Traveling with low-cost companies, such as Ryanair, requires extra attention to luggage, not only because of the measurements and weight, but also because of specific rules regarding objects with batteries, which are increasingly common among passengers who take electronic devices on vacation.
Ryanair, one of the companies with the largest presence at Portuguese airports, does not accept smart suitcases with non-removable lithium batteries in the hold.
This rule also applies to those departing from Portugal, whether from Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira or Ponta Delgada, and can surprise passengers who focus only on the dimensions of the suitcase.
Problem is with the trunk battery
So-called smart suitcases are luggage equipped with an integrated battery, USB port, tracking system, electronic locks or other technological functions. The problem for airlines is mainly lithium batteries, which have their own rules for safety reasons.
According to , these bags can only be transported in the hold if the lithium battery is removed before delivery to the baggage counter or boarding gate. The removed battery must travel with the passenger in the cabin and cannot be placed in the hold under any circumstances.
When the battery doesn’t come out, the suitcase doesn’t go into the hold
The most important rule is simple: if the smart suitcase has a battery that cannot be removed, it is not allowed as checked baggage. This means that a suitcase can meet the contracted measurements and weight and still be refused for transport in the cargo compartment.
Ryanair also indicates that the removed battery must have a maximum of 100 Wh, must be protected against damage and must be transported in small cabin luggage placed under the front seat or next to the passenger. The company also specifies that the removed battery must not be placed in the upper compartments of the cabin.
There are also limits on taking your suitcase into the cabin.
Even when the smart suitcase remains in the cabin, there are rules to be followed, says the same Irish company’s help center. If the battery is removable, it must be removed and transported with the passenger, respecting the limit of 100 Wh. If the battery is not removable, Ryanair only allows bags on board when the battery does not exceed 2.7 Wh.
In practice, before leaving home, the passenger must confirm two things: whether the suitcase battery can be removed and what its capacity is. This information is usually indicated on the battery itself, in the manufacturer’s manual or in the product’s technical data sheet.
What changes for those traveling from Portugal
The rule is particularly relevant in Portugal because Ryanair has a strong operation in the country. For the summer of 2026, the company announced 160 routes in Portugal, including new connections from Faro and Porto, as well as reinforcements on regional routes.
This means that many Portuguese passengers use Ryanair for both weekend getaways and longer holidays. When traveling to European destinations, where it is common to try to save money by carrying just one small suitcase or well-measured checked luggage, a smart suitcase with a non-removable battery can become an unexpected problem at the airport.
Free small suitcase still included
Currently, all Ryanair fares include a small piece of personal luggage with a maximum measurement of 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters, which must fit under the front seat. Those who want to carry more luggage can add priority boarding with a second cabin bag weighing 10 kilos or choose checked bags weighing 10, 20 or 23 kilos, depending on the option available.
Despite this, the existence of a hired case does not solve the battery problem. If the luggage is smart and the battery cannot be removed, the restriction still applies to the hold.
Advice before going to the airport
Anyone traveling in Portugal with Ryanair should check their luggage before heading to the airport, especially if you use a suitcase with an integrated charger, USB port or internal battery. The essential thing is to confirm that the battery is removable, that it respects the 100 Wh limit and that it can be transported in small cabin luggage.
The rule may seem technical, but it avoids complications at the baggage drop-off counter. At a time when Ryanair continues to reinforce its presence in Portugal, knowing these details can make the difference between boarding without problems or having to leave your suitcase behind.
Also read:
