Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
British Airways vs Ryanair: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for British Airways and Ryanair, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- British Airways' carry-on limit is roomier (22 x 18 x 10 in) than Ryanair's (55 x 40 x 20 cm), about 43% more space.
- British Airways: no published carry-on weight limit. Ryanair: 10 kg (22 lb) carry-on weight limit.
- British Airways includes a carry-on, while Ryanair charges for a full-size carry-on on its cheapest fare.
- Ryanair's personal item allowance (40 x 30 x 20 cm) is bigger than British Airways' (16 x 12 x 6 in).
| British Airways | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 22 x 18 x 10 in / 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm / about 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in |
| Carry-on weight | No published limit | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included | Paid extra (Needs Priority & 2 Cabin Bags) |
| Personal item | 16 x 12 x 6 in / 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 40 x 30 x 20 cm / about 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in |
| Checked bag size | 90 x 75 x 43 cm | 80 x 120 x 120 cm |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (51 lb) per bag in economy, 32 kg (71 lb) max for any bag | 20 kg (44 lb) per bag in economy, 32 kg (71 lb) max for any bag |
| Online check-in opens | 24 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) | 60 min before |
| At the gate by | 20 min before | 30 min before |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | 2 (up to 100 Wh); in-flight use: allowed except taxi, take-off and landing; no recharging it on board |
Carry-on that fits both
55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Flying both on one trip? The trip checker shows which airline sets each limit, and the gate card keeps the rules on your phone.
Will your bag fit?
Measure with wheels, handles and pockets included. The order of the sides doesn't matter.
Questions people ask
Is the British Airways carry-on bigger than Ryanair?
British Airways' carry-on limit is roomier (22 x 18 x 10 in) than Ryanair's (55 x 40 x 20 cm), about 43% more space.
What carry-on size fits both British Airways and Ryanair?
A bag no bigger than 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) fits both carry-on limits, and 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) fits both personal item limits. Check weight limits too.