Packing Tips for Ryanair’s Small Luggage Size

Ryanair, one of Europe's most popular budget airlines, has a strict policy for carry-on luggage size. The official measurement is 40 x 20 x 20 cm, but they also offer a slightly larger option: 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This measurement can seem daunting, especially if you're planning a week-long trip. However, with a well-planned packing strategy and a few travel hacks, you can make the most of your limited space.

Understanding the Luggage Size

Ryanair’s carry-on size is actually 4225 cm in total volume, which is approximately 24 liters. This might be easier to visualize if you break it down:

While fitting all your week's worth of clothes might seem impossible, with a bit of creativity, you can manage. The key is to plan your clothing well and pack efficiently. The airline allows a small bag in the cabin if it fits into the same dimensions, which can be a helpful addition if you can’t fit everything else.

Strategic Packing Tips

1. Plan Your Clothing Well

The first step is to plan out your outfits for the week. Coordinate your clothing so that you can mix and match pieces. For instance, you can wear the same skirt or pants multiple days but switch up your blouses or add different accessories. This approach allows you to reduce the number of items you need to pack.

For example, you can wear a pair of jeans with a wide variety of t-shirts or blouses. A simple skirt can be paired with different blouses, cardigans, and sweaters. This way, you only need a few key pieces to create different outfits.

2. Fold and Roll Your Clothes

Folding your clothes instead of packing them in bags can save space and prevent wrinkles. Additionally, roll your clothes tightly to maximize the space. Rolling also allows you to fit more items into the limited space of your carry-on bag. For instance, you can roll a t-shirt and place it on top of a pair of pants to save height.

3. Use a Compression System

Another option is to invest in a compression system. These bags help to reduce the overall size of your clothing, making them easier to fit into your carry-on. You can also buy bags that are specifically designed to fit the exact size required by Ryanair, ensuring that your luggage will pass the gate check with ease.

4. Bring Only Essentials

You don’t need to bring everything you own. Focus on bringing items that are versatile and can be mixed and matched. For example, you can pack a few pairs of underwear, socks, and undershirts that you can wash in the sink. This way, you don’t need to bring a large number of clothes. You can also use a small personal item that has a small bag for makeup and toiletries.

Alternative Options

While it is possible to pack a week's worth of clothes into a 40 x 20 x 20 cm carry-on bag, it is quite challenging. If you find that you are struggling to fit everything, it might be worth considering paying for additional checked luggage. Ryanair offers the option to pay for extra weight, such as 15kg or 20kg, which can make your journey much more comfortable and stress-free.

Conclusion

With careful planning and some clever packing techniques, it is possible to fit a week's worth of clothes into a Ryanair carry-on luggage. By coordinating your clothing, rolling and folding your clothes, using a compression system, and packing only the essentials, you can save space and reduce clutter. However, if you're finding it too difficult, consider paying for additional checked luggage for a more relaxed travel experience.