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a small personal item on Ryanair?

A small personal item on Ryanair is a piece of luggage with maximum dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. It must fit under the seat in front of you and is included in all fares at no extra cost.

Is a backpack allowed as a small personal item on Ryanair?

Yes, a carry-on backpack is permitted as a small personal item as long as it does not exceed the specified dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Models like the featured Kono backpack are specifically designed for this purpose and are a popular choice.

How strictly does Ryanair check cabin bag dimensions?

Cabin bag sizes can be checked at the gate at any time through spot checks or if a bag is obviously oversized. To avoid expensive fees, it is advisable to adhere strictly to the dimensions. A soft-sided Ryanair-compliant bag has an advantage over hard-shell cases, as it can be more easily fitted into the sizing gauge if not fully packed.