Has anyone flown with Ryanair recently? What is the baggage like?

[PremiumPony]

My partner booked tickets with Ryanair. He went with the basic package and that says one small bag only. He didn't pick any checked luggage or priority boarding. He picked the most basic package.

With one small bag only policy it gives the dimensions and it's 40×25×20 cm or something like that.

I was considering buying a luggage bag but I think I will meet this with a backpack I have.

I have another issue now. Will Ryan air allow a handbag as well as 'one small bag only' or is the handbag supposed to fit the criteria. I won't be able to travel without my handbag. I will need my handbag to hold my phone, wallet, passport, boarding passes, travel bands, ear plugs, book. My partner can travel filling his pockets up. I'm not able to travel like that. My clothes done have pockets either.

I'm really going to struggle with one small bag only for a weekend.

Just in case I am not allowed a handbag:

I wonder would it be possible to get a crossover body bag and wear it over my shoulder and wear it short with my jacket over it. Would I be able to smuggle a handbag on my body like that along with a backpack of stuff.

Definitely only allowed one bag on Ryanair so you can’t take a handbag as well as a small rucksack. I’ve done what you’re suggesting before & used a small cross body bag hidden under my jacket. If you get caught they’ll make you pay though!

Tempted to get one of these to play them at their own game:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sukany-Leisure-Outdoor-Fishing-Waistcoat/dp/B0B1F6D853

Your handbag must be able to fit in your carry on . I wore a bumbag with passports etc

I've flown with Ryanair quite a lot and see them be quite strict about handbaggage rules.

I go with a bag like this that meets the cabin bag dimensions and put a small foldable handbag inside the bag to use when I get there.

If you'd struggle to fit everything in you can add another bag to an existing booking.

@PremiumPony how long are you away for? The ryanair free bag is really quite small and you don't get to take a handbag as well

Can't you just take a rucksack? That's what i did with Ryanair. Front section for passport etc? If you need a small compact bag for purse and phone, fold it up and pop it inside the rucksack.

This can totally be achieved if you're going for a long weekend. If it's an entire week maybe not so much.

What time of year would you be travelling? If summer then easy.

I was looking at those vests myself I must admit.

This is the bag I bought for flying with ryanair. Dh had a backpack style one

I take a backpack and a small handbag. I’ve never put the handbag in the backpack but if asked, it would fit. I shove them both under the seat for takeoff and landing. This works as long as the backpack isn’t stuffed full.

Going for 4 days.

My backpack won't hold everything that I need. I need to pack clothes for 4 days but I am narrowing this down by wearing wool and I will be able to wear the same clothes for two days and socks for wool socks for three days.

I will need to pack a small toiletry bag, medicine bag, charger, adapter, some other supplies.

I'm really going to struggle with this stuff.

I could source a fabric handbag so that I can fold it maybe but I will still struggle.

Flew yesterday and fly with them multiple times a year . NEVER have had an issue with luggage . I always have a small rucksack and another bag .
The other bag is small and I COULD stuff it into the rucksack if necessary but have never, ever been questioned !

If you are going to worry can you just upgrade to Priority ? Maybe they won't allow just one person do that ?

Thanks for sharing this, a bag like this would definitely work.

I've recently flown with Ryanair and they were very strict but only really with the priority boarding queue. The woman on the gate went up the queue whilst waiting to start boarding and picked out a handful of people to try their bags, once a few people had been charged it was like they didn't care anymore.

I traveled for 8 days with the bag @InterSteller suggested (did have access to a washer in airb&b mind), used packing cubes to make use of space etc.
I used the front pocket for passport etc and out my empty handbag inside.
You can order your toiletries at Boots to collect (better price) or just buy airport side and ask for a carrier bag, to put any bits in.

This was the one dh took. Remember the limits on liquids/gels/pastes too - 1 small resealable bag max size 20x20cm with containers 100mls or less inside.

Was anyone here caught out before taking an extra bag on board?

As in a carry on bag as well as a handbag?

If so, is it the check in desk that they investigate bags and charge you extra if you have another bag?
Or is it at the gate that they investigate extra carry on bags?

If it's at the gate I was thinking that I could hide my hand bag under my jacket through the check out desk.

Then go through security.

Then beyond security I can buy something, anything at all for the sake of getting a bag at the counter. Then I can put my handbag into the bag and take it on board the flight as if it's a duty free item. Along with my backpack on my back.

You just have to be ruthless. I went on a 4 day trip in December from Madrid to London. Wore a pair of jeans (plus packed another pair in the bag) 2 long sleeved tees for layering. (Again, I wore one on the plane). 1 warm jumper jumper (wore another on plane). Plus I wore my scarf, beanie, and long warm coat on the plane. Only one pair of shoes (which I wore). I took a small bottle of purfume and my toothpaste and face moisturiser and mascara and lip gloss and bronzer. Charger and adapter etc.

I bought one of those small shampoo and conditioners plus a couple of other small size toiletries at boots in Gatwick when I landed.

plus knickers/ socks which don’t take up much room.

I took a very small handbag which I could fit in my rucksack. I could honestly have not even taken the second pair of jeans.

Genius

Just pay for the extra hand luggage. You’re either a super light packer or you’re not. If you need an extra bag for medicine, etc then you can’t pack super light. The £60 or whatever they charge will make your holiday better, and you probably saved far more than that taking Ryanair v Ba anyway

If he made the booking, get him to add a 10kg bag. 4 days out of a small bag is tough, especially if you want to wear makeup and have a favourite deodorant (Fussy user here).

I’ve done three days before but it was a warm destination in summer and I’m okay with just a lipstick on the makeup front for a few days.

I have seen Ryanair be strict at the gate and make passengers pay for excess luggage, especially on a full flight. I'd get your partner to pay for an extra cabin bag.

For 4 days you'd have to be travelling extremely light to fit everything under your seat.

You can buy additional baggage at anytime up to check in. You aren't stuck with what your partner originally chose. If you are spending £ on new bags etc then just buy additional luggage allowance.

And if you buy anything extra either after check in or while away remember you have to fit it into come back.

I usually take my 30l hiking backpack and a small handbag (it's called the kindle bag, because it will only fit a kindle, phone & passport.)
Never had any problems, but if push cones to shuff, all would fit into the backpack.

I think it depends on the staff and how full the flight is. If it's full and no hold luggage has been dropped off, they will go down the line to check luggage.

Remember, there is only limited space available.

And don't think a backpack or soft bag is a guarantee to avoid fine & hold luggage...

I flew before Christmas with the small bag and hand bag (only a small cross over) no issues

Ryan Air are strict. The rules are the rules. No handbag if you already have a carry-on bag.