Ryanair And Aer Lingus Tighten Carry-On Regulations For 2026: What You Need To Know To Ensure Your Luggage Fits The New Size Limits And Avoid High Fees At The Gate

Published on January 8, 2026

Ryanair and Aer Lingus have both updated their hand luggage policies for 2026, with new size limits and stricter rules designed to ensure smoother travel experiences. These changes are crucial for travelers to understand, as failing to comply with the updated regulations could lead to additional fees or delays at the airport. With Ryanair reducing the size of its free personal bag and Aer Lingus expanding its carry-on allowances, passengers need to stay informed about what’s allowed in order to avoid last-minute surprises.

As cold weather grips Europe and the UK, many travelers are already looking ahead to their 2026 journeys. With some of the most popular low-cost airlines updating their hand luggage policies, it’s essential for passengers to stay informed about the changes to avoid unexpected fees or being prevented from boarding. Ryanair and Aer Lingus have both introduced new rules this year, impacting how passengers can bring their belongings onto planes.

Ryanair’s Updated Hand Luggage Rules for 2026

Ryanair has made adjustments to its free personal bag policy. The airline now allows passengers to carry a small bag under the seat for free, but it must meet new size requirements. The updated dimensions for the free personal bag are 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, an increase from last year’s 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. The bag must still fit under the seat in front of the passenger, and anything larger could either be denied boarding or incur an expensive fee.

If a bag exceeds the allowed size, passengers may be charged a €70 fee (plus VAT on domestic flights) for placing it in the hold. Ryanair enforces these rules strictly to ensure that cabin space remains available for all passengers, so it’s crucial for travelers to measure their bags carefully before heading to the airport.

In addition to the size limits, Ryanair has a list of prohibited items for both carry-on and checked baggage. These items include:

• Guns, firearms, and any projectile-firing devices.
• Stun guns, animal stunners, tasers, and similar shocking devices.
• Incapacitating chemicals, including certain sprays and substances.
• Explosives, flammable materials, and incendiary devices.
• Any items banned by the laws of the departure or destination countries.
• Objects deemed unsuitable for air travel by Ryanair, such as hazardous materials.
• Fish, birds, or animals that have been killed and preserved as hunting trophies.

Certain sharp or dangerous objects are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked luggage, such as:

• Sharp-edged objects, like knives or scissors.
• Tools that could be used to cause serious injury or damage to the aircraft.
• Blunt instruments capable of causing harm.

Passengers must ensure they follow Ryanair’s specific guidelines to avoid any inconvenience or delays.

Aer Lingus’s New Hand Luggage Policies for 2026

Aer Lingus has also updated its baggage policies for 2026, providing passengers with more flexibility. The airline now offers two 10kg bag options for flights within Europe. If passengers don’t include a 10kg bag in their booking, they can add it for as little as €9.99. If they opt not to pre-book it, they can check the bag in for free at the desk or bag drop kiosks available at airports like Dublin, Shannon, and London. However, if passengers arrive at the gate with an unbooked 10kg bag, they will face a €35 fee to have it placed in the hold.

Aer Lingus has also increased the allowable size for small personal items. Passengers can now bring a handbag, laptop bag, or baby changing bag, with the new size limit set at 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, up from the previous 25cm x 33cm x 20cm. This larger allowance offers more space for passengers to carry essential items during their flight.

Along with these updates, Aer Lingus enforces a strict policy on prohibited items, which includes:

• Guns, firearms, and any devices designed to shoot projectiles.
• Sharp objects, such as knives or scissors.
• Stunning or immobilizing devices, including stun guns.
• Work tools that could potentially be used as weapons.
• Blunt instruments that could cause injury if used.
• Explosive devices and incendiary materials.
• Perishable goods, including meats, dairy, produce, and certain medications.

Aer Lingus also imposes special conditions for certain types of luggage. For instance, smart luggage is not allowed if its lithium battery cannot be easily removed by the passenger or if its wattage exceeds 100Wh. Electric bicycles are permitted only if the battery is removed and checked in as a regular bicycle. Electric scooters are not allowed unless they serve as mobility devices for individuals with a disability. Additionally, Segways and loose batteries are prohibited.

Changes at Dublin Airport: New Liquid Rules

Along with the updates from airlines, Dublin Airport has introduced a significant change to its liquid and gel regulations. With the installation of new scanning kiosks, liquids, gels, and electronics can now remain in passengers’ carry-on bags when passing through security. The previous 100ml limit for liquids and gels no longer applies, allowing containers up to 2 liters to pass through security. Furthermore, liquids and gels no longer need to be packed inside clear plastic bags, streamlining the security process.

However, it’s important to note that these changes currently apply only at Dublin Airport. Travelers should check the specific rules for their departure and destination airports to ensure they comply with local security measures. The updated regulations make it easier for passengers to bring liquids and gels on board, but checking with airport authorities in advance remains a good practice to avoid any confusion.

Ryanair and Aer Lingus have revised their hand luggage policies for 2026, introducing new size limits and stricter rules. These changes are essential to understand, as failing to comply could result in unexpected fees and delays during travel.

Conclusion

As Ryanair and Aer Lingus update their hand luggage rules and Dublin Airport revamps its liquid policies, passengers must stay informed to avoid disruptions to their travel plans. Following the new size limits and understanding the prohibited items can prevent unexpected fees or delays at the airport. Whether traveling with Ryanair or Aer Lingus, or passing through Dublin Airport, taking the time to check baggage policies and regulations will help ensure a smoother journey in 2026.