Ryanair and Aer Lingus hand luggage: What’s changing in 2026

IN LIGHT of the cold snap hitting the continent, residents in Europe and the UK are already looking forward to their 2026 travel plans … and since some of the biggest low-cost airlines are shaking up their hand luggage rules this year, it is important to know what can and can’t be brought onto a plane in order to avoid setbacks, fees, and even not being allowed on the plane at all.

Irish companies Ryanair and Aer Lingus are both changing their hand luggage rules this year. Ryanair lets passengers bring one small bag under the seat for free, whereas Aer Lingus allows a larger carry-on, plus a personal item. However, appearing at the airport with a bag that exceeds the size limit, even by a few centimetres, can end up costing a considerate amount.

Ryanair’s new hand luggage rules for 2026

The permitted size of Ryanair’s small, free personal bag is now 40cm x 30cm x 20cm this year, up from its previous size, 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. The bag must still fit under the seat in front of the passenger, as oversized cabin baggage may be refused at the boarding gate or may hold a pricey fee of €70 (plus VAT on domestic flights) and be placed in the plane’s hold.

According to Ryanair’s hand luggage rules, the following items are strictly prohibited onboard, as well as in checked baggage:

• All types of guns, firearms, and other devices that shoot projectiles.
• Devices for shocking, including stun guns, animal stunners, and tasers.
• Incapacitating chemicals.
• Explosives and incendiary substances.
• Items prohibited by law of any embarkation or disembarkation country.
• Items Ryanair has good reason to believe are unsuitable for travel.
• Fish, birds, or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies.

The following items are not allowed to be carried onboard, but may be transported as part of the checked baggage:

• Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge.
• Workmen’s tools capable of being used to cause serious injury or damage the aircraft.
• Blunt instruments capable of causing injury when used to hit.

Aer Lingus’ new hand luggage rules for 2026

Aer Lingus has also recently updated its baggage policy to include two 10kg bag options, applicable on flights within Europe. Travellers can include a 10kg bag in their booking from €9.99, if their booking does not include it. Otherwise, passengers can drop their bag off at the check in desk or bag drop kiosk (available in Dublin, Shannon, and London) when checking in for free.

Passengers who bring a 10kg bag to the boarding gate without it being included in the booking will be charged a €35 fee to place the bag in the aircraft hold.

As for the permitted small personal item, including a handbag, laptop bag, or baby changing bad, these are still included for customers free of charge. Its size has increased to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, from the previous limit of 25cm x 33cm x 20cm.

The following items are prohibited on all Aer Lingus aircraft:

• All types of guns, firearms, and other devices that shoot projectiles.
• Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge.
• Stunning or immobilising devices.
• Workmen’s tools.
• Blunt instruments.
• Explosives and incendiary devices.
• Perishable goods, including meat, dairy, or produce, as well as some medications.

Aer Lingus also holds the following conditions for certain items:

• Smart Luggage will not be accepted on flights if the lithium battery or power bank cannot be readily removed by the passenger or if the wattage rating exceeds 100Wh or cannot be determined.
• Electric bicycles may only be carried if the battery is removed, and then will be checked in as a normal bicycle.
• Electric scooters are not permitted for carriage unless the scooter is a mobility device for a qualified disability.
• Segways (two-wheeled motorised vehicles) are prohibited in both checked and cabin baggage.
• Loose batteries.

The Dublin Airport shakes up their liquid and gel rules

In addition to these changes, there are also major changes to liquid rules at the Dublin Airport: Liquids, gels and electronics can now stay in carry-on baggage when going through security, thanks to new scanning kiosks available at the Dublin Airport.

The previous 100ml maximum on liquids and gels no longer applies, and items in containers up to 2 litres can be brought through security. Liquids and gels now no longer need to be packed inside clear plastic bags.

It is notable that these rules do not apply at all airports, so passengers are still advised to check the specific laws and rules of their original and destination countries just in case.

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