Many passengers continue to be surprised at the Ryanair boarding gate, mistakenly assuming that a 10kg cabin bag is included in the ticket. Although the rule that requires you to pay for this bag has existed for a few years, recently supervision has tightened and the fees for those who don’t comply have become even heavier.
If you are going to travel briefly from a Portuguese airport, it is essential to review the conditions of your ticket. If previously some passengers still managed to go unnoticed, the current rigor in inspection eliminates this margin and imposes a charge that can cost more than the flight itself.
The 10kg suitcase continues to be paid for
The basic rule remains unchanged, which means that the “Basic” fare, the cheapest available, does not include the 10kg cabin bag for the overhead compartment. The only baggage allowed free of charge is a small personal bag, such as a backpack or wallet, that fits under the seat and whose accepted measurements have been slightly updated to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. On the other hand, the standard rolling suitcase (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) can only come on board if the passenger specifically purchases the “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” fare.
What’s new? Fines soared
The big news reported by the international press, such as , is the rigor in the application of penalty rates. Passengers who try to pass through with a 10kg suitcase without having acquired priority now face gate fees that vary between €46 and €70 (depending on the route and season), values that have recently increased.
Company employees have strict instructions to check the dimensions and type of tickets before boarding the plane. If your bag does not meet the requirements or has not been paid for online in advance (where it would cost between €6 and €30), you will have no choice but to pay the maximum fee on site or leave the bag on land.
Beware of wheel and handle traps
One of the most frequent errors occurs when measuring luggage in the metal control boxes (the “sizers”). It is essential to remember that the limit dimensions imposed by the company include the entire structure of the suitcase, that is, the wheels, handles and external pockets count towards the final size.
Many rigid suitcases sold as “cabin size” in generic stores end up failing this test because the wheels exceed the limit by a few centimeters. In these cases, the metal box is not forgiving: if the bag does not go in completely without effort, the employee will impose a fine. For this reason, experienced travelers often prefer flexible travel bags, which mold more easily to the gauge.
Aer Lingus also changes rules
The alert extends to other companies. Aer Lingus, which operates several popular routes to and from Portugal, also adjusted its policies for 2026, no longer including the 10kg cabin bag in the most economical “Saver” fares, following the low-cost model.
How to avoid paying more
For Portuguese travelers, the recommendation is simple: measure your backpack before leaving home and, if you really need to take the 10kg rolling suitcase, add it to your reservation at the time of purchase. Trying your luck at the boarding gate is, in 2026, a financial risk that is not worth taking.
Another fundamental strategy is not to leave the decision to the check-in desk. If you realize, after purchasing your ticket, that you will need to take an extra cabin bag, use the company’s app or website to add this service up to two hours before departure. The price will be higher than if you had purchased it initially, but it will still represent a significant saving compared to the prohibitive amounts charged at the time of boarding.
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