Can I Take a Backpack As Hand Luggage on Ryanair | Best Guide in 2023

Ryanair is one of the most popular budget airlines in Europe, and it has strict rules and regulations when it comes to hand luggage. If you’re traveling with Ryanair, you need to be aware of the airline’s hand luggage policy and restrictions to avoid any hassle at the airport.

One of the most common questions asked by passengers is, “Can I take a backpack as hand luggage on Ryanair?” The answer is yes, but there are specific guidelines that you need to follow.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about taking a backpack as hand luggage on Ryanair, including the size and weight restrictions, what you can and can’t carry on board, and tips to make your travel experience hassle-free.

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Understanding Ryanair’s Hand Luggage Policy

Ryanair has a strict hand luggage policy that limits the weight and size of your cabin baggage. Passengers are allowed to bring one cabin bag and one personal item on board, but the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Ryanair’s weight and size restrictions for cabin baggage are as follows:

• Cabin baggage cannot weigh more than 10kg.
• Cabin baggage must be no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

Personal items like backpacks must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed the following dimensions:

• 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.

If your cabin baggage or personal item exceeds these limits, you may be charged extra fees or be required to check in your bags.

In addition to weight and size restrictions, Ryanair also has a list of prohibited items that cannot be brought on board, such as weapons, explosives, and liquids over 100ml.

Types of Backpacks Allowed on Ryanair

To qualify as a personal item on Ryanair, your backpack must fit under the seat in front of you and meet the dimensions mentioned above. When selecting a backpack for your Ryanair flight, it’s important to consider the size and weight of your backpack, as well as its durability and storage capacity.

Some recommended backpacks for Ryanair include the Osprey Farpoint 40, the Cabin Max Backpack, and the Hynes Eagle 40L Backpack. However, it’s important to note that some backpacks may not be allowed on Ryanair flights, such as hiking backpacks with external frames or bulky backpacks that exceed the size limit.

Related: How To Protect Your Backpack When Checked as Luggage

Packing Your Backpack for Ryanair

When packing your backpack for Ryanair, it’s important to follow the guidelines to avoid overweight charges and ensure a hassle-free experience. Some tips for maximizing space and avoiding overweight charges include:

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space.
• Wear your heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane.
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to save space.
• Pack only what you need for your trip to avoid overpacking.

If you are traveling with Ryanair’s Priority boarding option, you can bring an additional small bag on board. However, if you are traveling with Ryanair’s non-Priority boarding option, your backpack must fit under the seat in front of you.

Boarding Ryanair with a Backpack

Ryanair’s Priority and non-Priority boarding policies determine the order in which passengers board the plane. If you are traveling with Ryanair’s Priority boarding option, you will be allowed to bring an additional small bag on board. If you are traveling with Ryanair’s non-Priority boarding option, you must board the plane with only your personal item (backpack) and your cabin baggage must be placed in the overhead bin.

When boarding the plane, it’s important to follow Ryanair’s rules for stowing backpacks. Your backpack must be placed under the seat in front of you and not in the overhead bin, as this space is reserved for cabin baggage.

Alternatives to Backpacks on Ryanair

While backpacks are allowed on Ryanair flights, there may be situations where you’ll want to consider alternative luggage options. For example, if you plan on bringing a lot of heavy items, a backpack may not be the most comfortable option for carrying them around. In this case, a small rolling suitcase or a duffel bag with wheels may be a better choice.

It’s also worth considering that Ryanair charges additional fees for checked luggage. If you’re planning on bringing more than just a backpack, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a larger suitcase and check it in rather than paying for multiple pieces of hand luggage.

Related: Best Carry-On Luggage with a Laptop Compartment

Ryanair’s Bag Drop and Check-in Process for Backpacks

If you’re traveling with a backpack as your only piece of luggage, you can use Ryanair’s online check-in service and proceed directly to security at the airport. However, if your backpack is deemed too big or overweight at the gate, you may be required to check it in and pay an additional fee.

To avoid any surprises, it’s best to measure and weigh your backpack before leaving for the airport. If you’re unsure whether your backpack meets Ryanair’s size and weight limits, you can check their website or contact their customer service for clarification.

In conclusion, bringing a backpack as hand luggage on Ryanair is definitely possible as long as you follow the airline’s guidelines and restrictions. By packing smartly, choosing the right boarding option, and considering alternative luggage options when necessary, you can enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with Ryanair.

How to Avoid Extra Fees for Your Backpack on Ryanair

While Ryanair allows passengers to bring a backpack as hand luggage, there are several fees and charges that you need to be aware of to avoid any unexpected expenses. Here’s what you need to know to avoid extra fees for your backpack on Ryanair.

