Ryanair's Hand Luggage Rules: Surprising Items You Can Bring Onboard
Ryanair enforces stringent hand luggage regulations, with the complimentary small personal bag limited to dimensions of 40x30x20cm. However, travellers might be astonished to learn about the array of unusual items permitted onboard, offering a blend of flexibility within strict safety parameters.
Understanding Ryanair's Free Small Personal Bag Policy
Most airlines, including Ryanair, allow passengers to carry a small personal bag free of charge, provided it fits beneath the seat. Failure to adhere to the 40x30x20cm size limit without purchasing additional hand luggage can result in significant fines, making it crucial to pack purposefully and efficiently.
Permitted Unusual Items: From Ashes to Parachutes
While Ryanair prohibits items like certain razors, alcoholic beverages, and sports equipment, the airline surprisingly allows human ashes in cabin bags. This requires accompanying documentation, such as a death certificate and cremation certificate, with ashes securely packaged in a screw-top container to prevent breakage.
Additionally, passengers can bring parachutes, including paragliding wings, in their carry-on luggage, as long as they conform to standard size and weight restrictions. For enhanced safety, personal life jackets are permitted, provided they contain two carbon dioxide cylinders and two spares.
Electronic Devices and Battery Regulations
Confusion often surrounds electronic devices in hand luggage, but Ryanair's policy is notably generous. The airline permits up to 15 personal electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld gaming consoles, headphones, and power banks. Each device must not exceed 100 Wh, with spare lithium batteries individually protected to prevent short circuits—either in original packaging, with taped terminals, or in separate plastic bags.
Strictly Prohibited Items for Safety Reasons
Ryanair bans items that could cause harm or pose significant dangers. The prohibited list includes:
- Guns, firearms, and projectile devices
- Stunning devices and explosives
- Chopping tools like axes and cleavers
- Knives with blades over 6cm, scissors over 6cm, and martial arts equipment
- Swords, sabres, and sharp-edged items
- Tools such as crowbars, drills, and hammers
- Sports equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, and cricket bats
These items are not allowed onboard for health and safety reasons, though some may be carried in checked luggage under specific conditions.
Liquids and Screening Procedures
For liquids, each container must not exceed 100ml and must be placed in a single, transparent plastic bag measuring up to 20cm x 20cm. Ryanair requires the bag to be completely sealable and stored within hand luggage, where it will likely be removed for separate screening during security checks.
By understanding these regulations, travellers can navigate Ryanair's hand luggage policies more effectively, ensuring a smoother and less stressful journey while taking advantage of the airline's surprising allowances.
