# How Do I Add Baggage in Ryanair
Add baggage in Ryanair during booking, call customer service directly at 1-888-760-1051, through Manage Booking, mobile app, airport counter.
When you book a flight with Ryanair, one of the first things you notice is that the airline offers very low fares. This is one of the main reasons so many passengers choose Ryanair across Europe. However, the basic ticket does not usually include much baggage allowance. In fact, most Ryanair fares include only a small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. If you want to carry more luggage, you will need to add baggage to your booking.
For new passengers, this can seem confusing at first. But once you understand the process, adding baggage in Ryanair becomes simple. This guide explains all the options available, how to add baggage at different stages of your booking, the costs involved, the types of baggage allowed, and smart tips to save money.
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## Why Adding Baggage is Important in Ryanair
Since Ryanair is a low cost airline, every extra service comes with a fee. This allows passengers who travel light to enjoy very cheap fares. But if you are planning a longer trip or need more space, adding baggage becomes necessary. By handling baggage the right way, you can
1. Avoid high last minute fees at the airport
2. Ensure you have enough room for everything you need
3. Reduce stress at check in since your allowance is already confirmed
4. Control your travel budget by planning baggage in advance
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## Types of Baggage Allowed in Ryanair
Before you decide how to add baggage, it helps to know what kind of baggage Ryanair allows.
### Personal Item
Included with every ticket free of charge. This is a small bag that must fit under the seat. Examples include a small backpack, laptop case, or handbag.
### Priority and Two Cabin Bags
Passengers who purchase Priority get to carry a personal item plus a larger cabin bag that fits in the overhead locker. This is popular with travelers who prefer not to check bags.
### Checked Baggage
Ryanair offers checked baggage options of 10 kilograms and 20 kilograms. These bags go in the aircraft hold and must be dropped off at the check in counter.
### Additional or Excess Baggage
If your bag is heavier or you need more bags than purchased, you can add extra weight or pay for additional bags. However, the cost is higher if done late.
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## How to Add Baggage During Booking
The easiest and cheapest way to add baggage with Ryanair is at the time of booking.
Steps to add baggage during booking
1. Go to the Ryanair website or use the Ryanair mobile app
2. Enter your travel details and choose your flights
3. During booking, you will see options to add Priority and cabin bags or checked baggage
4. Select the baggage you need, such as one 10 kilogram bag or one 20 kilogram bag
5. Complete the booking and payment
Your ticket will show your baggage allowance. By booking early, you usually pay the lowest baggage prices.
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## How to Add Baggage After Booking
Many passengers later realize they need more baggage than they originally purchased. Ryanair allows you to add baggage after booking using several methods.
### Through Manage Booking Online
1. Visit the Ryanair website
2. Click Manage Booking
3. Enter your reservation details
4. Select your flight and look for Add Baggage
5. Choose the type of baggage you need
6. Make payment online
### Through Ryanair Mobile App
1. Open the app and log into your account
2. Find your upcoming flight
3. Select Add Baggage
4. Choose baggage options and confirm with payment
### Through Customer Support
You may also call Ryanair customer support or use their live chat to request adding baggage. They will guide you through the payment process.
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## Adding Baggage at the Airport
You can add baggage at the airport, but this option should be avoided if possible. Fees are much higher when you wait until the last minute.
Steps to add baggage at the airport
1. Go to the Ryanair check in desk at the airport
2. Provide your booking details
3. Request to add baggage
4. Pay the required fee
5. Drop your bag at the counter
This option is helpful in emergencies but not cost effective.
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## Baggage Rules in Ryanair
Ryanair enforces strict baggage rules. To avoid problems, passengers should carefully check them before traveling.
### Personal Item Rules
* Must fit under the seat
* Maximum size allowed is limited
* One item only per passenger in the basic fare
### Priority and Two Cabin Bags Rules
* Includes personal item and one larger cabin bag
* Cabin bag must fit in the overhead locker
* Useful for short trips with no checked baggage
### Checked Baggage Rules
* Options include 10 kilogram and 20 kilogram checked bags
* Bags must meet size restrictions set by Ryanair
* You must drop these at the check in counter
### Excess Baggage Rules
* Overweight or oversized bags cost extra
* Fees are much higher than pre purchasing the right weight allowance
* Combining items into fewer bags within the limit saves money
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## Tips to Save Money on Ryanair Baggage
1. Always buy baggage when booking the flight since it is cheapest
2. Weigh your bags at home before leaving to avoid surprise fees
3. If possible, use a cabin bag with Priority to avoid checked baggage fees
4. Share baggage with friends or family traveling together to reduce costs
5. Use the Ryanair app for quick and sometimes cheaper baggage purchases
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## Example Scenario
Imagine a traveler booked a flight from Dublin to Barcelona with Ryanair. They only chose the basic fare that included one small personal item. Two weeks before the flight, they realized they needed more space for clothes.
Here is how they solved it
* Logged into the Ryanair website
* Entered booking details in Manage Booking
* Selected Add Baggage
* Purchased one 20 kilogram checked bag
* Received updated confirmation showing the baggage allowance
On travel day, they checked in smoothly and avoided the very high airport baggage fees.
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## Refund and Changes to Baggage
Usually baggage fees with Ryanair are non refundable. If you cancel your flight by choice, baggage payments will not be returned. However, if the airline cancels your flight, baggage costs may be refunded along with the ticket.
If you need to upgrade your baggage allowance, you can return to Manage Booking and add more weight before the flight departs.
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## Common Mistakes Travelers Make with Ryanair Baggage
1. Not adding baggage during booking which leads to higher fees later
2. Bringing oversized luggage that does not fit the rules
3. Assuming every ticket includes a cabin bag, when in fact the basic fare does not
4. Waiting until the airport to purchase baggage
5. Forgetting to complete the payment when adding baggage online
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## Travel Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
* Always arrive at the airport early since Ryanair closes check in counters on time
* Use digital luggage scales at home to measure bag weight
* Place valuables, money, and travel documents in your personal item, not in checked baggage
* Use luggage tags with your name and contact details
* Keep essentials like medicine in your carry on
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## Benefits of Ryanair Baggage System
* Flexibility Passengers can choose exactly how much baggage they want
* Fairness Travelers who pack light pay less while those needing more pay for extra space
* Variety Options range from Priority with cabin bags to checked baggage up to 20 kilograms
* Simple booking Baggage can be added online, through the app, or at the airport
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## Why Ryanair Uses a Pay for Baggage System
The low cost model is built around selling cheap base tickets and charging separately for extras like baggage. This system keeps fares low for light travelers and ensures only those who need baggage pay for it.
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## Practical Advice for Different Travelers
* **Weekend travelers** Choose Priority with two cabin bags instead of checked baggage
* **Families** Consider shared checked bags to save money
* **Business travelers** Use cabin baggage to avoid waiting at baggage claim
* **Holidaymakers** Buy checked baggage during booking for lower prices
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## Final Thoughts
Adding baggage with Ryanair is not difficult once you know the process. The most important rule is to plan early. The cheapest way to add baggage is during booking. If you forget, you can still add baggage later through the website, app, or customer service. The airport should be the last choice because fees are much higher.
By understanding the baggage categories personal item, Priority cabin bags, checked baggage, and excess baggage you can avoid surprises. Always weigh your bags at home and double check your ticket to confirm your baggage allowance.
Ryanair baggage rules may seem strict, but they are designed to keep fares low and fair for everyone. With the right planning, you can enjoy smooth travel, avoid unnecessary fees, and focus on the journey itself.