Underseat 40x20x25 cabin bags

Famously quipped “the Ryanair size”, 40 x 20 x 25 cm (16 x 8 x 10 in) is the maximum dimensions of a cabin bag (such as a laptop bag or handbag) that ultra-cheap airline Ryanair would allow its passengers to carry into its cabin free of charge under its strict baggage allowance policy. The size restrictions have been established since 2018 and have remained in effect ever since.

While luggage of larger size (55 x 40 x 20 cm or 22 x 16 x 8 in), such as a small wheeled suitcase, could be accepted on board, passengers would have to pay extra for priority boarding or check the bags into the old altogether.

Interestingly enough, Ryanair’s size at the airport comes at the size of 42 x 20 x 30 cm (17 x 8 x 12 in), which is a tad more forgiving than the size requirements stated on their website. Although you may get away with a slightly larger or a tightly packed bag, the window of difference is miniscule, thus passengers shouldn’t rely on it.

If you’re boarding with Ryanair and you’re planning to bring along a bag that exceeds their strict size requirements without buying priority a seat, you’ll be surcharged heavily depending on routes and ticket fare. The price starts from €25 and could easily go up. Moreover, your bag may be susceptible to being checked into the hold, which could put your fragile belongings in your bags in danger.