Complete Guide to Ryanair Cabin Baggage Sets

The baggage policies of budget airlines like Ryanair are precisely defined to streamline the boarding process and efficiently utilise available cabin space. For travellers, this means that adhering to the specified dimensions is crucial to avoid extra fees. A strategically selected carry-on luggage set allows you to maximise the permitted volume. This typically includes a small personal item (to go under the seat in front of you) and a larger cabin bag (for the overhead compartment).

This article analyses the technical criteria for selecting a suitable set and presents specific product combinations tailored to the requirements of air travel with Ryanair and similar carriers for 2026.

Buyer's Guide: Technical Selection Criteria

The choice of a suitable luggage set should be based on objective parameters. The following criteria are relevant for making an informed decision.

1. Size Compliance and Volume

The primary requirement is strict adherence to baggage dimensions. For Ryanair, two sizes typically apply:

• Small Personal Item: up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Large Cabin Bag: up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a maximum of 10 kg. This is usually only permitted when booking "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags".

A 2-piece carry-on set is designed to cover both categories. The total volume, specified in litres (L), indicates the actual packing capacity.

2. Material Analysis

The material affects the weight, durability, and protection of the contents.

• Hard-Shell Suitcases:
  • Polypropylene (PP): This material is distinguished by its high impact resistance and flexibility. It is resistant to deformation and breakage, even at low temperatures, while also being very lightweight.
  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is a lightweight and rigid plastic that offers good scratch resistance. It is often found in more accessibly priced models.
• Soft-Shell Luggage:
  • Polyester / Oxford Fabric: These synthetic fabrics are lightweight, flexible, and tear-resistant. A key advantage is their pliability, which can make it easier to stow them in tight overhead compartments. Additionally, soft-shell luggage often features practical exterior pockets.

3. Wheels and Handles

Mobility at the airport is largely determined by the quality of the wheels and handle.

• Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels (four wheels) allow the suitcase to be pushed in any direction, requiring less effort than two-wheel systems. Wheels made of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) are known for their quiet and smooth movement.
• Telescopic Handle: A lockable aluminium handle is both lightweight and sturdy. Multiple height settings allow for ergonomic adjustment to the user's height.

4. Security Features and Interior Layout

• TSA Lock: A TSA lock is a combination lock that can be opened by security authorities (such as the U.S. Transportation Security Administration) with a master key. This prevents the suitcase from being forcibly opened during a baggage inspection.
• Interior Layout: A well-designed interior organisation with packing straps, zipped dividers, and mesh pockets helps to secure contents and maintain order.

Luggage Solutions For Every Journey

Based on the technical criteria above, we present a few products that, individually or in combination, offer a functional solution for air travel.

Option 1: The Robust Cabin Trolley

kono Lightweight Polypropylene Hard Shell Carry On Luggage

• Why we're featuring this product: This hard-shell suitcase with travel bag potential, with dimensions of 55x40x20 cm, precisely meets the requirements for a large cabin bag. The 100% polypropylene construction offers a high degree of resilience with a low tare weight of 2.41 kg.

• Advantages:

  • Material: Made from 100% Polypropylene (PP) for high impact resistance and durability.
  • Security: Integrated TSA lock and a YKK zip, which is also used in higher-priced luggage.
  • Mobility: Four quiet TPE spinner wheels for 360-degree manoeuvrability.
  • Organisation: Interior with a mesh pocket, zipped divider, and cross-body packing straps.

• Who it's for: Travellers who already own a small personal item and are looking for a durable, functional cabin trolley as their main piece of luggage.

Option 2: The Compact Under-Seat Bag

Kono Cabin Bag 40x20x25 for Ryanair Underseat

• Why we're featuring this product: This 40x20x25 bag is tailored exactly to the dimensions of Ryanair's free small personal item. Weighing just 500g and offering 20L of volume, it is an extremely lightweight and efficient solution.

• Advantages:

  • Size Compliance: At 40 x 20 x 25 cm, it is specifically designed for the "under the seat" space.
  • Lightweight: Weighs only 500g, thus maximising the allowable packing weight.
  • Carrying Comfort: Breathable back padding and adjustable shoulder straps.
  • Functionality: The main compartment opens like a suitcase, which simplifies packing.

• Who it's for: Travellers who want to make full use of their free carry-on allowance, or for short trips where only the essentials are needed.

Option 3: The Complete Carry-On Luggage Set

Kono 2-Piece Lightweight ABS Hard Shell Travel Carry-On Suitcase + Ryanair Cabin Bag

• Why we're featuring this product: This suitcase and bag set for air travel provides a complete solution. It combines a 52 cm cabin suitcase (38L) with a matching travel bag (20L) that meets Ryanair's dimensions for the small personal item.

• Advantages:

  • Complete Solution: A cabin luggage set that covers both permitted pieces of luggage.
  • Material Mix: The suitcase is made of robust ABS hard-shell material, while the bag is made of durable Oxford fabric.
  • Integrated Transport: The bag can be secured to the suitcase's telescopic handle via a strap.
  • Security and Mobility: The suitcase features a TSA lock and 360-degree wheels.

• Who it's for: Price-conscious travellers looking for a coordinated, all-in-one solution to fully utilise carry-on allowances and avoid additional fees.

Other Options and Individual Components

If the combinations presented here do not exactly meet your requirements, or if you are looking for individual components with different specifications, you can find a wider selection in our Carry-On Suitcases category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the carry-on luggage dimensions for Ryanair in 2026? Based on current regulations, all passengers may bring one small personal item on board with maximum dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Passengers who book the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" fare may also bring a larger cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg.

2. Can I take a suitcase and a bag as carry-on luggage on Ryanair? Yes, this is possible if you have booked the corresponding "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option. A carry-on luggage set is ideal for taking full advantage of this by combining a cabin trolley and a smaller bag.

3. Is there a weight limit for the small personal item on Ryanair? There is generally no explicit weight limit for the small personal item (40 x 20 x 25 cm), but you must be able to stow it under the seat in front of you yourself. The larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) is limited to 10 kg.

Author: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer