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Woman in a white shirt sits on a sofa next to a blue suitcase set
Woman in a white shirt sits on a sofa next to a blue suitcase set

Hand luggage on Ryanair: dimensions, rules and the 20-centimetre trap


Hand hand luggage policy at Ryanair is divided into two categories, and it is precisely this division that regularly causes confusion at the gate. One small item of hand luggage is included free of charge in every fare, whereas a larger item of hand luggage is only permitted with Priority Boarding or a higher fare. Ryanair is also stricter than many other airlines when it comes to hand luggage dimensions Airlines: Whilst Lufthansa and other network airlines allow a depth of 23 centimetres at Trolley, Ryanair’s limit is just 20 centimetres. If you’re aware of this difference, you can choose the right carry-on bag from the outset and avoid costly surprises at the gate.

The facts: Dimensions and weight with Ryanair

Ryanair makes a clear distinction between the small piece of luggage that is free of charge and the larger piece of hand luggage, which is subject to a higher fare.

Small piece of hand luggage (included in every fare):

  • Dimensions: maximum 40 x 30 x 20 cm
  • Weight: no official limit; the item must simply fit under the front seat without any effort
  • Storage: under the seat in front of you

Large cabin baggage (only with Priority, Regular Fare, Plus or Flexi Plus):

  • Dimensions: maximum 55 x 40 x 20 cm
  • Weight: maximum 10 kg
  • Storage: in the luggage compartment above the seats

Since August 2025, the dimensions for small carry-on luggage have been slightly more generous than before: instead of 40 x 25 x 20 cm, the new dimensions are 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Anyone who hasn’t flown with Ryanair for some time will therefore be basing their plans on out-of-date figures if they recall the old dimensions.

However, the key factor when choosing a suitcase is the depth of the large carry-on item: 20 centimetres instead of the 23 centimetres common with many other Airlines. It is precisely here that classic Cabin-Trolleys, which are actually designed for the general market, fail to meet Ryanair’s size requirements. TITAN addresses this problem with its own 20-cm depth for the UPGRADE S20 and OVERSEAS S20, which is tailored precisely to Ryanair’s specifications rather than just falling just short of them.

Value, Regular Fare, Plus or Flexi Plus: What does each fare allow?

The most common misconception regarding Ryanair hand luggage does not concern the dimensions, but rather the fare you have booked. A large piece of hand luggage is not automatically included in the ticket, but depends directly on which fare you have chosen or which add-on package you have booked.

 

Rate
 Small piece of luggage
(40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Large carry-on bag
(55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg)
Value
 including
 only at an additional cost
Priority and 2 items of hand luggage
(add-on pack)
 including
 including
Standard Fare
 including
 including
Plus
 including
 including
Flexi Plus
 including
 including


So, if you book on the cheapest ‘Value’ fare, you’ll initially only be able to travel with a small piece of hand luggage. The suitcase for the overhead compartment is only included with the Priority add-on package and two pieces of hand luggage, or with one of the higher fare categories. Depending on the route and when you book, this package costs between 6 and 36 euros per flight and includes not only the large piece of hand luggage but also priority boarding.

Anyone who miscalculates here and turns up at the gate with a ‘ Trolley ’ without the correct booking will have to pay the difference not at the preferential rate, but at the significantly higher gate fee. So, checking your own fare before packing your suitcase not only saves you arguments at the gate, but also saves you money.

Value, Regular Fare, Plus or Flexi Plus: What does each fare allow?

The most common misconception regarding Ryanair hand luggage does not concern the dimensions, but rather the fare you have booked. A large piece of hand luggage is not automatically included in the ticket, but depends directly on which fare you have chosen or which add-on package you have booked.

