What is Ryanair's free carry-on size limit?

Ryanair's free carry-on is 40 x 20 x 25 cm and must fit under the seat. Priority passengers get an additional 55 x 40 x 20 cm overhead bag. None of our reviewed travel backpacks fit the free allowance.

How strict is Ryanair with bag sizes?

Ryanair is the strictest budget carrier in Europe. Metal sizing frames are used at most gates. If your bag does not fit, you pay a gate fee of EUR 60-70 per leg.

Can I bring a travel backpack on Ryanair without paying extra?

Not reliably. All reviewed 30L+ backpacks exceed Ryanair's free limit. You need Priority boarding (EUR 10-35 online) to bring a full travel backpack in the overhead bin.

What is the Ryanair Priority bag size?

With Ryanair Priority you can bring one 55 x 40 x 20 cm overhead bag plus the free 40 x 20 x 25 cm under-seat bag. The 20 cm depth on the overhead is the critical dimension.

Which backpack fits Ryanair best?

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L compresses best due to its soft construction and compression straps. The Osprey Farpoint 40 is also an option if packed to 70-75% capacity. Neither is guaranteed on a strict enforcement day.

Updated August 2026 · 10 min read

Best Backpack for Ryanair (2026): Complete Size Guide

Photo by Lucas Davies on Unsplash

Ryanair enforces some of the strictest carry-on size limits in Europe. Only small backpacks under 35L reliably avoid fees. Here is how to choose the right one. For a complete comparison across all carriers, see the full airline size limits guide.

Updated August 2026 · 10-minute read · Affiliate disclosure below

Quick Answer

Our pick: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L ($230) is the safest choice for Ryanair. At 21.3″ × 13″ × 8.3″ (54 × 33 × 21cm), it exceeds the free limit but the 35L capacity and soft construction means it often passes inspection for personal item use.

Reality check: Most 40L travel backpacks exceed Ryanair’s free personal item limit (40 × 30 × 20cm / 15.7″ × 11.8″ × 7.9″). You’ll need Priority boarding (€10-45) to bring larger bags in the overhead bin.

Skip 40L bags without Priority: The Osprey Farpoint 40 and similar packs are too large for Ryanair’s free allowance. Gate fees (€25-70) make them expensive without Priority.

Ryanair’s Carry-On Policy

Free personal item: 40 × 30 × 20cm (15.7″ × 11.8″ × 7.9″) must fit under seat
Priority + 2 Cabin Bags: €10-45 adds 55 × 40 × 20cm (21.6″ × 15.7″ × 7.9″) overhead bag (10kg max)
Enforcement: EXTREMELY STRICT metal sizing frames at every gate
Gate fees: €25-70 if your bag doesn’t fit the sizer

Reality check: Ryanair generates significant revenue from baggage fees. Gate agents use metal sizing frames strictly. Most 40L backpacks will not fit the free allowance.

Not sure if your backpack fits? Use the free compliance checker to compare against Ryanair and 20+ other airlines instantly.

Our Top Picks

Best for Ryanair

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Price: $230

Capacity: 35L

Dimensions: 21.3″ × 13″ × 8.3″ (54 × 33 × 21cm)

The Allpa 35L is the largest backpack we recommend for Ryanair without Priority. At 54 × 33 × 21cm, it technically exceeds the free limit (40 × 30 × 20cm) on all three dimensions, but the margin is small on width and depth, and the smaller 35L capacity and soft-sided construction mean it often passes gate inspection when compressed.

Not guaranteed Ryanair enforcement is strict and unpredictable. But it works more often than 40L bags. Superior organization with multiple pockets, compression straps, and separate shoe compartment. Cotopaxi is a certified B-Corporation.

Read Review Cotopaxi Allpa 35L on Amazon

Osprey Farpoint 40 (NOT RECOMMENDED without Priority)

Price: $199

Capacity: 40L

Dimensions: 21.7″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″ (55 × 35 × 23cm)

Ryanair risk: VERY HIGH without Priority

The Farpoint 40 is excellent for most airlines, but Ryanair is different. At 55 × 35 × 23cm, it exceeds the free personal item limit in all three dimensions. You’ll need to purchase Priority boarding (€10-45) or pay gate fees (€25-70).

Use this bag for: Airlines with standard carry-on limits or buy Ryanair Priority when booking.

