Does the rick steves rolling carryon fit as a carryon for Ryanair. Not sure if I should pay to check it in advance.
It'd probably be a good idea for you to double check the Ryanair site—but you should be OK if you don't overpack your bag. The height and width of the bag should be fine, but the depth of the RS bag is an itsy-bitsy more—just an inch—than Ryanair's published limit. As your bag has a soft shell, it may be worth the risk, as if challenged, you'll probably be able to squash your bag into the measuring cage at the gate.
Note that it's rumored that Ryanair gate agents are incentivized to spot and charge for non-compliant baggage.
Be sure to check your hand baggage allowance, as Ryanair typically charges a supplement for carry-on strollers. Also, Ryanair's fee for checking-in an item of baggage can be surprisingly high.
Also, be absolutely sure to check-in on line. Ryanair applies punitive charges for checking-in at the airport. It's best to download the Ryanair app and add your boarding passes to your phone wallet.
You should be OK, but it's always a good idea to 'RTM'.
I see 3 different "rolling" bags that RS sells. Each is a bit different in dimensions
ryanair allows a 10kg bag of 55cm ( 21.65354") x 40cm (15.74803") x 20cm (7.874016")
The 3 RS bags have a 9"-10" depth ( 22.86cm- 25.4cm) or about an inch over spec.
Based on what I see here-- https://www.archyde.com/ryanair-staff-paid-bag-fees-confirmed/
Ryanair baggage fees are already a substantial part of the airline’s revenue model. According to recent reports, ancillary revenue accounted for over 30% of Ryanair’s total revenue
and here-- https://www.thejournal.ie/ryanair-baggage-fees-6768763-Jul2025/
Michael O'Leary confirms Ryanair staff are paid commission to nail people on oversized cabin bags
https://help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/articles/12888036565521-Ryanair-s-Bag-Policy
I see no reason to expect any leniency or 'close enough' attitude by gate staff.
Note that it's rumored that Ryanair gate agents are incentivized to spot and charge for non-compliant baggage.
Rumored? It's a fact
https://www.facebook.com/100070228063733/posts/1056486646702261/
The depth is more than an inch over. The other thing to consider is the 10kg weight limit. That bag weighs 6.5lbs empty. That's 3kg gone already. I would class that bag as checked luggage for Ryan.
I'm going to suggest paying for a checked bag ahead of time. Between thickness and weight, and the incentives of the gate agents to "get you," you'll probably save money by checking it.
I can't get below the weight limit so I check anyway.