 

Rate
 Small piece of luggage
(40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Large carry-on bag
(55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg)
Value
 including
 only at an additional cost
Priority and 2 items of hand luggage
(add-on pack)
 including
 including
Standard Fare
 including
 including
Plus
 including
 including
Flexi Plus
 including
 including


So, if you book on the cheapest ‘Value’ fare, you’ll initially only be able to travel with a small piece of hand luggage. The suitcase for the overhead compartment is only included with the Priority add-on package and two pieces of hand luggage, or with one of the higher fare categories. Depending on the route and when you book, this package costs between 6 and 36 euros per flight and includes not only the large piece of hand luggage but also priority boarding.

Anyone who miscalculates here and turns up at the gate with a ‘ Trolley ’ without the correct booking will have to pay the difference not at the preferential rate, but at the significantly higher gate fee. So, checking your own fare before packing your suitcase not only saves you arguments at the gate, but also saves you money.

The 20-centimetre trap: Why many suitcases don’t fit on Ryanair

Most carry-on suitcases on the market are based on the classic ‘ Cabin ’ dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm, as applied by Lufthansa, amongst others. With Ryanair, however, the allowance stops at a depth of 20 centimetres. This three-centimetre difference may sound like a minor detail, but at the gate it determines whether the suitcase slips smoothly through the gauge or is classified as excess baggage.

Anyone who regularly uses their current suitcase for different Airlines soon finds themselves in a dilemma: whilst a model with a depth of 23 cm still has some leeway with Lufthansa or Eurowings, it will invariably fail the sizer box test with Ryanair. The only reliable solution is a suitcase designed from the outset to meet the 20-centimetre requirement, rather than just barely falling short of it.

The TITAN UPGRADE S20 and the TITAN OVERSEAS S20 are designed precisely to these dimensions. Both fit exactly within Ryanair’s 55 x 40 x 20 cm allowance, thereby removing any uncertainty at the gate check-in before it even arises. Which of the two models is the better choice depends less on the dimensions than on your personal requirements in terms of weight and protection.

TITAN UPGRADE S20: The Ryanair-compatible test winner

An independent test result confirms that the UPGRADE S20 impresses on more than just its dimensions. In the 6/2026 issue of Stiftung Warentest, it was compared against 17 other cabin suitcases and emerged as the test winner with a score of 1.8 (“Good”).

The suitcase achieved top marks, particularly in the areas that really matter when travelling. The testers awarded a ‘very good’ rating for packing convenience and effortless pushing and pulling; in terms of packing convenience, the UPGRADE S20 was even the only suitcase in the entire test field to receive this rating. The model also impressed in terms of durability: ‘very good’ for build quality, in the endurance test of the wheels and telescopic handle, as well as for the zips and seams.

Behind this lies a manufacturing process that TITAN has consistently relied on since 2020: all of the brand’s suitcases are produced exclusively at its own factory in Germany. For travellers flying with Ryanair, this results in a rare combination: a suitcase that fits exactly within the 55 x 40 x 20 cm dimensions and whose quality has been independently verified, rather than relying solely on the manufacturer’s specifications.

TITAN UPGRADE S20: The Ryanair-compatible test winner

An independent test result confirms that the UPGRADE S20 impresses on more than just its dimensions. In the 6/2026 issue of Stiftung Warentest, it was compared against 17 other cabin suitcases and emerged as the test winner with a score of 1.8 (“Good”).

The suitcase achieved top marks, particularly in the areas that really matter when travelling. The testers awarded a ‘very good’ rating for packing convenience and effortless pushing and pulling; in terms of packing convenience, the UPGRADE S20 was even the only suitcase in the entire test field to receive this rating. The model also impressed in terms of durability: ‘very good’ for build quality, in the endurance test of the wheels and telescopic handle, as well as for the zips and seams.

Behind this lies a manufacturing process that TITAN has consistently relied on since 2020: all of the brand’s suitcases are produced exclusively at its own factory in Germany. For travellers flying with Ryanair, this results in a rare combination: a suitcase that fits exactly within the 55 x 40 x 20 cm dimensions and whose quality has been independently verified, rather than relying solely on the manufacturer’s specifications.

