Will Ryanair Carry-on Be Free in 2027
Published on July 28, 2026 by Luggage Validator
The short answer is yes but with limits. From 2027 Ryanair must include a free cabin bag in the first price you see when you book. But the free bag will be smaller than the current Ryanair Priority bag. The exact size is expected to be 100 cm total or less and 7 kg or less. If your bag is bigger than that you will still need to pay.
This page explains exactly what free means under the new rules and what you need to know if you fly Ryanair a lot.
Based on EU political agreement from June 2026 and Parliament approval from July 2026. The final rules depend on the official publication. Ryanair has not yet changed its policy.
What "Free" Really Means
Many news stories say "Ryanair carry-on will be free". That is true but it does not tell the whole story. Here is what free really means.
- Free does not mean you can bring any bag of any size for no cost.
- Free means the standard EU cabin bag up to about 100 cm total and 7 kg is included in the default fare.
- Free does not mean all fares must include a bag. Ryanair can still sell a cheaper fare without a bag as long as you choose it yourself.
- Free does not mean your current 55 × 40 × 20 cm Ryanair Priority bag will be free. That bag is 115 cm total and is too big for the new free allowance.
What Bag Will Be Free on Ryanair in 2027
| What You Get | Size | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item (free) | ~40 × 30 × 15 cm | No stated limit | Must fit under the seat. Similar to today's free small bag |
| Standard cabin bag (free) | ≤ 100 cm total (L+W+H) | ≤ 7 kg | Goes in the overhead bin. New free item from 2027 |
| Ryanair Priority bag (paid) | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (115 cm) | 10 kg | Likely still available as a paid extra |
Examples of Bags That Fit the 100 cm Rule
| Bag Size | Total | Free in 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 100 cm | Yes fits exactly |
| 48 × 34 × 18 cm | 100 cm | Yes fits exactly |
| 50 × 30 × 20 cm | 100 cm | Yes fits exactly |
| 50 × 35 × 20 cm | 105 cm | No 5 cm too big |
| 55 × 35 × 20 cm | 110 cm | No 10 cm too big |
| 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 115 cm | No 15 cm too big |
When Will This Happen
The EU rules will not start before mid to late 2027 at the very earliest. The law must first be published in the Official Journal of the EU. Then airlines have about 12 months to get ready.
| Step | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Council formal adoption | 13 July 2026 (completed) |
| Publication in Official Journal | Late 2026 (expected) |
| Regulation enters into force | 20 days after publication |
| Rules become fully applicable | ~12 months after entry into force, so late 2027 |
For your next Ryanair flight in 2026 or early 2027 nothing has changed. Keep booking Priority if you want to bring a cabin bag.
What Will Ryanair Do
Ryanair has a history of fighting rules that cost it money. The CEO has called the new law "bureaucratic bunkum". But once the law starts Ryanair must follow it or face big fines.
Here is what Ryanair will most likely do.
- Create a new fare that includes the free 100 cm 7 kg cabin bag. This fare will cost more than today's Basic fare.
- Keep a no bag fare that is cheaper but you choose it by opting out of the free bag.
- Keep Priority as a paid extra for people who want a bigger bag 10 kg or early boarding.
- Raise base fares by a few euros to spread the cost of the free bags across all tickets.
How Much More Will Ryanair Tickets Cost
No one knows the exact number yet. Media and industry reports suggest base fares could go up by €5 to €15 on budget airline routes. But there is a lot of competition on European routes so Ryanair cannot raise prices too much without losing customers to easyJet or Wizz Air.
If you never bring a cabin bag and always pick the no bag opt-out fare your price should stay about the same.
What You Should Do Now
If you fly in 2026 or early 2027:
- Keep booking Priority if you need a cabin bag. The new rules are not in place yet.
- Do not buy new luggage until the final rules are published.
If you want to be ready for 2027:
- Measure your current cabin bag. If it is over 100 cm total you may need a smaller one later.
- Look for bags around 45 × 35 × 20 cm or similar shapes that add up to 100 cm or less.
- Soft bags and backpacks are better than hard shell cases because they can adjust to fit.
When booking Ryanair flights from 2027 onward:
- Read the fare details carefully. Ryanair may change fare names and what is included.
- If you need a bigger bag than 100 cm or more than 7 kg book Priority or pay the extra bag fee.
- If you only bring a small under seat bag choose the no bag fare to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still bring my old 55 cm cabin bag on Ryanair in 2027 without paying?
Probably not. If the free bag limit is 100 cm total and your bag is 115 cm total you will need to pay for Priority or an extra bag fee. The 55 cm bag is too big for the free allowance.
Will Ryanair gate staff still check bag sizes in 2027?
Yes. Ryanair is known for strict size checks at the gate. With the new rules they will probably still use sizers and check that free bags meet the 100 cm limit. Bags that are too big will get a gate fee.
What if my bag is exactly 100 cm?
If your bag measures exactly 100 cm total it should be accepted as the free cabin bag. But make sure you measure with the wheels and handles because they count in the total.
Will the under seat bag size change on Ryanair?
The new EU personal item rule is about 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Ryanair's current free small bag is 40 × 30 × 20 cm. Both share the same length and width, but the Ryanair bag is 5 cm taller. Most backpacks and laptop bags will work for both.
Sources and Official References
Last updated: July 2026. Based on EU Parliament and Council political agreement from June and July 2026. Ryanair has announced no policy changes yet. Check RyanAir before you book. This page is for information only.