Ryanair has announced plans to expand its free personal baggage allowance, aligning itself more closely with budget airline competitors. The move comes amid growing calls from the European Union to strengthen passenger rights and standardise hand luggage dimensions across airlines.
Ryanair’s New Baggage Policy
Currently, Ryanair permits passengers to carry one small personal item on board with maximum dimensions of 40x25x20cm. In the coming weeks, this size will increase to 40x30x20cm, offering travellers an additional five centimetres of width. The change will boost the total volume from 20 litres to 24 litres—enough to accommodate a few extra personal items such as T-shirts, undergarments, or toiletries.
Ryanair says the rollout will occur gradually as airport bag sizers are updated across its network.
How Ryanair Compares with Competitors
The increased dimensions will bring Ryanair in line with rivals such as Wizz Air and Vueling, both of which offer similar personal item allowances. However, Ryanair still lags behind EasyJet, which permits passengers to carry on a personal item up to 45x36x30cm without additional fees.
Despite this, Ryanair claims its revised allowance will exceed the proposed EU minimum standard currently under discussion in the European Parliament.
EU Proposals for Standardising Cabin Luggage
Last month, Transport MEPs unanimously voted to move forward with legislation aimed at reinforcing airline passenger rights. One key proposal includes mandating a standardised size for personal baggage: 40x30x15cm—slightly smaller in depth than Ryanair’s upcoming allowance.
Another significant recommendation is to entitle all passengers to a second piece of hand luggage, weighing up to 7kg and measuring up to 100cm in total dimensions, without incurring extra charges. If implemented, this would substantially alter baggage policies across the aviation industry.
Ryanair Pushes Back on Free Second Bag
Ryanair has voiced strong opposition to the idea of allowing an additional 7kg carry-on bag as part of the base fare. In a statement issued in May, the airline argued that such a policy would increase operating costs and ultimately raise ticket prices for all passengers.
“If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers,” the company said.
Currently, Ryanair offers passengers the option to add extra bags starting at €30 per flight, with costs rising to €60 if the upgrade is made at the airport.
Wider Passenger Rights Under Review
The proposed EU regulations go beyond baggage allowances. MEPs are also advocating for stronger protections for vulnerable passengers. Among the proposed changes:
- Children under 12 must be seated next to their accompanying adult free of charge.
- Passengers with reduced mobility should be allowed to travel with a companion at no extra cost.
- Compensation rights would be strengthened for loss or damage to mobility equipment, or injury to assistance animals.
These discussions are expected to move to the negotiation phase with EU member states in the coming months. If agreed upon, the new rules could have far-reaching implications for both airlines and consumers across the European Union.
