Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, KLM or Ryanair?

KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Ryanair: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). KLM allows the larger bag.

Where do KLM and Ryanair fly from?

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). Ryanair's are Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are KLM and Ryanair partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (KLM: SkyTeam; Ryanair: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

KL vs FR · 2026 comparison

KLM vs Ryanair

Q: Do KLM and Ryanair include a carry-on on basic economy?

KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag. Ryanair: The Basic fare includes only the small under-seat bag.

KLM wins on a bigger carry-on, a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags; Ryanair wins on a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

KLM

Wins 4 categories

A bigger carry-on
A carry-on on its cheapest fare
A more generous carry-on weight limit
Cheaper checked bags

Ryanair

Wins 1 category

A bigger personal item

Quick verdict

KLM wins on a bigger carry-on, a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags; Ryanair wins on a bigger personal item. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Ryanair: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: KLM: Not on some basic fares · Ryanair: Costs extra on basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): KLM: 1 free bag · Ryanair: $20–$56

Side by side

	KLM	Ryanair
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	55 × 40 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Costs extra on basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	12 kg (26.5 lb)	10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 20 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	$20–$56
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	None
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	None
Main hubs	AMS	DUB, STN

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

KLM allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and Ryanair up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), so KLM's is roomier.

KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while Ryanair charges for it on its cheapest fare.

Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM, 10 kg (22 lb) on Ryanair.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM, and 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in) on Ryanair.

KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and a first checked bag on Ryanair costs $20–$56 on flights within Europe.

Basic economy

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

Ryanair (Basic): The Basic fare includes only the small under-seat bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

KLM is in SkyTeam and Ryanair is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (KLM) and none (Ryanair).

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). Ryanair's are Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose KLM if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a carry-on on its cheapest fare
a more generous carry-on weight limit
cheaper checked bags
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

Choose Ryanair if you want…

a bigger personal item
nonstops from DUB, STN

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.

KLM vs Ryanair FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. KLM wins on a bigger carry-on, a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags; Ryanair wins on a bigger personal item. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

Deals on KLM, Ryanair and more

Whichever airline you prefer, we'll email you when fares from your home airports drop well below normal.

Get flight deals free See Premium+ plans

Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime