Real experience getting hit with Ryanair’s €70 gate fee for oversized carry-on, including strict 40x20x30 free bag limit, priority boarding trap, and tips to avoid expensive surprises at European airports.
I thought I understood Ryanair’s baggage policy when I booked my flight from London to Barcelona.
One free “small bag” up to 40x20x30 cm. Easy enough, right? I had a small backpack that looked like it would fit. I measured it at home – roughly 42cm tall, 28cm wide, 18cm deep. Close enough, I figured. A couple centimeters over wouldn’t matter.
Wrong. So incredibly wrong.
I showed up at London Stansted Airport in September 2024 for my 6:40 AM flight to Barcelona. Early morning, still dark outside, running on coffee and optimism about my Barcelona weekend.
At the gate – not at check-in, at the actual boarding gate – there was a Ryanair staff member with a metal sizing cage. The dreaded bag sizer. She was checking every single passenger’s bag before letting them board.
When my turn came, she gestured for me to place my backpack in the sizing frame.
It didn’t fit. The top of my bag stuck out by maybe 2 centimeters.
“Your bag doesn’t fit the dimensions,” she said matter-of-factly. “You’ll need to pay the gate baggage fee.”
“It’s only 2 centimeters over,” I protested.
“The limit is 40 by 20 by 30 centimeters. Your bag exceeds this. The fee is €70, or you can leave items behind.”
Seventy euros. For being 2 cm too tall with a bag that was otherwise compliant.
At 6:10 AM, with a 6:40 AM departure, in a long line of other passengers waiting to board, I had no real options. I couldn’t leave €70 worth of stuff behind. I couldn’t miss my flight.
I paid the €70, they slapped a tag on my bag, and it went into the hold.
Welcome to Ryanair, Europe’s most notorious low-cost carrier, where the rules are strict, the enforcement is relentless, and being 2 cm over the size limit costs more than my entire flight ticket.
Before You Go: The Stuff Ryanair Doesn’t Make Obvious Enough
- The free “small bag” is TINY: 40x20x30 cm. That’s 15.7″ x 7.9″ x 11.8″. Most normal backpacks exceed this.
- They measure EVERY dimension. Height, width, depth. All three must fit within limits. If any dimension is over, you pay.
- The bag sizers at gates are strict. They’re metal frames. If your bag doesn’t slide in easily, it’s too big. No exceptions.
- Gate fees are €70 for non-compliant bags. This is more than most people pay for the actual flight ticket.
- Priority boarding (€6-€60) lets you bring a second, larger bag. But many people don’t realize they need this.
- They also offer a 10kg checked bag option (€9.49-€60). Often cheaper than priority if you know you need extra space.
- Ryanair is INFAMOUS for strict enforcement. They make significant revenue from gate fees. They will not give you a break.
- Different airports have different enforcement levels. UK airports (especially Stansted) are notoriously strict. Some smaller European airports are more relaxed.
Understanding Ryanair’s unique policies is crucial for European budget travel, similar to navigating strict stadium bag policies where size matters more than you’d think.
Understanding Ryanair’s Confusing Baggage System
Let me break down Ryanair’s current baggage policy clearly, because it’s deliberately complicated.
Basic fare (what most people book):
- FREE: 1 small bag (40x20x30 cm) – must fit under seat
- PAID: Everything else
What the small free bag actually is: Think small backpack, large purse, laptop bag. NOT a standard carry-on roller bag. The dimensions are:
- 40 cm height (15.7 inches)
- 20 cm width (7.9 inches)
- 30 cm depth (11.8 inches)
This is significantly smaller than what most people think of as “carry-on.”
Options to bring more:
Option 1: Priority Boarding (€6-€60) Includes:
- Small bag (40x20x30 cm)
- Large cabin bag (55x40x20 cm, max 10kg)
- Board first
Cost varies wildly by route and when you book. Can be €6 on quiet routes or €60 on busy routes during peak times.
Option 2: 10kg Check Bag (€9.49-€60) Includes:
- Small bag in cabin (40x20x30 cm)
- 10kg bag checked to hold (55x40x20 cm)
Cheaper than priority on many routes, but you don’t get the larger cabin bag.
Comparison table:
Fare TypeSmall Bag (40x20x30)Large Bag (55x40x20)Checked BagPriorityCostBasic✅ Free❌❌❌Ticket price+ Priority✅✅ (10kg cabin)❌✅+€6-60+ 10kg Bag✅❌✅ (10kg hold)❌+€9.49-60
The trap: Most people book the basic fare, thinking “one bag” means a normal carry-on. Then they show up with a standard suitcase and get hit with the €70 gate fee.
My mistake was assuming my 42cm backpack would count as the “small bag.” It was 2 cm too tall. That 2 cm cost me €70.
My London Stansted Disaster
Let me walk through exactly what happened, because the details show Ryanair’s enforcement in action.
September 14, 2024. Flying London Stansted (STN) to Barcelona El Prat (BCN) on Ryanair flight FR112, departing 6:40 AM.
I’d booked the basic fare weeks earlier: £19.99 for the flight. Amazing price for London to Barcelona, which is why Ryanair is so popular despite their reputation.
My baggage situation: I had one backpack – a standard daypack, nothing huge. Contained:
- 3 days of clothes
- Toiletries (in 100ml containers)
- Laptop and charger
- Phone charger and cables
- Small camera
- Book
- Snacks
At home, I’d measured the bag: approximately 42cm x 28cm x 18cm. I knew it was slightly over the 40x20x30 limit in height, but figured it wouldn’t matter. After all, it was just a backpack, not a massive suitcase.
This was my first mistake: assuming Ryanair wouldn’t measure precisely.
Stansted Airport, 5:40 AM: Arrived at Stansted around 5:40 AM for my 6:40 AM flight. Stansted is Ryanair’s main UK hub, so they’re especially strict there.
Checked in using the Ryanair app – already had my mobile boarding pass. Went through security with no issues. Security didn’t care about bag size, just that it went through the X-ray machine.
Found my gate (Gate 82) around 6:00 AM. The gate area was packed – probably 180+ passengers for a completely full flight.
Boarding started around 6:10 AM. Ryanair boards by groups, but for basic fare passengers, it’s essentially a free-for-all after priority boarding.
The bag sizer gauntlet: Here’s where things went wrong. At the gate entrance, before you even reached the agent scanning boarding passes, Ryanair had set up a station with:
- A metal sizing cage showing 40x20x30 dimensions
- A staff member (in Ryanair uniform) checking every bag
- A separate area for people whose bags didn’t fit
I watched this process with growing concern as I got closer:
- Passenger approaches with bag
- Staff member gestures to place bag in sizer
- If it fits easily: proceed to boarding
- If it doesn’t fit: get pulled aside
Maybe one in every five or six passengers was getting pulled aside. Mostly people with roller bags, but also some with larger backpacks.
When I reached the front, the staff member gestured to the sizing cage.
I placed my backpack in. The bottom and sides fit fine, but the top stuck out about 2 cm above the frame.
“That doesn’t fit,” she said. “Step aside please.”
“It’s only 2 centimeters over,” I said hopefully.
“The limit is strict. Please step aside.”
I stepped to the side area where maybe 10-12 other passengers were dealing with bag issues.
Another staff member approached with a payment terminal. “Your bag exceeds the free allowance. You can either check it for €70, or you can remove items to make it fit.”
“Can I try removing things?”
“You can try, but your bag is over in height. Removing items won’t change the dimensions.”
She was right. My bag was 42cm tall when empty. Taking stuff out wouldn’t make it 40cm tall.
My options:
- Pay €70 to check the bag
- Throw away enough items to somehow make the bag smaller (impossible)
- Miss my flight
At 6:15 AM, with boarding actively happening and my flight leaving in 25 minutes, I chose option 1.
Paid €70 on my credit card. She tagged my bag for the hold, someone took it away, and I boarded the plane with nothing but my phone, wallet, and jacket.
The flight and aftermath: The flight itself was fine – Ryanair’s service is basic but adequate. Arrived in Barcelona on time. My bag came out on the carousel without issues.
But I’d paid €70 as a penalty for having a backpack that was 2 cm too tall.
Cost analysis:
- Flight ticket: £19.99 (~€23)
- Gate baggage fee: €70
- Total: €93
- What I should’ve paid if I’d known better: Flight (€23) + Priority (€15-20) = €38-43
- Extra cost from ignorance: €50-55
That €50 could’ve paid for a nice dinner in Barcelona. Instead it went to Ryanair’s revenue stream.
What Actually Fits in the 40x20x30 “Small Bag”
Let’s be realistic about what fits in Ryanair’s free small bag allowance.