Ryanair’s Baggage Fees and Charges for Overweight and Oversized Bags

Ryanair’s baggage fees are some of the highest in the industry, and they can quickly add up if you’re not careful. The airline charges a flat fee of $28 which is €25 in euros for any bag that exceeds the size or weight limits for hand luggage, as well as an additional fee of $11 which is €10 in euros per kilogram for any bag that exceeds the weight limit of 10kg.

If your backpack is deemed too big or overweight at the gate, you’ll be required to check it in and pay the additional fees. It’s important to note that these fees can be much higher if you don’t pay in advance, so it’s best to check the airline’s website for the latest fees and charges before you fly.

Tips for Avoiding Extra Charges

To avoid any extra fees for your backpack on Ryanair, it’s important to pack smartly and weigh your backpack before leaving for the airport. Here are some tips to help you avoid extra charges:

• Measure and weigh your backpack before leaving for the airport to make sure it meets Ryanair’s size and weight limits.
• Pack only what you need and try to travel lightly to avoid exceeding the weight limit.
• Consider purchasing Priority boarding to ensure that you can bring your backpack on board and store it in the overhead compartment.
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and avoid bulging or overweight backpacks.
• Wear your heaviest or bulkiest items, such as jackets or boots, to reduce the weight and size of your backpack.

Related: How Many Liters is Carry-On Luggage? A Comprehensive Guide

What to Do If You Need to Change Your Booking

If you need to change your booking on Ryanair, it’s important to note that you may be charged additional fees. The airline’s fees for changing a booking can vary depending on the type of ticket you’ve purchased and the time of the change.

To avoid any extra charges, it’s best to make any necessary changes to your booking as early as possible. If you need to change your booking due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a natural disaster, you may be able to request a waiver of the change fee.

Ryanair’s Lost or Damaged Backpack Policy

If your backpack is lost or damaged during your Ryanair flight, you may be eligible for compensation under the airline’s policy. However, it’s important to note that the airline’s liability is limited, and they may not cover the full value of your backpack and its contents.

What to Do If Your Backpack is Lost or Damaged on Ryanair

If your backpack is lost or damaged on a Ryanair flight, you should report it to the airline’s customer service as soon as possible. You’ll need to provide a detailed description of your backpack, including its brand, model, and contents.

Ryanair may offer compensation for lost or damaged backpacks, but the amount will depend on the airline’s liability and the value of your backpack and its contents. It’s important to keep any receipts or proof of purchase for your backpack and its contents in case you need to provide them to the airline.

Ryanair’s Compensation Policy for Lost or Damaged Bags

Under Ryanair’s policy, the airline will provide compensation for lost or damaged bags up to a maximum of may be subject to certain limitations and exclusions, such as the airline’s liability for fragile or valuable items.

It’s important to note that Ryanair’s compensation policy only applies to bags that are lost or damaged due to the airline’s fault, such as mishandling or theft. If your backpack is lost or damaged due to your own negligence, such as leaving it unattended or packing prohibited items, you may not be eligible for compensation.

Also Read: Best Trolley Sleeve on a Backpack – Convenient Travel Solution

What You Should Know About Ryanair’s Liability

Ryanair’s liability for lost or damaged bags is governed by the Montreal Convention, which sets out the airline’s obligations and limits of liability. Under the convention, Ryanair’s liability is limited to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger, which is approximately $1,539 which is €1400 in euros.

It’s important to note that this liability limit applies to both checked and hand luggage, and the airline may not cover the full value of your backpack and its contents. If you’re traveling with valuable or fragile items, it’s recommended that you purchase additional insurance to cover any potential losses or damages.

In conclusion, taking a backpack as hand luggage on Ryanair is allowed, but it’s important to follow the airline’s guidelines and rules to avoid any extra fees or charges. By packing smartly, weighing your backpack before leaving for the airport, and considering Ryanair’s Priority boarding option, you can ensure a hassle-free and cost-effective travel experience. In case of lost or damaged backpacks, it’s important to report the issue to the airline’s customer service as soon as possible and keep any receipts or proof of purchase to support your claim for compensation.

Conclusion

Taking a backpack as hand luggage on Ryanair is a convenient and cost-effective option for many travelers. However, it’s important to pack smartly, follow the airline’s guidelines, and consider your boarding options to avoid any extra fees or charges. If your backpack is lost or damaged, report the issue to the airline’s customer service as soon as possible and keep any receipts or proof of purchase to support your claim for compensation.

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