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

Norwegian: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 15 kg (33.1 lb). Ryanair: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). Norwegian allows the larger bag.

Where do Norwegian and Ryanair fly from?

Norwegian's main hubs are OSL, CPH, ARN, HEL. Ryanair's are Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Norwegian and Ryanair partners?

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

DY vs FR · 2026 comparison

Norwegian vs Ryanair

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

Norwegian: LowFare includes only a personal item that fits under the seat. LowFare+ and Flex add a 55 × 40 × 23 cm cabin bag. Ryanair: The Basic fare includes only the small under-seat bag.

Norwegian wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Ryanair doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

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

Norwegian

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit

Ryanair

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Norwegian wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Ryanair doesn't clearly win any category. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: Norwegian: 55 × 40 × 23 cm · Ryanair: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Norwegian: Costs extra on basic fares · Ryanair: Costs extra on basic fares

Side by side

	Norwegian	Ryanair
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 23 cm	55 × 40 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Costs extra on basic fares	Costs extra on basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	15 kg (33.1 lb)	10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 20 cm	40 × 30 × 20 cm
Network
Alliance	None	None
Loyalty program	Norwegian Reward	None
Main hubs	OSL, CPH, ARN, HEL	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

Norwegian allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), and Ryanair up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), so Norwegian's is roomier.

Norwegian charges for it on its cheapest fare, while Ryanair charges for it on its cheapest fare.

Carry-on weight limits: 15 kg (33.1 lb) on Norwegian, 10 kg (22 lb) on Ryanair.

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

Basic economy

Norwegian (LowFare): LowFare includes only a personal item that fits under the seat. LowFare+ and Flex add a 55 × 40 × 23 cm cabin bag.

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

Loyalty and where they fly

Norwegian is not in an alliance and Ryanair is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: Norwegian Reward (Norwegian) and none (Ryanair).

Norwegian's main hubs are OSL, CPH, ARN, HEL. 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 Norwegian if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
nonstops from OSL, CPH, ARN

Choose Ryanair if you want…

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.