Ryanair backpack

[theweekjunior]

Has anyone flown with Ryanair with just their backpacks? I have a 45x30x20 backpack which I'm hoping to take with me - if I leave some space in the bag would I be able to get away with it or are they quite strict about the measurements?

It should actually be 40x20x25

Will the 45 bit squash down to 40? If not, I'd say you're going to have to check it in.

Yes it would. Would that be allowed?

If you can squash it down it should be ok. The last few times I've flown with them they've made everyone with rucksacks squash them into the display box thing at boarding.

I saw one angry guy who couldn't fit his bag in, and he had to wait by the desk to pay extra.

If it fits in the sizer it will be ok even if squashed down a bit. They dont take a measuring tape out, but will challenge very obviously oversized packs where its obvious someone is taking the mick.

My experience is very mixed with Ryanair. They are hit and miss depending on airport and how busy they are I think. We have previously got away with regular backpacks /school bags that are technically too big, but have since bought some bags that fit their tiny criteria. Decathlon sell small 20l bags that are just about the right size. They are not backpacks, but are cheap as chips (I have bought many bags over the years to fit an airlines criteria and they keep changing them, so cheap suits me now).

Every Ryanair flight I’ve taken in recent years seems to involve passengers, but including non-priority, bringing onboard vast amounts of hand luggage!
Oddly enough, I spoke to DM about it this morning, and she seems to think it’s very airport dependent.

Thanks all! We are flying from Stansted.

If it fits in the sizer you will be fine

I use a biggish tote bag thats nowhere near the regulated size its longer and wider but it doesnt look massive as some backpacks can so I've never been challenged. It would fit in the sizer as it's soft fabric. Has removable straps so can wear it crossbody also. I have a Ryanair backpack also, but find the tote is better as I can find things easier rather than rummaging in ten different compartments in the backpack. Theres a handy sleeve for over the main suitcase handles too.

I recently flew with Ryanair and had been warned by various friends that they were really strict - so I followed their rules to the letter. Left behind a pair of shoes I needed, didn't take an extra jumper etc, to be sure my backpack would fit ok. Came to board, and everyone else ahead of me had big rucksacks stuffed to the gills, shoes / pillows etc tied onto them / dangling off - nobody said a word to them! I was fuming as I could have brought what I needed after all. I guess it depends on the airport, the flight and the staff!

Flew from Stansted in late Nov. We had priority boarding so medium suitcase and small bag... well nearly everyone else had normal rucksacks as the small bag and no one cared. However on the flight back (Palma) everyone was checked despite travelling out with the same bags...

I have a 30l backpack - not sure about dimensions but it fits under the seat in front... never had a problem in the 5-6 years I had it.

I last flew with RA in August. They were checking in all rucksacks if they didn't look like they'd fit under the seat in front of you, even if they fit in the frame things.

You should be fine at Stansted, they always seem relaxed there. Never witnessed an issue travelling through there.

Yes I took a rucksack when I flew a few months ago. Was a bit worried as I watched everyone in front of me cramming their hand luggage in the measuring thing but I just got waved on! Rucksack fits under the chair no probs and it was great travelling light.

Amazing. Thanks all for your responses - much appreciated!!

I've done it. Ended up buying a Ryanair hand luggage specific bag from Amazon cos I had heard stories of them being very pedantic-- ie if their measurements were 35x20x15 and your bag was 40x15x15 they would still say no. Of course, nobody checked! But at least now I am sorted for future Ryanair flights!

I would email and get it in writing from the airline. I've seen news about people being fined because the bag has a zip front which could allow the bag to be bigger. I've also read about someone else bag being the right size but they still got fined. The staff get bonuses when they give people a fine