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Ryanair and Aer Lingus have both changed their hand luggage rules on flights this year, affecting how much passengers can take on board.

The low-cost airlines are popular among British travellers thanks to their cheap fares and vast array of flight routes, but passengers do have to be wary of being stung by additional fees when it comes to luggage, as exceeding the size limits can be costly. Both Irish companies have updated their bag policies for 2026 and made changes to the size of hand luggage that can be taken on board for free.

So if you have flights booked with either airline this year, or are planning a trip soon, it pays to know exactly what can and can't be brought onto the plane to avoid an unexpected charge. These are the new hand luggage rules for Ryanair and Aer Lingus for 2026 that you need to know.

Ryanair's bag policy states that all passenger fare types include a small personal bag that can be carried on board, but it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. If it's too big then you can take additional baggage with you - at an extra cost.

The airline has now increased the size of its free small personal bag, giving passengers a slightly bigger luggage allowance on board.

The small personal bag can be a backpack, laptop bag or handbag, and must be no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. These dimensions have gone up slightly from its previous size of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.

This bag must still fit underneath the seat in front and if it's too large, it may be refused at the boarding gate or have to be stored in the overhead locker for an extra charge. Cabin baggage that is stored in the overhead lockers must weigh no more than 10kg and be no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

Ryanair explains: "Non-priority customers who have not added a bag to their booking can still purchase a 10kg Check-in bag at the airport bag drop desk for €/£ 35.99-€/£40.

"Non-priority customers who bring their 10kg check-in bag to the boarding gate will either have their bag refused or, where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of €/£ 46.00 - €/£ 60.00.

"You will be required to leave your bags at the aircraft steps, in the gate bag trolley, or as directed by Ryanair agents, for stowage in the hold."

Aer Lingus has also updated its baggage policy to give passengers two 10kg bag options on flights within Europe.

Passengers have the option of taking a 10kg bag on board and including this in their booking for a fee from £9.99, or they can drop their bag off at the check-in desk or bag drop kiosk (available in Dublin, Shannon and London) when check-in opens free of charge. The bag can then be collected again at the bag carousel after landing.

Any passengers who bring a 10kg bag to the boarding gate without it being included in their booking face a charge of €35 (around £30) to place their bag in the hold.

Some passengers will have a 10kg carry-on bag included in their booking, such as AerClub members, infants, AerClub Reward Flight bookings, and connections, and this must be taken on board with you.

All passengers are also permitted one small personal item for free, such as a handbag, baby changing bag or backpack. The airline has increased the dimensions for this bag to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, up from the previous limit of 25cm x 33cm x 20cm.

Aer Lingus said: "Please ensure your carry-on baggage is within the specified allowance. It must fit inside the gauge units at the airport (including wheels and handles).

"Bags outside of this allowance must be checked in and the relevant bag fee will apply. The pooling of carry-on baggage when checked is not permitted."