Yes, you can bring a cardboard box as carry-on luggage on Ryanair. No joke. If the box measures 55×40×20 cm or less and weighs less than 10 kg, it is a valid carry-on item. Ryanair does not state anywhere that it has to be a suitcase — it says it has to fit in the sizer. And a cardboard box fits perfectly.
It sounds strange, but it makes perfect sense: if you're moving abroad, returning from a trip with more things than you left with, or simply need to transport something that doesn't fit in a suitcase, a cardboard box for less than €2 solves the problem without paying the €25-40 for checked luggage.
Ryanair Carry-on Luggage Dimensions (2026)
Ryanair allows one carry-on item per passenger. Maximum dimensions depend on your fare:
| Fare | Maximum dimensions | Maximum weight | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic / Value | 40×20×25 cm | 10 kg | Under the seat in front |
| Regular / Plus / Flexi | 55×40×20 cm | 10 kg | Overhead compartment |
The dimension we are interested in is 55×40×20 cm — for the overhead compartment. A cardboard box of exactly these dimensions passes the Ryanair sizer without problems and fits on the plane like any cabin bag.
Heads up: Ryanair measures at the gate. If your box protrudes even 1 cm, you will be charged for checked luggage (from €25). Make sure the box measures exactly 55×40×20 cm or less.
The Right Box: 55×40×20 cm
At TeleCajas, we sell a 55x40x20 cm cardboard box designed exactly to Ryanair's carry-on luggage dimensions. It's made of single-wall corrugated cardboard — sturdy enough to protect the contents, but lightweight (less than 500g) so you don't waste your 10kg limit on the box itself.
Capacity: approximately 44 liters. This is the same volume as a medium carry-on suitcase. It easily fits clothes for a week, books, documents, or small items.
Why a box instead of a suitcase?
One-way trips. If you're moving to another country for work or study, you don't need a suitcase you won't use later. A box costs less than €2 and you recycle it upon arrival.
Extra items on the way back. You return from a trip with more things than you left with — gifts, purchases, souvenirs. Instead of paying €25-40 for checked luggage, you buy a box and use it as your carry-on.
Items that don't fit in a suitcase. A painting, a frame, a small screen, a flat musical instrument. A box adapts better than a rigid suitcase.
Price. A cabin box costs ~€2. A cabin suitcase costs €30-100. If you only need it once, the math is clear.
How to prepare the box for the flight
A cardboard box on a plane gets bumped, squeezed into compartments, and handled by hurried passengers. Prepare it well:
- Don't overfill it. The box must close completely flat at the top. If it bulges, it won't pass Ryanair's sizer.
- Seal with packing tape. No Scotch tape or painter's tape. Use proper polypropylene tape: three strips across the top, two lengthwise. It shouldn't open even by accident.
- Distribute the weight. Heavy items (books, electronics) at the bottom. Light items (clothes) at the top. This way, the box won't sag when you put it in the compartment.
- Protect fragile items. If you're carrying anything delicate, wrap it in a towel or bubble wrap. The overhead compartment gets bumped every time someone opens and closes the lid.
- Write your name and flight. In case it gets separated from you during boarding. A marker, name, flight number, and destination.
- Make a handle. Boxes don't have handles. A strapping tape, an old belt, or even duct tape can make an improvised handle. Carrying the box through the airport without a handle is quite uncomfortable.
If you want to calculate the exact volume of what fits inside, use our box volume calculator.
Does it work for other airlines?
Yes. The 55×40×20 cm box meets the limits of all European low-cost airlines:
| Airline | Cabin size | Max. weight | Does the box fit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 55×40×20 cm | 10 kg | Yes (exact size) |
| EasyJet | 56×45×25 cm | 15 kg | Yes (margin to spare) |
| Vueling | 55×40×20 cm | 10 kg | Yes (exact size) |
| Wizz Air | 55×40×23 cm | 10 kg | Yes (margin to spare) |
| Transavia | 55×40×25 cm | 10 kg | Yes (margin to spare) |
| Iberia Express | 56×40×25 cm | 10 kg | Yes (margin to spare) |
The 55×40×20 cm box is the safe bet: it fits the standard of all European low-cost airlines. If you fly with an airline that allows more (EasyJet, Iberia Express), you could use a slightly larger box, but 55×40×20 is the universal size.
What if I need to check the box?
You can, but it's not ideal. Checked luggage goes through conveyor belts, stacking, and throwing — a single-wall box may not survive. If you need to check a cardboard box, use double-wall cardboard (twice as thick), seal it very well with reinforced tape, and write "FRAGILE" on all sides.
For fragile items in the hold, we have a step-by-step guide on how to pack fragile items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a cardboard box as carry-on luggage on Ryanair?
Yes. Ryanair does not require carry-on luggage to be a suitcase or a bag — only that it meets the dimensions (55×40×20 cm for overhead compartment, or 40×20×25 cm for under the seat) and does not weigh more than 10 kg. A 55×40×20 cm cardboard box is perfectly valid as carry-on luggage.
What size cardboard box fits in Ryanair's cabin?
The maximum size is 55×40×20 cm (length × width × height). At TeleCajas, they sell a cardboard box of exactly this size, designed to pass Ryanair's luggage sizer. It has 44 liters of capacity and weighs less than 500g empty.
How much does a cardboard box cost to carry on Ryanair?
At TeleCajas, the 55×40×20 cm box costs around €1.99-€2.50 (VAT included). Shipping within 24-48 hours to all of Spain and Portugal. No minimum order — you can buy just one box.
Can they refuse the box at the boarding gate?
No, if it fits in the sizer. Ryanair measures the dimensions of the item, not the type of container. If the box measures exactly 55×40×20 cm, is well-sealed, and does not bulge, it will pass without issue. What they refuse is any item that does not fit in the sizer — regardless of whether it's a suitcase, backpack, or box.
Can I check a cardboard box on Ryanair?
Yes, but with precautions. Checked luggage is handled roughly. Use double-wall cardboard, seal it with professional packing tape, protect fragile contents with bubble wrap, and mark "FRAGILE" on all sides. For cabin, single-wall is sufficient.
Does this box also work for Vueling, EasyJet, and Wizz Air?
Yes. The 55×40×20 cm box meets the cabin limits of all European low-cost airlines: Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Transavia, and Iberia Express. It is the universal size for low-cost carry-on luggage.
Need the box for your next flight?
55×40×20 cm cardboard box — exact Ryanair dimensions. Ships in 24 hours.
No minimum order · VAT included · Free shipping from €30 · If you're moving, also check out our moving packs
For a complete overview of all available packaging materials, consult our packaging materials guide.