The dimensions in context: 40cm x 20cm x 30cm is roughly:
- The size of a large laptop bag
- A small school backpack
- A decent-sized purse
- A soft briefcase
It’s NOT:
- A standard backpack
- A small roller bag
- A duffel bag
- Any normal suitcase
Sample packing list for 40x20x30 bag:
Weekend trip (2-3 days):
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 extra pants/shorts
- 3 underwear
- 3 socks
- Light jacket (wear it)
- Minimal toiletries (travel sizes)
- Phone charger
- Maybe a small laptop (13″ max)
- Book or Kindle
Business trip:
- 1 business shirt
- 1 extra outfit
- Minimal toiletries
- Laptop 13″ or smaller
- Chargers
- Documents
- That’s it
What doesn’t fit:
- Week’s worth of clothes
- Multiple pairs of shoes
- Full-size toiletries
- Camera with lenses
- Multiple electronics
- Souvenirs
- Shopping purchases
The reality: Ryanair’s free bag is designed to be restrictive. They want you to either: a) Travel incredibly light b) Pay for priority or checked bag
Most people end up paying. That’s Ryanair’s business model.
My 42cm backpack: Was just 2 cm too tall but contained way more than would fit in a 40cm bag. If I’d actually bought a compliant bag, I’d have had to leave behind some clothes or my camera.
The Priority Boarding vs. Checked Bag Decision
If you need more than the tiny free bag, which option should you choose?
Priority Boarding (€6-€60):
Pros:
- Get large cabin bag (55x40x20 cm, 10kg)
- Keep bag with you entire journey
- Board first (less overhead bin stress)
- No baggage claim wait
Cons:
- Expensive on busy routes (€30-60)
- Still limited to 10kg
- Large bag must fit overhead
- Priority boarding benefit minimal if you have assigned seat
10kg Checked Bag (€9.49-€60):
Pros:
- Often cheaper than priority
- Don’t worry about overhead bin space
- Can pack liquids over 100ml
- Don’t carry bag through airport
Cons:
- Baggage claim wait
- Risk of lost luggage (rare but possible)
- Can’t access during flight
- Still 10kg limit
When to choose Priority:
- You need laptop/valuables with you
- You’re connecting to another flight quickly
- You want to avoid baggage claim
- The price difference is minimal
When to choose 10kg Checked:
- It’s significantly cheaper
- You don’t need items during flight
- You have time at destination
- You’re packing liquids
My situation: If I’d known beforehand, I’d have booked the 10kg checked bag for €9.49-15 (depending on when I added it). Would’ve saved €55 compared to the €70 gate fee.
Priority would’ve cost €15-25 on my route. Still would’ve saved €45-55.
The lesson: Any advance planning is cheaper than gate fees.
Ryanair’s Sizing Cages: The Enforcement Reality
Let’s talk about the actual physical bag sizers Ryanair uses, because they’re the enforcement mechanism.
What they are: Metal frames showing exact dimensions:
- Small bag: 40x20x30 cm frame
- Large bag: 55x40x20 cm frame (for priority passengers)
How they work: Your bag must fit INSIDE the frame completely. If any part sticks out – even 1 cm – it’s non-compliant.
Where you’ll encounter them:
- Sometimes at check-in (rare)
- Often at gate entrance (common)
- Always if staff suspect your bag is oversized
Enforcement varies by:
Strictest airports (they check almost everyone):
- London Stansted (Ryanair’s main UK hub)
- Dublin (Ryanair HQ)
- Milan Bergamo
- Brussels Charleroi
- Manchester
Moderately strict:
- Most major European airports
- Busy routes during peak times
- Full flights
More relaxed:
- Smaller regional airports
- Quiet routes
- Off-peak times
- Less busy flights
My experience at Stansted: They checked EVERYONE. Every single passenger put their bag in the sizer. No exceptions, no skipping people.
I’ve since flown Ryanair from smaller airports (Porto, Pisa) where they weren’t as aggressive. They checked some bags but not all. But don’t count on this – assume you’ll be checked.
The psychological game: Ryanair knows the sizers look intimidating. They’re positioned prominently at gates. This encourages people to buy priority/checked bags in advance “just in case.”
It’s effective. I’ve bought priority on subsequent Ryanair flights even when my bag would’ve fit, just to avoid the stress of the sizer check.
Prohibited Items and Liquids
Ryanair follows standard EU regulations for prohibited items and liquids, with some specific quirks.
