Flying with Ryanair can be cheap, if you know what they mean by their baggage allowances. Packing the wrong-sized cabin bag lands you with an on-the-plane fee at the gate – fees you didn’t expect when you bought a suitcase labeled as a standard cabin bag.
The issue is that most carry-on suitcases sold in the U.S. are about 22 × 14 × 9 inches. That last dimension, 9 inches, equals 23 cm, which is larger than Ryanair’s 20 cm requirement.
To keep things simple, we chose bags in this guide that list published dimensions falling within one of Ryanair’s two cabin- baggage options:
- Free personal bag: 40 × 30 × 20 cm
- Priority cabin suitcase: 55 × 40 × 20 cm up to 10 kg
Your free personal bag must stow under the seat in front of you. You only get the bigger suitcase when you book Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or another fare that entitles you to the larger 10 kg cabin bag.
How We Selected These Ryanair Cabin Bags
We have only claimed to have personally tested these products where we have hard evidence from actually doing this.
As a result of having to rely on second-hand information, our recommendations are based on:
- Official published external dimensions
- Matching up with what Ryanair currently allow
- Weight of the empty bag if this is stated
- Packing layout and organisation
- Carrying comfort
- Wheel and handle configuration
- Appealing to a particular type of traveller
Best Free Personal Bags for Ryanair
The following bags are intended for Ryanair’s free 40 × 30 × 20 cm personal-item allowance. You do not need Priority to bring one of these bags, provided it fits inside the airline’s baggage sizer and underneath the seat.
Cabin Max Metz 44L
Based on its design, the Cabin Max Metz 24L intends to maximize the full allowance of 40 × 30 × 20 cm. Rather than resembling a traditional daypack featuring a curved top and narrow opening, the Metz opts for a boxier shape.
Suitcase-style opening: The opening allows you to open up the main compartment flat so you can lay out folded clothing and fit packing cubes inside without having to force everything through the opening at the top of the bag.
Compression straps manage depth: When using a soft backpack, depth matters. Even a bag that fits perfectly when empty can exceed depth limitations when overstuffed. Compression straps let you tighten down the contents for ease of transport before reaching your gate.
Of the bags we’ve tested, the Metz is the best overall option for budget-airline travelers who want a lightweight backpack that’s simple and doesn’t have unnecessary wheels or bulky internal frame. Though the Amazon page lists dimensions for the 24L model as “40 × 30 × 20 cm”, it is an underseat cabin bag.
Pros
- Uses the full 40 × 30 × 20 cm allowance
- Suitcase-style opening simplifies packing
- Compression straps help control bulging
- Lighter than wheeled underseat luggage
Cons
- Limited protection for fragile items
- Can become uncomfortable when packed with heavy electronics
CabinFly Pacemaker
The Pacemaker is advertised as having dimensions of exactly 40 × 30 × 20 cm. It is also described as holding 24 litres.
At 685 grams, it doesn’t weigh much either. You won’t be adding any unnecessary heft to your luggage with this Pacemaker.
The Pacemaker is constructed of polyester that’s 600D thick. Inside, it features two large compartments for separating your clothing from your documents, chargers, or other small items.
It has a rectangular profile rather than the tall, hiking-backpack profile. If it says “fits under airplane seat,” it’s likely to be somewhere in that range. Another thing to note is that the dimensions are clearly listed as being in centimetres.
The Pacemaker lacks the plush padding and/or adjustable frame you’ll find with high-end travel backpacks. But if you only fly a couple times with Ryanair each year, this is a good option.
Pros
- Exact 40 × 30 × 20 cm dimensions
- Lightweight at approximately 685 grams
- Two separate packing compartments
- Affordable and uncomplicated design
Cons
- Basic shoulder straps and back padding
- Less internal organisation than premium travel backpacks
Nixjoro 40x30x20cm Travel Bag
The Nixjoro gets the volume of a Ryanair personal item with features normally associated with a larger weekender backpack.
Its closed dimensions are 40 × 30 × 20 cm. The main compartment is cleverly split into pockets for clothes, shoes and wet items. This helps avoid accidentally packing dirty shoes or dripping toiletries with clean clothes.
It features an external USB port that connects to your own internal power bank. You will need to buy a power bank separately, but it can be useful for charging a phone whilst walking around an airport.
The biggest drawback relates to its expandable function. Opening it up adds depth to the bag to around 25 cm. This is above Ryanair’s free allowance of 20 cm. Feel free to use it expanded at your destination or on other airlines with a higher allowance, but make sure you close it before boarding with Ryanair.
