Ryanair’s strict new luggage rules – and £46 backpack that will swerve them

If you’ve recently flown with Ryanair, you might have noticed that the airline has become more stringent about their luggage allowances. Gone are the days when you could show up with any carry-on case or backpack; now, your bag must adhere to its specific dimensions of 40x20x25cm.

In fact, one Mirror journalist observed 12 passengers on her flight being charged a £46 fee for checking in their ‘slightly larger’ bags because they didn’t fit these dimensions. Some were under the impression that their cases would be small enough to carry on, but airport staff insisted on the specified dimensions.

Journalist Emily wrote: “In the 15-or-so minutes until we were allowed to board, we saw plenty of others having to measure their cases and 12 (yes we counted) had to pay to upgrade when their bags didn’t fit. One woman with an over-stuffed backpack started pulling clothes out of her bag and shoving them on top of her outfit to lighten the load. It worked and she was allowed to go through without paying.”

So, what’s the solution? Emily bought a case specifically designed to meet the strict Ryanair size specifications. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, she suggests Amazon’s Cabin Bag 40x20x25 Underseat Foldable Travel Duffel Bag, available here for £9.99 in 28 colour options.

Or, if you’re looking for something that will last you for years and double your wardrobe capacity thanks to its smart compression straps, consider splashing out on Antler’s Chelsea Backpack in Woodland Green, priced at £140 here. With hundreds of five-star reviews from travellers, you’ll be feeling pretty pleased with yourself when you strut up to the check-in desks with it.

One satisfied customer raves: “Absolutely thrilled with the backpack which complements the hard case set I bought earlier in the year. Great for travelling, carries my laptop easily and all the handy pockets are fab. Also love the way it zips all the way and opens like a suitcase so everything is easily reachable. Awesome.”

Another writes: “Beautiful material and very well made. Colour quite subtle! Great for a smaller hand luggage for long-haul flying. Superb all round bag,” while a third gushes: “Love this backpack the material both inside and exterior is superior quality lightweight before filled with clothes.”

The green version of this backpack has previously sold out due to high demand, so if you fancy one for yourself, you’d better act fast!

If you’re jetting off for more than a weekend and need a bit more room, Emily also has a useful tip for Ryanair passengers: ” It costs from £6 to add a bigger cabin bag and upgrade to Priority Boarding when you book, so if you struggle to pack light, it might be worth doing so to save yourself 40 quid,” she suggests.

In this case, we highly recommend the Antler’s Icon Stripe Cabin Bag with Expander, priced at £185, which is also available in a stylish green shade.