Is a 10 kg suitcase considered carry-on luggage with Ryanair?
Souleymane Enok
Yes, but only if you have purchased the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option. Without this paid option, a 10 kg suitcase cannot be taken into the cabin with you. This is the clear answer many travelers are looking for before packing their bags, and it is precisely what the Ryanair policy dictates in 2026.
Here is what the airline actually authorizes: all Ryanair fares include a small personal item measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm to be placed under the seat in front of you. If you purchase the Priority option, you can add a 10 kg bag with dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm to be stored in the overhead compartment.
Without the Priority option, if your carry-on luggage exceeds the permitted dimensions or weight, fees of approximately €70 to €75 are applied directly at the boarding gate. An immediate, non-negotiable penalty that is often much higher than the cost of the option purchased in advance.
In this article, we break down the Ryanair baggage policy in 2026 in detail: exact dimensions, available options, fees in case of excess, and practical tips to optimize your 10 kg suitcase so you arrive at the airport without any unpleasant surprises.
The Ryanair baggage policy in 2026: what you absolutely must know
Before packing your suitcase, it is essential to understand in detail how the Ryanair baggage policy works. The Irish airline is known for its strict rules and rigorous checks at boarding, and the fees applied in case of non-compliance can quickly exceed the price of the ticket itself. Here is everything you absolutely must know before you go.
The free baggage included in all tickets
Regardless of the fare chosen, all Ryanair fares include a small personal item that can be carried on board, such as a handbag or a laptop bag with dimensions of 40 × 30 × 20 cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
This format corresponds to a small compact backpack, a messenger bag, or a soft bag, certainly not a classic cabin suitcase. Soft bags are particularly recommended because they fit more easily into the size testers. It is important to note that wheels and handles must be included in the declared dimensions. A wheeled suitcase, even if compact, must therefore comply with this format, including all its external elements.
To view the official and up-to-date rules directly from the source, you can refer to the official Ryanair baggage policy, which specifies all the options available according to your ticket type.
The Priority option: the only way to bring a 10 kg suitcase into the cabin
If you wish to travel with a 10 kg suitcase in the cabin, only one option is available to you: purchase the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option. This option allows you to carry a small personal item of 40 × 30 × 20 cm to place under the seat in front of you, as well as a 10 kg bag with dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm to store in the overhead compartment.
Adding a 10 kg cabin bag via the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option typically costs between €6 and €36 per flight, depending on the route. This fee might seem significant, but it remains far lower than the fees applied in case of non-compliance detected at the boarding gate. To learn more about the exact rates for your flight, check out the complete guide on Ryanair cabin baggage dimensions and rules in 2026, which details the options available and their respective costs.
Fees for non-compliance: watch out for unpleasant surprises
This is where the Ryanair baggage policy can really hurt. If your cabin bag exceeds the permitted dimensions or weight, fees of approximately €70 to €75 are applied at the boarding gate, even for Priority passengers. These fees are non-negotiable and must be paid on the spot before boarding.
The real trap is not just the weight; it is the combination of weight, volume, and rigidity. A bag that is too full becomes thicker and therefore less compatible with the size tester. That is where a non-compliant bag can be sent to the hold for an extra fee.
To avoid these stressful and costly situations, you can compare Ryanair's rules with those of other airlines via this comparison of permitted baggage sizes by airline in 2026, which is particularly useful if you are flying with multiple airlines during the same trip.
What happens if you do not have the Priority option?
Without the Priority option, your 10 kg suitcase simply cannot be taken into the cabin. If the weight of your cabin bag is more than 10 kg, it will be checked and you will have to pay an extra charge. But even at exactly 10 kg, without the purchased option, the staff at the boarding gate will have the right to ask you to check it into the hold with the corresponding fees.
If you opt for a 10 kg hold bag, remember to check it in at the counter before security. You will then retrieve this bag on the carousel upon arrival. This alternative remains valid if you want to travel with more luggage without paying for the Priority option, provided you plan ahead and manage your time at the airport well.
10 kg Ryanair cabin suitcase: how to properly pack and optimize your luggage?