Amazon specifies the bag to be 40 × 30 × 20 cm closed, and 40 × 30 × 25 cm when expanded. A shoe compartment, wet pocket and USB charging port are also listed.
Pros
- Separate shoe and wet-item compartments
- External USB charging connection
- Comfortable padded back panel
- Expandable for use after the flight
Cons
- Exceeds Ryanair’s limit when expanded
- Extra compartments reduce the simplicity of the main packing area
COSCOOA 40x30x20cm Travel Bag
Not all travelers like to travel with a rigid pack. You can hold the COSCOOA by the handle, sling it over your shoulder, or clip it to the handle of a larger piece of luggage.
The published dimensions are 40 × 30 × 20 cm , right on par with Ryanair’s existing free personal-item size limit. Dimensions listed on Amazon are 16 x 12 x 8 inches.
The volume given is around 25 litres. As with all soft bags, do not trust published capacity numbers as being accurate. The COSCOOA’s nylon construction also allows it to fold up nicely when not in use.
Lightweight enough that it doesn’t take up much room when it’s folded, making it ideal to keep as an extra bag in your checked luggage for quick weekend excursions.
The main downside to the COSCOOA is its non-existent structure. Garments get wrinkled, electronics are poorly protected, and the sides of the bag tend to baggy when overpacked.
Use packing cubes to help it keep its shape when packed.
Pros
- Exact published dimensions for the free allowance
- Lightweight and foldable
- Can be carried by hand or over the shoulder
- Attaches to a suitcase handle
Cons
- Offers little protection for electronics
- Can bulge when overpacked
Best Carry-On Suitcases for Ryanair Priority
These suitcases measures within 55 × 40 × 20 cm and will fit into Ryanair’s larger 10 kg cabin- bag allowance. Suitcase is not included on the airlines cheapest fare. You typically require Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or another fare that already comes with a 10kg cabin bag.
Cabin Max Anode 44L 55x40x20cm (22x16x8inch) Carry On
The stated dimensions of the Anode are 55 × 40 × 20 cm, rather than the deeper 22 × 14 × 9-inch carry-ons Americans are accustomed to. It weighs around 2.2 kg, leaving you with 7.8 kg of Ryanair’s generous 10 kg allowance for clothes and possessions. You’ll need it too, since some high-end carry-ons weigh 4 kg or more empty.
The ABS shell offers limited protection against impact and weather, while four multidirectional wheels help the bag roll upright through terminals. There’s also a built- in three-digit combination lock, which is recessed into the suitcase’s exterior.
Pros
- Exact Ryanair Priority dimensions
- Relatively light at approximately 2.2 kg
- Four 360-degree spinner wheels
- Built-in combination lock
Cons
- ABS is less flexible and premium than polycarbonate
- Capacity information varies within the Amazon listing
Cabin Max Velocity 55x40x20cm Suitcase
Dimensions for The Velocity are 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Cabin Max actually calls out this measurement as complying with Ryanair’s fee-for-cabin allowance.
Its four spinner wheels roll more easily through busy airports than traditional suitcases with two wheels at the ends. There’s a lined packing compartment inside, as well as zippered dividers that help keep your items from shifting about when you open your case.
The expandable design is nice if you’re traveling by train or car or flying an airline with a generous depth allowance. Just remember that once expanded, your Velocity may be too deep for Ryanair. Be sure to collapse it (make sure the expansion zipper is fully zipped) before you travel.
The shell is made of ABS. This helps keep weight and cost down compared to many high-end polycarbonate luggage. ABS should be fine for most cabin use, but will likely scratch easier.
Pros
- Exact dimensions in its standard configuration
- Four spinner wheels
- Divided and lined interior
- Expandable for trips with more generous allowances
Cons
- Must not be expanded on Ryanair
- ABS shell may scratch more easily than premium materials
Aerolite Expandable 55x40x20cm Cabin Suitcase
Four-wheel spinner cases are handy to have at airports where you’re pulling them along smooth floors. But the exposed wheels are not always kinder to your hands on cobblestones, gaps in paving stones and gritty railway platforms.
The Aerolite AERO9639 features two recessed wheels, which take up less room outside the suitcase and will typically roll more smoothly over irregularities. This can be handy if you’re travelling on older European streets where you might change airports/stations/hotels multiple times per journey.
It measures 55 × 40 × 20 cm in its travel configuration and weighs roughly 2.1 kg. The luggage expands to about 23 cm deep, so make sure you keep that expansion zipper done up when flying with Ryanair.
It also features a telescopic handle and basic internal packing system. Since it’s on two wheels, you’ll have to tug it behind you rather than roll it upright at your side.
