Ryanair frequently highlights a widespread error among travelers: packing bags that exceed size limits. This issue draws significant attention, especially through the airline’s engaging social media content.
Ryanair’s Strict Baggage Rules
All Ryanair fares include one small personal bag measuring 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, which must fit under the seat, such as a handbag or laptop bag. Passengers can opt for priority boarding to add a 10kg cabin bag or checked luggage options of 10kg, 20kg (up to three bags), or one 23kg bag. Infants receive a 5kg baby bag and two baby equipment items free of charge.
Despite clear guidelines, many passengers overlook these restrictions, leading to surprises at check-in.
Viral TikTok Video Spotlights the Blunder
A recent TikTok video from Ryanair uses humor to depict an animated traveler dragging a comically oversized suitcase toward the check-in desk. On-screen text labels him the “average Ryanair passenger.” A voiceover announces, “Your bag is too big, sir,” followed by common excuses staff hear: “It fit at home,” “This is unfair,” “How could you do this?” and “I’m never flying Ryanair again.”
The clip has attracted over 245,900 views and sparked hundreds of comments. One viewer noted, “It is like their first time every time! Never ceases to amaze me. It is not as if you don’t get enough reminders either as to what you have booked and paid for.” Another asked jokingly, “What bag should I bring then?????????” A third shared, “My uncle does that,” prompting Ryanair’s reply: “He will be charged.”
Other responses included quips like, “Does paying extra at the gate magically make the bag smaller/lighter?” and “At the gate they say that you can carry 2 bags a person though.” One user humorously suggested, “I’ll just travel by unicorn instead.”
About Ryanair
Founded in 1985 by Irish aviation executive Christopher Ryan and businessman Tony Ryan, the airline offers Europe’s lowest fares. It operates a fleet of 613 aircraft, primarily single-aisle Boeing 737s, including the 737-8-200 customized for higher capacity and lower costs per passenger.
Ryanair runs 3,500 short-haul flights daily to around 230 airports in over 40 European countries, plus destinations in Turkey, Jordan, and Morocco. Headquartered in Swords, County Dublin, Ireland, it ranks as the world’s largest airline by passenger numbers, fleet size, and flights, and second globally by market capitalization after Delta Air Lines.
