Ryanair passengers travelling with infants and children can take three items of luggage onboard flights this summer completely free of charge, the budget airline has confirmed. Under the carrier's bag policy, every passenger is permitted one small bag that can be carried on board at no extra cost, so long as it fits underneath the seat in front. Ryanair rules state this small bag can be a backpack, handbag or laptop bag, and must be no larger than 40 x 30 x 20cm. Any carry-on bags that exceed these dimensions face a charge between £9.49 and £44.99, depending on the route and date of travel.
Additional Free Items for Families
But Ryanair passengers with infants and children are permitted to take two additional luggage items onboard flights for free, which is great news for families heading abroad during the peak holiday season this summer. Ryanair's luggage policy allows passengers to carry-on two items of baby equipment per child free of charge, in addition to the small cabin bag allowance, making three free luggage items in total. Baby equipment can include items like a pushchair, car seat, booster seat or travel cot, which must be checked in and tagged at the airport desk or at the boarding gate.
Fees for Extra Baby Items
Any other baby items that passengers need to take, up to a maximum weight of 20kg, can be checked in but passengers must pay an infant/child equipment fee. This is priced at £15 if items are added at the time of booking, or £20 post-booking or at the airport, and the fee is charged per item, per one way flight.
Allowance for Lap Infants
Infants aged between eight days and 23 months don’t get a cabin bag allowance on Ryanair, but the airline does allow a baby bag of up to 5kg, with the dimensions 45 x 35 x 20cm, free of charge for babies travelling on an adult’s lap.
Official Policy Statement
Explaining the policy, Ryanair said: "Ryanair allows two free carry-on baby equipment items, such as a pushchair or car seat, which must be tagged at check-in or boarding. Only forward-facing car seats (max width 17 inches/43 cm) approved for air and motor vehicle use are permitted. Extra baby equipment can be checked in for a fee."
The airline added: "You can bring two items of carry-on baby equipment for free. This can include a pushchair/buggy, car seat, booster seat or travel cot. These will need to be tagged at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate. You will be able to use your pushchair/buggy until you get to the steps of the aircraft. Depending on your arrival airport you may find it at the steps of the aircraft or in the arrival's baggage hall. Check with the ground staff as you disembark the aircraft."
Car Seat Rules
"If you bring a car seat for an infant under two years of age and wish them to sit in this car seat for the duration of the flight, you will need to book an extra seat for them. You may bring a car seat on board for an infant or child if it is approved for flying. Ryanair only permit forward facing car seats."
Travel Tips for Families
Ryanair recommends that families travelling with baby equipment arrive at the airport check-in or bag drop desk two hours before their scheduled departure time. Baby changing facilities are available onboard at the rear, or middle of the aircraft, and cabin crew can warm baby bottles if needed, but the airline cannot cook or heat up baby food onboard.
