Ryanair - How strict with backpacks?

Posted 8th Mar 2022

Hi all,

I will be travelling via Ryanair and I have this backpack.

argos.co.uk/pro…405

I know it’s bigger than what Ryanair technically allow (They allow 40x25x20) but do you think they will allow this to be put under the seat? This way, I do not have to pay for additional baggage.

Anyone have experience of something like this being accepted? It looks like a normal backpack, although it is slightly bigger I suppose.

Anyone have experience of how lenient or non lenient they are?

Thanks

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8th Mar
You might be lucky of course but you're trying to cheat them, so if you get caught and clobbered with a big bill you'll have no reason to complain. I've seen MANY people over the years get caught. 58cm is WAY over 40.
Even if you get away with it outbound there is always the return to catch you out. (edited)
8th Mar
If it was slightly over it might be acceptable or worth taking a chance, but size H58, W36, D22cm is not even close.
8th Mar
Don’t they make everyone put their hand luggage in those metal frames to make sure they’re within size? If it don’t fit in they charge you.
8th Mar
Size of your backpack is H58, W36, D22cm, Dont think you have a hope as they are quite particular especially at the moment and you will incur a higher charge at the airport.
8th Mar
I would say it's too big and you're unlikely to get away with putting that under your seat
8th Mar
Ioa08/03/2022 14:52
The only reason I’m asking is because even though they have the m …The only reason I’m asking is because even though they have the measurements, the whole idea is for it to fit under the seat, which this will easily do. From my understanding, if it easily fits under the seat, it shouldn’t be a problem but yes I’m not sure if I want to take the risk to be honest!

Your logic and understanding is unfortunately irrelevant. Only their rules matter.
8th Mar
Ryanair would charge you for the air you breathe if they could get away with it. I wouldn't risk it. That's way over the permitted size
8th Mar
Ioa08/03/2022 14:52
The only reason I’m asking is because even though they have the m …The only reason I’m asking is because even though they have the measurements, the whole idea is for it to fit under the seat, which this will easily do. From my understanding, if it easily fits under the seat, it shouldn’t be a problem but yes I’m not sure if I want to take the risk to be honest!

Well rules are rules with airlines.
But you might get away with it depending how full it is. If its stuffed to the max it will be obviously that its too big.

If its got some small items in it and can fold, then they might miss it.
8th Mar
IME it's entirely on the staff. I've seen people charged for very slight variations, and other times I've seen people walk on with very obviously larger bags. If loads of people have bags you're more likely to get them catching ones for the hold than if few have, and right now they're playing catchup on all the money they lost during covid.

I'd just buy the right sized bag, but if it's only half filled so will still fit in the sizer you could try reasoning?
8th Mar
You are taking the whatsit with this. if you get away with it, you can feel happy. if not, please realise it is totally your problem and be polite. you will delay others in the queue. dont even think of resisting it going in the hold
8th Mar
Sometimes they let ppl in with huge bags on without a word. Another time they charge or having bag 1cm bigger. It depends who is there and how the day goes. Usually when they see someone trying it (like your bag) they get * off and check and charge everyone just to get a point. Remember, to you it may look slightly bigger but they see hundreds of bags every day and can say just by look if it's within limits or not.

I personally would not risk it.
8th Mar
They're ruthless
8th Mar
Hang on, forget about Ryanair for a moment, that was an amazing deal for that backpack- £9, down from £48! (edited)
9th Mar
Player_One08/03/2022 15:01
Well rules are rules with airlines.But you might get away with it …Well rules are rules with airlines.But you might get away with it depending how full it is. If its stuffed to the max it will be obviously that its too big.If its got some small items in it and can fold, then they might miss it.

If they question it they will be a case of asking you to place into the metal cages built to the size they accept.

If it fits (even seen someone jumping on one to make it fit) then they will accept it.

So semi right above in the sense that is not over packed and you can force it into one of their cages then nothing to worry about

Alternatively if you fill it with lots of clothes and it is too big then you could try and wear them all at the same time to make it smaller (and yes I have seen this done) - lady looked to be rather warm by the time she got on the plane and then unwrapped
Author
8th Mar
The only reason I’m asking is because even though they have the measurements, the whole idea is for it to fit under the seat, which this will easily do. From my understanding, if it easily fits under the seat, it shouldn’t be a problem but yes I’m not sure if I want to take the risk to be honest!
Author
8th Mar
Haha, point noted everyone. Better to be safe. Thanks!
10th Mar
S
bozo00708/03/2022 20:17
Your logic and understanding is unfortunately irrelevant. Only their rules …Your logic and understanding is unfortunately irrelevant. Only their rules matter.

Size is important
13th Mar
So... Did they put their knee on your neck and threatened to blacksite you or they smiled and wave you through?
We the people, at HUKD will like to know.
3 m ago
58cm, the seat in front of you will have your luggage as a footrest!