Pros
- Lightweight at approximately 2.1 kg
- Maximum dimensions for Ryanair Priority
- Two recessed wheels suit rougher surfaces
- Expandable for non-Ryanair trips
Cons
- Cannot be rolled sideways like a spinner
- Must remain unexpanded on Ryanair
Aerolite Maximum Allowance Airline Approved Carryon Suitcase
Hardshell cases make up the majority of cabin luggage, but don’t often allow easy access to your computer, passport or plug lead,.
Possibly inspired by design touches from rivals such as Travelpro and American Tourister, the Aerolite spinner addresses that problem by offering the largest allowable Ryanair Priority dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm together with an outer section for laptops up to around 17 inches. That’ll make security checks and business trips easier.
It’s listed with a 44-litre softside body, dual wheels and a TSA lock that works with three-number combinations. As it’s a soft rather than hard exterior, there’s more flex but also risk: stuffing too much inside may deform the case beyond its allowed 20 cm depth.
Try to keep the outer pocket flat and rely on the built-in compression system instead of squeezing more stuff in.
The Aerolite measures 55 × 40 × 20 cm according to the Amazon page, where you’ll also find mention of the 44 litre size, two wheels, 17-inch laptop sleeve and TSA lock.
Pros
- Full Ryanair Priority dimensions
- Exterior compartment for a large laptop
- Easier access than a hardshell suitcase
- TSA lock and two-wheel trolley system
Cons
- Soft sides may bulge when overfilled
- Two wheels are less manoeuvrable on smooth airport floors
How to Choose the Best Ryanair Cabin Bag
Determine If You Want Priority
A weekend trip of two or three days may be manageable with only a 40 × 30 × 20 cm backpack. Priority passengers pay for both bags so travelling with only the included bag will keep your total cost down.
If you’ll need:
- to travel for longer than a few days
- multiple pairs of shoes
- bulky cold-weather garments
- both a separate underseat bag and overhead suitcase
- room in your personal item for electronics rather than clothes
then Priority will become more valuable.
Priority passengers can carry the included personal item plus one 55 × 40 × 20 cm cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg.
Verify External Dimensions Include Handles and Wheels
Product details often include the dimensions of just the suitcase itself without specifying if the wheels and handle are included in the measurements.
To compare two bags as accurately as possible, measure from end to end at the suitcase’s widest points including wheels and handles. Empty any external pockets and pull tight on compression straps before measuring.
Don’t Rely on Expansion Zippers
If a bag has an expandable section, it may conform to size limits when closed but be too large when opened.
The Nixjoro backpack and Aerolite AERO9639 featured in this guide both become deeper with expansion zippers. Be sure to keep their expansion compartments closed when travelling with Ryanair.
Take Empty Weight Into Account
Ryanair places a 10 kg weight limit on its larger cabin bag option. A 2 kg suitcase allows for about 8 kg of belongings, while a 4 kg suitcase allows for only 6 kg.
That’s why lightweight options like the Cabin Max Anode and Aerolite AERO9639 are better than bulkier, heavier luxury carry-ons.
Pair Bag Style to Your Trip
Pick a backpack if you think you’ll be climbing stairs, hoofing it through airport terminals, walking between train stations or traipsing across cobblestones. A spinner suitcase is best if you’ll spend most of your journey on airport floors, smooth sidewalks and hotel corridors with elevators.
Two-wheel suitcases are a great middle-ground if your travels will take you onto rougher surfaces.
Do You Need Ryanair Priority?
You should pay for Priority if:
- You want a 55 × 40 × 20 cm overhead bag
- You need quick boarding
- You prefer guaranteed cabin space
If you’re only using a 40 × 30 × 20 cm cm under-seat bag, you don’t need Priority.
Final Verdict
Choose bags based on whether you’re flying with free luggage or buying Priority.
Our top overall luggage bag is the Cabin Max Metz 24L for travellers who don’t want to pay any extra baggage fees. At 40 × 30 × 20 cm, its compact dimensions and squared packing design are perfect for weekend getaways.
Budget pick: CabinFly Pacemaker. Lots of compartments: Nixjoro.
The Cabin Max Anode is our top overall suitcase if you’re buying Ryanair Priority baggage allowance. It has dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm, weighs just over 2.2 kg and rolls on four spinner wheels.
Priority travellers who want two bigger wheels instead of spinners should look at the Aerolite AERO9639. Our top pick for professional travelers who need fast access to their laptop is the Aerolite Waterproof Trolley.
No matter which product you choose, double-check the size of the specific model you’re about to purchase.