You have purchased the Priority option and can bring your 10 kg Ryanair cabin suitcase – very good. Now comes the real question: how to fit as many belongings as possible into this restrictive format without exceeding the weight limit and without facing a refusal at the boarding gate? Here are the most effective strategies to optimize your Ryanair cabin baggage and travel with peace of mind.
The first golden rule, and the most important, is to choose a lightweight suitcase when empty. With the Priority option, Ryanair allows a cabin bag of 55 × 40 × 20 cm for a maximum weight of 10 kg. If your suitcase already weighs 2.5 kg empty—which is common for rigid polycarbonate models—you only have 7.5 kg left for your belongings. Opt instead for a fabric or lightweight nylon suitcase, whose empty weight rarely exceeds 1.5 kg, leaving you a much more comfortable margin for your contents.
Second strategic advice: weigh your suitcase before leaving, at home, with a portable luggage scale. This investment of a few euros will save you cold sweats at the airport. Weight checks are not systematic, but they can be carried out in case of doubt; therefore, it is recommended not to exceed the limits to avoid any extra charges. Do not rely on luck or the kindness of gate staff—fees in case of excess are immediate and non-negotiable.
Thirdly, wear your heaviest clothing and items on the day of the flight. This trick, known to all experienced travelers, is perfectly legal and particularly effective. Put on your heaviest jacket, your hiking shoes or boots, and layer multiple items of clothing if necessary. Everything you are wearing is not weighed, and this can easily represent a 1 to 2 kg difference for your suitcase.
Fourthly, use organizers and packing cubes to maximize the space available within the permitted 55 × 40 × 20 cm. These accessories allow you to compress clothing, avoid useless empty spaces, and keep your suitcase perfectly organized. Roll your clothes rather than folding them; the rolling method significantly reduces the volume occupied and limits wrinkles. Tuck small items inside your shoes so you don't lose a single cubic centimeter.
Fifthly, strictly respect the liquid rule. Do not bring sharp objects or knives; they will be confiscated and thrown away by airport security personnel. Regarding liquids, the European rule of 100 ml per container applies, with all items needing to fit in a one-liter transparent plastic bag. Favor travel sizes for your cosmetics and buy bulky products at your destination if possible; this significantly reduces the weight of your luggage.
Sixthly, remember to intelligently distribute the weight between your two permitted bags with the Priority option. To stay under the 10 kg limit for the additional cabin suitcase, distribute heavy items like batteries or toiletries into your small personal bag, which is not subject to systematic weight checks. This strategic distribution allows you to optimize your total carry-on capacity without risking exceeding the limit on your main suitcase.
Finally, always check the dimensions of your suitcase including wheels and handles. A bag that is too full becomes thicker and therefore less compatible with the size checker at boarding. Prefer soft suitcases whose walls yield slightly under pressure; they pass through the size checkers more easily than rigid suitcases that do not tolerate any compression.
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FAQ: all your questions about Ryanair cabin baggage
What is the maximum size for free cabin baggage with Ryanair?
All Ryanair fares include a small personal item of 40 × 30 × 20 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you. This format corresponds to a small compact backpack, a messenger bag, or a laptop bag. This is the only baggage included for free; a classic cabin suitcase requires the purchase of an additional option. To verify the exact dimensions in effect for your flight, check the official Ryanair baggage policy directly.
Can a 10 kg suitcase be taken into the cabin with Ryanair?
Yes, but only with the Priority option. The "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option allows you to carry a small personal item of 40 × 30 × 20 cm to place under the seat in front of you, as well as a 10 kg bag with dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm to store in the overhead compartment. Without this option, your 10 kg suitcase will be considered non-compliant and will have to be checked into the hold with additional fees.
How much does the Priority option with cabin baggage cost with Ryanair?
Adding a 10 kg cabin bag via the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option typically costs between €6 and €36 per flight, depending on the route. This rate varies based on the destination, the period, and when you add the option; the earlier you purchase it during booking, the less expensive it is. Conversely, if you have to purchase it at the last minute or directly at the airport, the price can climb significantly. To compare available options, the guide to Ryanair baggage rates and dimensions 2026 will give you a clear view of costs according to your situation.
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