How strict is RyanAir on luggage SIZE?

[MrsBargain]

Hey everyone.

Going away this summer to Portugal & I have paid for
1x 20kg suitcase for one person
Then
3x 10kg check in bags

My question is regarding the 10kg check in bags, I naively thought as long as they're below 10kg that will be fine. But I've done some digging and can see RyanAir restrict the size (55x40x20cm)

How strict are they on this sizing?

I was just looking at some "cabin" suitcases and even they are too big 😩

Note; these are check in bags, not ones we will have with us on the plane in the cabin

Thanks for reading

But why would you take it to the gate if you had paid for it as checked in luggage?

Amazon and eBay have Ryanair compliant backpacks that you can fit loaaaaads in

search on there- I have done a long weekend in one of those.

It's clear that the 10kg CHECK IN bag does not go to the gate.

The bag pictured with the dimensions stated in the general conditions as applying to the check in bag is clearly described as a CABIN bag. It can be taken on board by customers who pay for "Priority plus 2 cabin bags".

Screenshots below.

When a bag is supposed to fit in the overhead locker, the dimensions are clearly important. When it goes in the hold it's less of a big deal unless really outsized.

So there is no operational reason for Ryanair to restrict the dimensions of a checked in 10kg bag. However there may well be a revenue-related motive for restricting them, so that they can hoover up the extra fees when people don't comply. And that is more likely when they hide the restriction deep in the small print, where you would not think to look given that every other bit of baggage information is clear at booking.

A few years ago Ryanair had this 10kg bag with the dimensions as given in the OP as a free cabin bag.

Then they changed this to a free cabin bag but you could choose to have it put in the hold at the gate which was supposedly an "upgrade".

Now it looks like they have stopped doing the free cabin bag thing but migrated the 10kg bag to being a paid check-in bag.

I wasn't sure if they were still making you cart the "free check in bag" all the way to the gate because people seemed to be confused between check-in and cabin bag. But regardless, every airport I've been to they don't have airline-specific bag drops, it's just general airport staff.

I think the reason for the dimensions in that case will be historic because of the way they used to handle the 10kg bag.

That makes sense @BertieBotts. You can see from the screenshots that they are definitely clear that these bags have to be checked in but it's obvious that something has got dislocated between the customer info at booking and the Conditions of Carriage.

I agree that it is all quite confusing, but I figured it out in the end, so for those of you struggling with the rules, here they are....

1. To take on board - one 10kg bag (for the overhead bin) max size is 55x40x20 PLUS one underseat bag 40x20x25. Priority boarding MUST be booked to avail of this.
2. Check in bag to put in the hold, either 10kg or 20 kg. Size limit for 10kg as above, and for the 20kg bag it is 80 x120cms x120cm. Self check in doesn't measure them anyway, just weighs them so you could chance it if bigger but I wouldn't personally. You can also bring an underseat bag on board 40x20x25. per person if you check bags in the hold.
3. No priority, no overhead cabin bags. You can only bring an underseat bag 40x20x25 free of charge.

I know by the time I write this that others will have explained also, but what the heck!

For the cabin underseat bag I use CabinMax Metz. It is the exact size and holds loads. In fact I often use it for a few days away and I have been amazed at how much goes in there, as it does look a bit titchy when you see it first.

cabinmax.com/products/metz-stowaway-20l-cabin-backpack-flies-free-on-ryanair

Happy travelling.

Strangely I have flown Ryanair and never had a problem (despite having luggage much too large). Maybe I am just lucky?

I think it helps when it is a bag you can put on your back rather than a roll on.

@PillBoxes I agree with that but, out of interest, are you basing your understanding of the dimensions of the 10kg check in bag on any statement or information found anywhere other than Clause 8 of the General Conditions of Carriage?

They used to be very strict, but in recent years I haven't found them at all fussy. This is on the Stansted to Dublin route, it might be different on a holiday route.

Hi, no I'm just basing it on what I would need for ten kilos! There is nothing on the "check in" page to indicate max dimensions so I just use the bag I would normally use if taking it on board!

I suppose any bag up to the 20kg dimensions would be fine as long as it weighs 10kg or less. Good point though.

As mentioned, add bags later as its cheaper. I go barcelona every few weeks with the tiny on board free bag, nobody ever checks that, my bag is the right size but have seen many with larger bags just stroll on. really depends on airport and flight. if its full and busy they will check more as more weight = more fuel = more spends and we know michael is stingy !

I've flown with Ryanair dozens of times. I've never had my bag measured but I've seen them pull others to one side and get them to put the bag in the sizing thing.

You can use a non rigid bag and as long as it squashes into the space that's fine.

@PillBoxes yes, I think that's the crux of OP's concern, she's got a bag she can fill up to 10kg that will be bigger than the dimensions stated in the Conditions of Carriage, but she only found those dimensions by digging quite deeply, so is wondering if they would be enforced.

OP, I'd go on live chat and ask them where on the website you can find the dimensions for the 10kg check in bag, or if there are any - provided the weight is ok.
Save the chat and email it to yourself, I think you can do that on RyR, well I can do it on other live chats! Best of luck.

Basically, when I booked, there was an option to upgrade to some family priority tickets, which meant as a party of 3, we got one 20kg suitcase, and then each person was allowed to also check in a 10kg case.

At the time I thought this was a good idea for us (me hubby and 3yo) but no where when I was booking did it mention the 10kg cases had a dimension limit...

Flight/luggage info:

Very. They will use any "valid" reason to charge you more.

You’ve got to make sure it fits under the seat if it’s a 10kg check in bag . I got a couple of bags online Amazon that fitted loads in but was the Ryanair measurement so it’s worth it . Funnily enough the cabin crew let me put in overhead locker probably because plenty of space as most choose a bag they can fit under seat . I’ve never experienced anyone checking my carry on bag size though but maybe it depends if your trying to take massive suitcase as your carry on.

I've never been away anywhere long enough to need a suitcase so big it has to be checked in. Travel light and it all gets easier. Wear your bulkiest outfit and roll everything else up tiny.

Just to reiterate- these bags are going to be checked in and going in the cargo of the plane. We will not have them in the cabin with us

IME, they are pretty strict about carry on 10k bag size, but less so with check in ones - never had a check in bag measured, only weighed.

I booked a family plus ticket today and there didn't seem to be a size limit on the 10kg bags.
Family of 4
4x under seat small cabin bags
4x 10 kg checked in bags
1x 20kg bag.

Was much clearer pricing and cheaper than easyjet

Like this. I think you've booked the same op.

It's as clear as mud.

You know those very small wheeled suitcases, sold in Primark, made by IT,
Are they allowed on board in an overhead locker with Ryanair ?
Are there even overhead case storage thingys on Ryanair ?
Aghhhhhhh

www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/ryanair-uk-terms-and-conditions0/termsandconditionsar_696869348

It's here in their terms and conditions under 8.3.3
10kg check-in bags have the same size dimensions as cabin bags.