Ryanair is making changes to its cabin baggage policy. The airline will soon allow passengers to bring a larger free cabin bag on board.
The current free “personal bag” size is 40*25*20 cm. This gives travelers a volume of 20 liters. Ryanair will increase the maximum bag size from 25 cm to 30 cm. The new size will be 40*30*20 cm or 24 liters.
This change comes after an agreement among European airlines. The new European minimum size for cabin luggage is 40*30*15 cm. Ryanair’s new allowance is even larger than this minimum.
A Ryanair spokesperson said the change will be made “over the coming weeks.” The airline will adjust its airport bag sizes to fit the new size.
The move is part of a wider effort by European airlines. The trade group Airlines for Europe (A4E) has worked with the EU to make cabin bag rules simpler. The goal is to make travel easier and less confusing for passengers.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of A4E, said the new rule will bring more clarity. “From city-hoppers to family travelers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members’ networks,” she said.
The European Union is also working on new rules for hand luggage. Lawmakers voted to require all airlines to let passengers bring two pieces of cabin baggage. Ryanair and other low-cost airlines have opposed this idea. They say it would be hard to put in place.
For now, Ryanair’s main change is the bigger free bag size. Passengers who buy priority boarding can still bring a second, larger cabin bag. This bag can be up to 55*40*20 cm and weigh up to 10 kg.
Ryanair is known for strictly enforcing its baggage rules. Bags are checked at the airport. Oversized or overweight bags may be placed in the hold for a fee.
The new policy will help travelers avoid extra charges. It also means that most current Ryanair-compatible bags will still be allowed.
The change follows pressure from the EU and consumer groups. In 2024, Spain fined several airlines for “abusive practices” over hand luggage fees. The EU is now pushing for fairer and more uniform rules for all airlines.
Ryanair carried 19.9 million passengers in June, up 3% from last year. The airline hopes the new baggage policy will make flying easier for everyone.
Passengers are advised to check Ryanair website for the latest updates before they travel.