Liquid rules (standard EU):
- Maximum 100ml per container
- All containers in one clear, resealable bag (max 20cm x 20cm)
- One bag per passenger
- Must be removed at security
Prohibited items (standard stuff):
- Weapons and firearms
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors over 6cm)
- Explosives and flammable items
- Most tools
Ryanair-specific allowances: Some unusual items Ryanair explicitly allows:
- Soccer/rugby balls (partially deflated)
- Self-inflating life jackets (with CO2 cartridges)
- Parachutes (without flares)
- Avalanche survival kits (with nitrogen/air cartridge)
- Wedding dresses (if they fit size limits)
Items you might not expect:
- Umbrellas: Allowed but must fit inside your bag
- Duty-free purchases: Count as additional bag unless you have priority
- Food: Allowed but must fit in your bag
- E-cigarettes: Must be in cabin, never checked
Sports equipment: Large items (skis, golf clubs, bikes, surfboards) must be checked with fees starting at €30-60 depending on size and route.
Musical instruments:
- Small instruments fitting size limits: can go in cabin
- Large instruments (guitars, violins): can buy extra seat
- Very large (cellos, bass): must book as cargo
The liquid rules are standard EU policy. Nothing unexpected if you’ve flown in Europe before.
Traveling with Children
Ryanair’s baggage rules for children:
Infants (8 days to 23 months):
- No separate baggage allowance
- Adult can bring 5kg baby bag in addition to own allowance
- Can bring baby food/formula (no quantity limit)
- Baby items exempt from liquid restrictions
Children (2+ years):
- Same baggage allowance as adults
- Need separate ticket
- Get their own small bag (40x20x30 cm) allowance
What you can bring for babies:
- Formula/milk
- Baby food
- Sterilized water
- Diapers and wipes
- Small toys
- Collapsible stroller (free, gate-checked)
Stroller policy: Can bring stroller to gate for free, where it’s checked. Collected at aircraft door or baggage claim depending on airport.
The family trap: Families often get caught with too much stuff. Three people = three small bags maximum without paying extra. That’s tight for families with young kids who need extra supplies.
Many families end up buying priority or checked bags because the free allowance isn’t sufficient.
How to Actually Avoid the €70 Fee
Based on my expensive mistake, here’s how to genuinely avoid Ryanair’s gate fees:
Before booking:
- Measure your intended bag at home – all three dimensions
- Buy appropriate bag if needed – exact 40x20x30 or smaller
- Add priority or checked bag during booking – cheapest rates
- Book carry-on if uncertain – cheaper than gate fees
Choosing a Ryanair-compliant bag:
- Soft-sided is better than hard – can compress slightly
- Look for “Ryanair approved” bags – manufacturers make these
- Buy undersized rather than exactly sized – give yourself margin
- Test in sizing frame before traveling – some airports have practice frames
Packing strategies:
- Pack minimally – use every cm efficiently
- Wear bulky items – jacket, boots on the plane
- Use packing cubes – compress clothes
- Travel-size everything – especially toiletries
- Leave space – bag expands when full
At the airport:
- Have payment ready – if you get caught
- Don’t argue with staff – they can’t make exceptions
- Accept the system – Ryanair’s rules are clear
- Consider throwing items away – might be cheaper than €70
The smart approach: Just pay the €10-20 for priority or checked bag when booking. It’s insurance against gate fees and makes the whole experience less stressful.
I’ve flown Ryanair twice since my Stansted disaster. Both times I bought priority during booking for €12-15. Totally worth it for peace of mind.
Comparing Ryanair to Other Budget Carriers
How does Ryanair compare to other European low-cost airlines?
Free cabin bag size:
AirlineFree Small BagNotesRyanair40x20x30 cmVery restrictedEasyJet45x36x20 cmMore generousWizz Air40x30x20 cmSimilar to RyanairVueling55x40x20 cmMuch betterNorwegian55x40x23 cmStandard size
Enforcement levels:
Strictest:
- Ryanair (especially at main hubs)
- Wizz Air
Moderate:
- EasyJet
- Vueling
More relaxed:
- Norwegian
- Some smaller budget carriers
Additional bag costs:
Most budget carriers charge for larger cabin bags or checked bags. Ryanair’s prices (€6-60 for priority, €9.49-60 for checked) are typical for the industry.
My verdict: Ryanair has the most restrictive free allowance and strictest enforcement. But their ticket prices are often lowest. You’re trading convenience for cost savings.
If you can pack in 40x20x30 cm, Ryanair is unbeatable for price. If you can’t, factor in baggage fees when comparing airlines.