TITAN OVERSEAS S20: Opened quickly at the checkpoint

If you don’t want to waste time at airport security, the OVERSEASthis range the perfect alternative to the UPGRADE. Instead of a full-length zip, this model features a sturdy frame construction with a TSA Mono-Lock: A single, robust locking mechanism replaces the two separate zips found on traditional suitcases, allowing it to open noticeably faster when the suitcase needs to be opened at security.

This difference is particularly noticeable with Ryanair, where there are often long queues at security checkpoints at busy airports such as Frankfurt or Munich. Measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, the OVERSEAS S20 also complies exactly with Ryanair’s specifications and is therefore just as suitable for large cabin baggage as the UPGRADE S20.

TITAN OVERSEAS S20: Opened quickly at the checkpoint

If you don’t want to waste time at airport security, the OVERSEASthis range the perfect alternative to the UPGRADE. Instead of a full-length zip, this model features a sturdy frame construction with a TSA Mono-Lock: A single, robust locking mechanism replaces the two separate zips found on traditional suitcases, allowing it to open noticeably faster when the suitcase needs to be opened at security.

This difference is particularly noticeable with Ryanair, where there are often long queues at security checkpoints at busy airports such as Frankfurt or Munich. Measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, the OVERSEAS S20 also complies exactly with Ryanair’s specifications and is therefore just as suitable for large cabin baggage as the UPGRADE S20.

What happens if your carry-on bag is too large or too heavy?

At the Ryanair gate, there is usually a measuring device, known as a ‘sizer’, into which the large piece of hand luggage must fit completely, including wheels, handle and filled outer pockets. If the suitcase exceeds the limit by even a few centimetres, it is considered excess baggage, regardless of whether the difference is due to the empty body of the suitcase or its contents.

The consequence is immediate at the gate: the bag is checked in there at a cost, with fees ranging from 70 to 75 euros. This amount is significantly higher than the price that would have been charged for pre-booking Priority or checked-in luggage, and it is imposed at a time when there is little scope for negotiation.

If you want to be on the safe side, check the dimensions of your suitcase at home, taking the wheels and handle into account. A suitcase such as the UPGRADE S20 or the OVERSEAS S20, which meets the 20-centimetre depth requirement exactly from the outset rather than just barely exceeding it, removes this uncertainty from your travel planning right from the start.

What happens if your carry-on bag is too large or too heavy?

At the Ryanair gate, there is usually a measuring device, known as a ‘sizer’, into which the large piece of hand luggage must fit completely, including wheels, handle and filled outer pockets. If the suitcase exceeds the limit by even a few centimetres, it is considered excess baggage, regardless of whether the difference is due to the empty body of the suitcase or its contents.

The consequence is immediate at the gate: the bag is checked in there at a cost, with fees ranging from 70 to 75 euros. This amount is significantly higher than the price that would have been charged for pre-booking Priority or checked-in luggage, and it is imposed at a time when there is little scope for negotiation.

If you want to be on the safe side, check the dimensions of your suitcase at home, taking the wheels and handle into account. A suitcase such as the UPGRADE S20 or the OVERSEAS S20, which meets the 20-centimetre depth requirement exactly from the outset rather than just barely exceeding it, removes this uncertainty from your travel planning right from the start.

The personal item as a packing strategy

In addition to the large carry-on bag, Ryanair passengers are always allowed to take a small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm, regardless of the fare they have booked. In practice, this flexibility is often underestimated, yet it offers an effective way to work around the 10-kilogramme limit on the large carry-on bag.

As there is officially no weight limit for the small carry-on item—it simply needs to fit under the front seat—heavy items such as chargers, books, or a camera can be stored there. The TITAN Beautycase meets these exact dimensions and can also serve as the small carry-on item if required, leaving more space in the large carry-on bag for clothes without exceeding the 10-kilogram limit.

So, by deliberately coordinating both pieces of luggage, you’re not only making the most of Ryanair’s rules, but also planning your trip in a more relaxed way from the outset.

