Great news for budget travelers! ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, is set to increase the size allowance for the free cabin bag you can bring on board. This change means you’ll soon have more space for your essentials right under the seat in front of you.
The move comes as the European Union works towards standardizing carry-on rules across airlines, aiming to simplify travel and prevent unexpected fees for passengers. While the EU is proposing a new minimum standard, Ryanair is choosing to offer an even more generous size.
What Are the New Ryanair Bag Dimensions?
ryanair’s “personal bag” – the smaller item included for free with every ticket – will increase in size.
Here are the key details:
New Maximum Dimensions: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm
Old Maximum Dimensions: 40cm x 25cm x 20cm
Volume Increase: The new size represents a 20% boost in volume compared to the previous limit.
Weight Limit: This bag must still weigh less than 10kg.
Placement: It must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
This change adds an extra 5cm to one dimension of the bag, making the width 30cm instead of 25cm. For many passengers, this small adjustment translates into valuable extra packing space, especially useful for short trips or squeezing in a few extra items.
When Does This Change Take Effect?
You can expect to see this new, larger allowance rolled out “over the coming weeks.” The exact start date will vary as the airline needs time to adjust the physical bag sizers used at airports. These sizers ensure compliance, and updating them is a practical step before the new rule can be fully enforced.
It’s always wise to double-check the specific bag allowance for your flight closer to your departure date, as implementation might be gradual across Ryanair’s network.
Why Is Ryanair Increasing Bag Size Now?
Ryanair hasn’t explicitly stated its reasons. However, the timing clearly links to ongoing developments regarding cabin baggage rules in the EU.
The European Union is actively pushing for a new standard for free hand luggage. This effort aims to end the current confusion caused by differing airline policies. A proposed EU minimum standard size for an under-seat bag is 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
Interestingly, Ryanair’s current size (40x25x20cm) already had a larger volume than this proposed EU minimum (40x30x15cm). By increasing its size to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, Ryanair is further exceeding the upcoming EU minimum. Their new free bag will be roughly one-third larger in volume than the proposed standard.
One potential reason for maintaining the 20cm depth could be strategic. Many passengers already own bags designed to fit Ryanair’s previous 40xx20cm dimensions. Keeping the 40cm length and 20cm depth means these bags will still fit the length and depth requirements under the new rule, only benefiting from the increased width allowance.
EU Standardization Efforts and Airline Strategies
The move towards standardization is supported by the airline trade body, Airlines for Europe (A4E), of which Ryanair is a member. A4E members have agreed to begin applying the proposed 40x30x15cm dimensions as a guaranteed minimum standard by the end of the 2025 summer season. This collective action aims to bring more clarity for travellers flying across Europe.
However, this push for standardization is happening alongside a separate proposal from the European Parliament. MEPs recently voted in favour of a mandate that would grant passengers the right to carry a second piece of free hand luggage (up to 7kg) in the overhead lockers. Airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, and Wizz Air strongly oppose this potential mandate, arguing it’s operationally unworkable. Some analysts suggest the airlines’ agreement to standardize and even increase the one free bag size might be a tactic to persuade officials against imposing the mandatory two-bag rule.
Confusion over varying airline bag sizes has long been a source of frustration and unexpected costs for passengers. Spain recently took significant action, fining several low-cost airlines, including Ryanair, a substantial amount (€179 million total) for alleged ‘abuses’ like charging for carry-on luggage.
While the EU legislative process for mandates like the second free bag proposal can take years, the industry-led standardization of a minimum size for the under-seat bag appears to be moving faster.
How Ryanair’s New Allowance Compares to Competitors
While Ryanair’s new size is more generous than its previous limit and the upcoming EU minimum, it’s still worth comparing it to other airlines.
Here’s a quick look:
Ryanair (NEW): 40cm x 30cm x 20cm (<10kg) – Fits under seat.
Easyjet: 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (up to 10kg) – Fits under seat (includes handles/wheels). This is a significantly larger volume than Ryanair’s new size.
Wizz Air: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm (<10kg) – Matches Ryanair's new under-seat size exactly.
British Airways (BA): Allows a primary handbag/laptop bag of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (<23kg) plus a larger cabin bag up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (<23kg). While the primary under-seat bag is slightly smaller, BA's policy overall is more generous as it includes a second, larger bag for free.
This comparison highlights that while Ryanair is improving its policy, other carriers already offer larger allowances, either for the under-seat bag or by including a second item for the overhead bin.
Practical Tips for Your Next Ryanair Flight
Measure Your Bag: Even with the increase, dimensions are strictly enforced. Use a tape measure to check your bag’s length, width, and height, ensuring they are within the 40cm x 30cm x 20cm limit. Remember to include wheels and handles in your measurements.
Check Before You Fly: While the change is coming soon, confirm the exact policy applicable to your booking directly on the Ryanair website or app as the implementation rolls out.
Pack Smart: Utilize the increased volume efficiently. Rolling clothes can help maximize space. Ensure essentials like medications and valuables are in this under-seat bag.
This update from Ryanair provides welcome extra space for passengers on their budget-friendly flights. Understanding the specific dimensions and checking the latest airline rules remains key to avoiding surprises at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact new dimensions for Ryanair’s free personal bag?
The new maximum size for the free personal item you can bring onboard Ryanair flights is 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. This bag must weigh less than 10kg and fit under the seat in front of you. This updates the previous limit of 40cm x 25cm x 20cm.
How does the new Ryanair free bag size compare to the proposed EU standard?
The proposed new EU minimum standard size for under-seat cabin bags is 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. Ryanair’s new allowance of 40cm x 30cm x 20cm is larger than this proposed EU minimum, offering an extra 5cm in depth. Ryanair’s new bag volume (24 litres) is about one-third larger than the EU minimum volume (18 litres).
When will Ryanair’s increased free bag size officially start?
Ryanair has stated that the new, larger personal bag size will come into effect “over the coming weeks.” The exact date depends on when they finish adjusting the bag size measuring devices at airports. Passengers should verify the specific baggage allowance for their flight directly with Ryanair closer to their travel date.
Conclusion
Ryanair’s decision to increase the size of its free cabin bag is a positive step for passengers, offering a little more breathing room for packing essentials. While driven in part by a broader EU push for standardized baggage rules, Ryanair has chosen to exceed the proposed minimum dimensions.
Understanding the specific new limit of 40cm x 30cm x 20cm and confirming the policy before your flight is crucial. This change, alongside ongoing discussions about potential EU mandates for additional luggage, highlights the evolving landscape of airline baggage rules and the industry’s response to passenger demand for clarity and value. Always remember to check your specific flight details for the most accurate information.