Practical Information Table
CategoryBasic Fare+ Priority+ 10kg CheckedSmall Bag (40x20x30)✅ Free✅ Included✅ IncludedLarge Bag (55x40x20)❌✅ 10kg max❌Checked Bag❌❌✅ 10kgAdvance Cost€0€6-60€9.49-60Gate Fee if Non-Compliant€70N/AN/APriority Boarding❌✅❌Best ForUltra-light packersThose needing cabin bagThose okay with checked
What I’d Do Differently
Next time I fly Ryanair (and I will – their prices are too good to boycott):
Before booking:
- Measure my bag precisely
- Add priority or checked bag during booking
- Budget baggage fees into ticket comparison
- Use Ryanair-specific bag if needed
Packing:
- Pack even more minimally
- Use 40x20x30 compliant bag only
- Wear bulky items on plane
- Leave non-essentials behind
At airport:
- Expect bag measurement
- Have sizing compliant bag
- Don’t stress about sizers
- Board confidently knowing I’m compliant
The big lesson: Ryanair’s rules are clear and strictly enforced. Work within them rather than hoping for leniency. The €70 gate fee is avoidable with basic planning.
Those 2 cm over the height limit taught me an expensive lesson. Don’t be like past-me. Measure your bag. Buy priority if needed. Save the €70 for actually enjoying your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bag is free on Ryanair?
Ryanair allows one free small bag measuring 40cm x 20cm x 30cm (approximately 15.7″ x 7.9″ x 11.8″). This bag must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Any bag larger than these dimensions requires either priority boarding or a checked bag fee.
How strict is Ryanair with bag size?
Extremely strict, especially at main hubs like London Stansted and Dublin. They use metal sizing frames at gates and check most or all passengers. If your bag doesn’t fit completely inside the frame – even by 1-2 cm – you’ll pay a €70 gate fee.
Do I need priority boarding to bring a carry-on on Ryanair?
Yes, if you want a standard carry-on bag (55x40x20 cm). The basic fare only includes a small personal item (40x20x30 cm). Priority boarding (€6-€60) allows you to bring both the small bag and a larger 10kg cabin bag.
What happens if my bag is too big at the Ryanair gate?
You’ll be required to check it with a gate fee of €70. This is significantly more expensive than pre-booking priority boarding (€6-60) or a 10kg checked bag (€9.49-60). There’s no option to remove items once your bag has been deemed oversized.
Can I bring a backpack on Ryanair for free?
Only if it fits within 40cm x 20cm x 30cm dimensions. Most standard backpacks exceed these dimensions. Look for backpacks specifically marketed as “Ryanair compliant” or “cabin max” that are designed to fit these tight restrictions.
How much does it cost to add a bag to Ryanair after booking?
Priority boarding costs €6-€60 depending on route and when you add it (cheapest during initial booking). A 10kg checked bag costs €9.49-€60 (also cheapest during booking). Adding at the airport or gate costs €70. Always cheaper to add online in advance.
Is Ryanair priority boarding worth it?
Yes, if you need more than the tiny free bag or want to avoid gate stress. For €10-20 on most routes, you get a 10kg cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) plus priority boarding. Much better value than risking the €70 gate fee.
Can I bring duty-free shopping on Ryanair?
Duty-free purchases count as an additional bag. Without priority boarding, they must fit inside your 40x20x30 cm bag. With priority, you can carry them separately as they count within your large cabin bag allowance.
Final Thoughts: The €70 Lesson About 2 Centimeters
Paying €70 at London Stansted because my backpack was 2 cm too tall remains one of my most frustrating travel experiences.
Not because Ryanair’s rules are unclear – they’re actually very clear if you read them. Not because the enforcement was unfair – they measured, my bag didn’t fit, that’s the rule. But because it was so completely avoidable with basic preparation.
Two centimeters. Five minutes with a tape measure at home would’ve told me my bag was non-compliant. Ten minutes of research would’ve explained Ryanair’s strict enforcement. Three clicks during booking to add priority (€12-15 on my route) would’ve solved everything.
Instead, I paid €70 and learned the hard way that Ryanair means business with their baggage policies.
Here’s the thing about Ryanair: they’re incredibly successful BECAUSE of this business model. Rock-bottom ticket prices subsidized by ancillary fees. They’ve perfected the art of making the base product cheap and charging for everything else.
If you’re okay with their rules and work within them, Ryanair offers unbeatable value for European travel. London to Barcelona for €23? Amazing. But that €23 assumes you can pack everything in a 40x20x30 cm bag.
Most people can’t. Most people pay extra. That’s how Ryanair makes money.
My advice:
- Measure your bag before traveling
- Buy appropriate bag if needed or add priority/checked bag
- Don’t try to sneak an oversized bag through
- Accept that baggage fees are part of Ryanair’s model
Those 2 cm cost me €70. Don’t let centimeters cost you money too.
Learn from my mistake. Measure twice, fly once. Save your euros for enjoying Europe instead of paying Ryanair’s gate fees.