Read Full Review Osprey Farpoint 40 on Amazon

Osprey Fairview 40 (NOT RECOMMENDED without Priority)

Osprey Fairview 40 women's travel backpack

Price: $200

Capacity: 40L

Dimensions: 21.3″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″ (54 × 35 × 23cm)

Ryanair risk: VERY HIGH without Priority

Same issue as the Farpoint: excellent bag, wrong airline without Priority. The women-specific fit doesn’t change the fact that this exceeds Ryanair’s free allowance. Purchase Priority or expect gate fees.

Read Review Osprey Fairview 40 on Amazon

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro (NOT RECOMMENDED without Priority)

Price: $350

Capacity: 40L

Dimensions: 22″ × 14.2″ × 9.1″ (56 × 36 × 23cm)

Ryanair risk: GUARANTEED gate fee without Priority

Premium bag, wrong use case without Priority. The Tortuga Pro’s structured construction means it won’t compress to fit Ryanair’s sizer. You’ll pay €25-70 at the gate unless you buy Priority boarding.

Read Review Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L on Amazon

Comparison Table

Backpack	Price	Capacity	Dimensions	Fits Ryanair	Empty Weight
Osprey Farpoint 40	$199	40L	21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in	No (depth exceeds 20cm)	3.5 lbs
Osprey Fairview 40	$200	40L	21.3 x 13.8 x 9.1 in	No (depth exceeds 20cm)	3.5 lbs
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L	$230	35L	21.3 x 13 x 8.3 in	No (depth exceeds 20cm)	3.4 lbs
Nomatic 30L	$310	30L	18.9 x 13 x 8.5 in	No (depth exceeds 20cm)	4.0 lbs
Tortuga Pro 40L	$350	40L	22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in	No (depth exceeds 20cm)	4.5 lbs
Peak Design 45L	$300	30-45L	22 x 13 x 9.5 in	At 35L only	4.8 lbs
Osprey Daylite 26+6	$110	26-32L	16.9 x 13 x 6.3 in	Yes	1.85 lbs
Patagonia Black Hole 25L	$175	25L	18.9 x 11.8 x 5.9 in	Yes	1.4 lbs

Ryanair depth limit: Ryanair’s Priority carry-on allows a maximum depth of 20 cm (7.9 inches), which is the strictest depth limit of any airline we track. Every full-size travel backpack in our lineup exceeds this. Only the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 and the Patagonia Black Hole 25L fit within the Priority carry-on dimensions. If you want a free bag on Ryanair (personal item only), no backpack over 30L will fit the 40 x 30 x 20 cm slot.

What to Expect at Ryanair Gates

Ryanair’s business model depends on strict baggage enforcement:

Every Flight

Gate agents use metal sizing frames. If your bag doesn’t fit even by 1cm you pay €25-70 on the spot. No exceptions.

Best Strategy

Pack small (under 35L), or buy Priority boarding (€10-45) when booking. Much cheaper than gate fees.

Common Questions

Can I bring a 40L backpack on Ryanair for free?

No. Ryanair’s free personal item limit is 40 × 30 × 20cm (15.7″ × 11.8″ × 7.9″). Most 40L backpacks exceed this in all dimensions. You’ll need Priority boarding (€10-45) or face gate fees (€25-70).

Does Ryanair actually measure bags?

Yes, at every gate with metal sizing frames. Ryanair enforcement is among the strictest in Europe. This is their revenue model they make significant income from baggage fees.

What happens if my bag doesn’t fit?

You pay €25-70 at the gate to check it. No negotiations. This is more expensive than buying Priority boarding online (€10-45).

Is Priority boarding worth it?

Yes, if you need to bring a normal-sized travel backpack (40L). Priority costs €10-45 and includes: (1) overhead locker access for a 10kg bag up to 55 × 40 × 20cm, and (2) priority boarding queue. Much cheaper than gate fees.

Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L guaranteed to work?

No backpack is guaranteed with Ryanair except those that truly fit 40 × 30 × 20cm. The Allpa 35L exceeds this but works more often than 40L bags due to smaller capacity and soft construction. Be prepared to buy Priority or pay fees.

Related Airline Guides

Last updated: August 2026. Always verify current limits at ryanair.com before travel, as policies can change.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve researched thoroughly. Read our full disclosure policy.