Ryanair to Increase Free Cabin Bag Size Ahead of EU Standardisation
Ryanair has announced it will expand its free cabin bag allowance, increasing the permitted size of “personal bags” by 20% in response to new EU-wide guidelines.
The budget airline revealed that passengers will soon be able to bring an item – such as a handbag or laptop bag – measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm on board at no extra cost, provided it weighs less than 10kg and fits beneath the seat in front. The change is expected to roll out in the coming weeks as Ryanair adjusts its bag-measuring devices to accommodate the new dimensions.
This update makes Ryanair’s free bag allowance one of the most generous among EU carriers, offering more volume than the recently established EU minimum standard of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. While the airline has not offered a specific reason for the increase, the move positions it ahead of competitors such as Wizz Air, which matches the new dimensions, and British Airways, which permits slightly smaller under-seat bags but allows a second, larger cabin bag free of charge.
EasyJet still leads in terms of free under-seat baggage, allowing items as large as 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, also up to 10kg.
The EU has been working to implement a standard minimum cabin bag size to simplify air travel for passengers across member states. The lack of uniformity among airlines has led to frequent confusion and unexpected baggage fees, particularly when travellers switch carriers with different rules.
Additionally, the European Parliament’s transport committee recently backed a proposal to guarantee passengers the right to bring an extra hand luggage item weighing up to 7kg. That proposal still awaits approval by the full parliament.
Ryanair’s updated allowance may offer some relief to frequent flyers frustrated by varying policies, though passengers are still advised to confirm specific baggage rules directly with their airline before flying.