The personal item as a packing strategy

In addition to the large carry-on bag, Ryanair passengers are always allowed to take a small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm, regardless of the fare they have booked. In practice, this flexibility is often underestimated, yet it offers an effective way to work around the 10-kilogramme limit on the large carry-on bag.

As there is officially no weight limit for the small carry-on item—it simply needs to fit under the front seat—heavy items such as chargers, books, or a camera can be stored there. The TITAN Beautycase meets these exact dimensions and can also serve as the small carry-on item if required, leaving more space in the large carry-on bag for clothes without exceeding the 10-kilogram limit.

So, by deliberately coordinating both pieces of luggage, you’re not only making the most of Ryanair’s rules, but also planning your trip in a more relaxed way from the outset.

Conclusion: The right hand luggage for Ryanair

When flying with Ryanair, two figures ultimately determine whether everything runs smoothly at the gate: the fare you’ve booked and the 20-centimetre depth of your large cabin bag. If you know both of these and choose your cabin bag accordingly, you can reliably avoid the most expensive pitfall in Ryanair’s baggage system.

The TITAN UPGRADE S20 offers two advantages that are rarely found in a single suitcase: it complies exactly with Ryanair’s size restrictions and was named test winner by Stiftung Warentest. For those who want to get through security particularly quickly, the OVERSEAS S20 is the ideal choice: the TSA Mono-Lock opens the suitcase via a single locking mechanism rather than two separate zips, thereby speeding up the process at security without compromising on dimensions.

Frequently asked questions about hand luggage on Ryanair

The small piece of hand luggage must not exceed 40 x 30 x 20 cm and is included in all fare categories. The larger carry-on bag, which is only allowed with Priority Boarding or a higher fare, must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm. These measurements always include the wheels, handle and external pockets.

Ryanair does not specify an official weight limit for the small piece of hand luggage; it simply needs to fit easily under the seat in front of you. The larger piece of hand luggage, on the other hand, must not weigh more than 10 kg.

Priority boarding, including a large piece of hand luggage, costs between 6 and 36 euros per flight, depending on the route and when you book. Those who book online early usually pay at the lower end of this range.

If your suitcase does not fit through the size gauge at the gate, it will be checked in there for a fee. The gate fee is between 70 and 75 euros, which is significantly higher than the cost of booking in advance.

No, a suitcase 23 cm deep exceeds Ryanair’s 20 cm limit and will be treated as excess baggage at the gate. For Ryanair, only a suitcase measuring exactly 55 x 40 x 20 cm is acceptable.

Yes, the TITAN UPGRADE S20 complies exactly with Ryanair’s dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Furthermore, in the 6/2026 issue of Stiftung Warentest, it was named the test winner in a comparison of 17 cabin suitcases, achieving a score of 1.8.

Frequently asked questions about hand luggage on Ryanair

The small piece of hand luggage must not exceed 40 x 30 x 20 cm and is included in all fare categories. The larger carry-on bag, which is only allowed with Priority Boarding or a higher fare, must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm. These measurements always include the wheels, handle and external pockets.

Ryanair does not specify an official weight limit for the small piece of hand luggage; it simply needs to fit easily under the seat in front of you. The larger piece of hand luggage, on the other hand, must not weigh more than 10 kg.

Priority boarding, including a large piece of hand luggage, costs between 6 and 36 euros per flight, depending on the route and when you book. Those who book online early usually pay at the lower end of this range.

If your suitcase does not fit through the size gauge at the gate, it will be checked in there for a fee. The gate fee is between 70 and 75 euros, which is significantly higher than the cost of booking in advance.

No, a suitcase 23 cm deep exceeds Ryanair’s 20 cm limit and will be treated as excess baggage at the gate. For Ryanair, only a suitcase measuring exactly 55 x 40 x 20 cm is acceptable.

Yes, the TITAN UPGRADE S20 complies exactly with Ryanair’s dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Furthermore, in the 6/2026 issue of Stiftung Warentest, it was named the test winner in a comparison of 17 cabin suitcases, achieving a score of 1.8.