Ryanair’s baggage policy means that if you’re just taking hand luggage on your flight, it’ll have to conform to a very particular set of dimensions.
While Ryanair is known for its low-cost flights, additional charges apply for various services that some other airlines include at no extra cost.
To help you manage costs at the airport, here are some tips on avoiding common additional fees, including baggage charges.
Extra Baggage Fees/Ryanair Priority Boarding Charge
Ryanair’s cabin baggage allowance varies depending on the fare type purchased.
Non-Priority passengers may bring one small personal bag on board, measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25cm, which must fit under the seat in front.
Priority passengers are allowed one small personal bag of the same dimensions, plus an additional larger cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20cm, with a maximum weight of 10kg.
Duty-free bags are permitted in the cabin alongside hand baggage.
It is more cost-effective to add extra baggage at the time of booking. However, additional bags can be added later via Ryanair’s website, app, or at the airport for an extra fee. Cabin bags will be checked at the airport to ensure they meet the required size limits.
| Baggage | Price at the Time of Booking | Post-Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Priority & 2 Cabin Bags | £6 – £36 | £20 – 60 |
| 10kg Check-in Bag | £9.49 – £44.99 | £23.99 – £44.99 |
| 20kg Check-in Bag | £18.99 – £59.99 | £39.99 – £59.99 |
| Excess Baggage Fee (per Kilo) | n/a | £12 |
| Fee for Special Declaration of Valuable Baggage | n/a | £50 |
| Infant/Child Equipment (car seat, booster, travel cot) | £15 | £20 |
| Musical Instrument | £50 | £65 |
There are a few exceptions to the policy. These include:
- Duty Free purchases, which can be brought into the cabin along with your hand luggage. We reached out to Ryanair and they confirmed that there is no limit to the amount of duty free bags you can bring aboard.
- A baby changing bag up to 5kg.
- Medical items, provided you’ve contacted Ryanair’s special assistance line in advance.
- If you have reduced mobility and have pre-booked airport special assistance, you will be able to carry both pieces of your cabin baggage into the cabin with you.
- 2 items of infant/child equipment are allowed free of charge per child. 1 pushchair plus one of the following items: car seat or booster seat or travel cot
How to Avoid the Ryanair Baggage Fees:
Make sure everything you’ll need in the air will fit into a bag sized 35cm x 20cm x 20cm, opt not to bring a second bag if possible and make Ryanair aware in advance if you need special assistance/medical equipment.
And check out our post on The Best Bags to Beat Ryanair’s Baggage Allowance.
Check-In Charge
The online check-in time is between 48 hours and 2 hours before your plane departure.
If you don’t check-in within this window, you’ll be charged a check-in fee of £50 per person at the airport.
How to Avoid to the Check-In Charge
Set a reminder in your calendar or on your phone two days before your flight and make sure you check-in there and then.
Boarding Card Reissue Fee
Ryanair’s boarding pass reissue fee is £20 per passenger. Passengers are charged the fee when they have checked in online but cannot present their boarding pass at the airport. This could be due to losing their paper copy or they didn’t download the Ryanair app or their phone battery has died.
How to Avoid to the Reissue Fee
The easiest way is to check-in using the Ryanair app. Download it as soon as you book your tickets. Purchase a portable phone charger regardless if your phone has a good battery life. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Name Change Fee
If you spell your name in any way other than how it appears on your passport, or if you want to transfer the ticket over to someone else, you’re looking at paying Ryanair’s most expensive charge by far.
If you realise before getting to the airport, you can make the change online for £115. But if you get all the way to the airport and then have to change a name, you’re looking at £160!
How to Avoid to the Name Change Fee
Check and double check everything before you make your Ryanair booking.
Allocated Seating Charges
| Seating | Price at the Time of Booking | Post Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Extra legroom seats Row 1, 2 (#D, | £11 – £33 (per flight) | £11 – £33 (per flight) |
| Front Seats Rows 2 (#A, #B, #C) – 5 | £7 – £21 (per flight) | £7 – £21 (per flight) |
| Standard Seats Rows 6-15 & 18-33 | £4.50 – £15.50 (per flight) | £4.50 – £15.50 (per flight) |
| Mandatory Family Seat | £6 – £10 (per flight) | £6 – £10 (per flight) |
How to Avoid Allocated Seating Charges
If you don’t mind being separated from your group, you can be randomly allocated a seat but will most likely be sat with strangers.
Fees For Children
If you’re travelling with a child that’s less than 2-years-old, they are permitted to sit on your lap for the flight and you’ll be provided with an infant seat belt. You will be charged an infant fee of £25 both ways.
2 items of baby equipment are carried free of charge per child – 1 pushchair plus one of the following items: car seat or booster seat or travel cot
However, if your child turns 2 while you’re away, they’ll be subject to the usual adult fare, taxes, fees and charges for the return flight.
How to Avoid Fees for Children & Equipment
Try to avoid going away during your child’s second birthday and ensure you only need to bring a pushchair and a seat or cot aboard.
