What Size Bag Is Allowed on Ryanair for Free in 2026?

If you're flying Ryanair in 2026 and want to avoid paying for baggage, you're in the right place. Millions of passengers get caught out every year by Ryanair's strict bag policy — but with the right carry on bag, you can travel completely free.

Here's everything you need to know.

What Size Bag Does Ryanair Allow for Free in 2026?

Every Ryanair passenger — regardless of the fare type — is allowed to bring one small personal bag on board for free. The maximum dimensions for this free bag are:

40cm x 30cm x 20cm (including handles and wheels)

This bag must fit under the seat in front of you. It cannot go in the overhead locker — that space is reserved for passengers who have paid for Priority boarding.

There is no weight limit on your free underseat bag, which is great news if you pack smart.

What About the Overhead Locker?

To use the overhead locker, you need to purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags. This gives you:

• Your free 40x30x20cm underseat bag
• A larger 10kg cabin bag up to 55x40x20cm for the overhead locker
• Priority boarding so you get on the plane first

If you don't pay for Priority, your bag must stay under the seat. Simple as that.

What Happens If My Bag Is Too Big?

Ryanair staff use a metal bag sizer at the gate. If your bag doesn't fit, you'll be charged a gate fee to check it into the hold — which in 2026 can be as high as £70 per bag. That's an expensive lesson.

The safest way to avoid this? Buy a bag that is specifically designed and sized to the exact 40x30x20cm Ryanair allowance.

The Best Ryanair Approved Underseat Cabin Bags in 2026

Not all cabin bags are created equal. Here at WOW Travel, we design our bags specifically to meet the Ryanair 40x30x20cm free allowance — so you never have to worry at the gate.

Our most popular options include:

🧳 WOW Travel 40x30x20cm Underseat Cabin Suitcase — Our bestselling hard shell underseat case, available in 10 colours from just £19.99. Lightweight, durable, and guaranteed to fit.

🧳 Budget Cabin Suitcase 40x30x20cm — Perfect if you want the Ryanair approved size at the lowest possible price. From just £19.99 with free UK delivery.

All our Ryanair cabin bags are designed to the exact maximum dimensions, giving you every centimetre of space Ryanair allows for free.

Does the Same Rule Apply to Wizz Air?

Yes! Wizz Air uses the same 40x30x20cm free underseat allowance as Ryanair. So if you fly both airlines, the same bag works for both. Our underseat cabin cases are approved for Ryanair, Wizz Air, and many other budget airlines.

What About EasyJet?

EasyJet has a slightly different policy. They allow a cabin bag up to 45x36x20cm in the overhead locker for free — which is larger than Ryanair's free allowance. If you fly both Ryanair and EasyJet, check out our EasyJet approved cabin bags which are designed to meet EasyJet's requirements too.

Top Tips for Flying Ryanair With Just a Free Bag

✅ Measure your bag before you leave home — don't rely on guesswork. Use a tape measure.

✅ Use a hard shell suitcase — soft bags can be squashed into the sizer even if slightly over. A hard shell at exactly 40x30x20cm will always pass.

✅ Don't overfill it — a bulging bag raises suspicion at the gate even if the dimensions are technically correct.

✅ Wear your heaviest items — coat, hoodie, trainers. Everything on your body doesn't count as baggage.

✅ Pack a packing cube — they compress clothes down and help you fit more into your 40x30x20cm allowance.

Summary: Ryanair Free Bag Allowance 2026

Ready to travel smarter?

Browse our full range of Ryanair approved underseat cabin suitcases — from just £19.99 with free UK delivery. Designed to the exact 40x30x20cm maximum, so you board with confidence every time.

👉 Shop Ryanair Cabin Bags at WOW Travel