The Ultimate Guide to Ryanair's Baggage Policy (And How to Beat It)

If you’ve ever flown Ryanair, you know the game: cheap ticket upfront, sneaky charges at the gate. The biggest culprit? Baggage fees.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Ryanair’s baggage policy in 2025 — and how to avoid paying a penny more than you have to.

What Does Ryanair Count as "Free Baggage"?

Ryanair allows one small personal item for free, which must fit under the seat in front of you. That means no wheelie suitcase, no duffel, no chunky backpack.

Size Limit: 40cm x 25cm x 20cm

Go even 1 cm over, and you're paying up to £69.99 to gate check it. Seriously.

That’s why choosing the right bag is everything.

The Problem: Most Bags Say They Fit. They Don’t.

Plenty of brands advertise "cabin approved" or "carry-on compliant". But unless they are built to Ryanair’s 40×25×20 spec, they won’t pass at the gate.

Even worse? Some bags fit when empty, but bulge out when packed.

The Solution: Bag Built for the Rules

We built the BRAW Explorer Bag specifically to meet the Ryanair limit — even when packed.

• Base Size: 40 x 25 x 20cm

• Expansion Zip: Adds 5cm (when you’re not flying budget)

• Compression Pouch: Adds up to 8L extra space without changing the external size

No bulk, no bulge, no baggage fee.

Pro Tips to Avoid Ryanair Fees

1. Use the right bag — built for 40×25×20. Not a guess.

2. Wear your heaviest items — hoodie, coat, headphones, crossbody bag.

3. Use a compression pouch like in the explorer bag, combine this with THE WEE PUMP and you have unlocked more space.

4. Board early — fewer eyes on your bag.

5. Slide, don’t stuff — neatly placing your bag in the sizer matters.

Real Savings, Real Fast

Ryanair baggage fees can hit:

• £19.99 to £69.99 for a small trolley case

• £45 return trip if you get caught at the gate

• More if you add Priority + 2nd Bag in advance

Most travellers make the money back in 2 trips with the Explorer.

TL;DR

If you’re flying Ryanair, don’t gamble on your bag.
Use one built to fit. Pack smart. Beat the system.

Explore the BRAW Explorer Bag →