Budget airline Ryanair is preparing to adjust its hand luggage policy in response to new European Union regulations aimed at standardizing carry-on baggage allowances across member states. The changes, expected to roll out later this month, will see Ryanair increase the size of its free "personal bag" allowance, while also reinforcing strict enforcement of baggage size limits to avoid extra fees at the airport.
Currently, Ryanair passengers are entitled to bring one free personal bag measuring up to 40cm x 25cm x 20cm, roughly 20 litres in volume, which must fit under the seat in front of them. This no-frills approach has long been part of Ryanair's business model, with passengers warned that any bag exceeding these dimensions will incur additional charges at the gate, sometimes as high as 60 euros or pounds. The airline recently sent messages to passengers who had already checked in, reminding them of these restrictions and the potential fees for oversized bags.
According to Ryanair's website and customer communications, staff at boarding gates use a bag sizer to ensure compliance. Bags must fit inside the sizer without any handles or straps sticking out; otherwise, they are tagged and placed in the aircraft hold, subject to payment of a gate bag fee. This strict policy aims to maintain cabin space and streamline boarding, but it has also led to customer complaints and legal challenges.
However, the landscape is shifting due to new EU rules designed to simplify carry-on baggage allowances and eliminate charges for small cabin bags. The updated minimum bag size standard set by the EU is 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, which is approximately 24 litres. In response, Ryanair has announced it will increase its personal bag dimensions to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, slightly exceeding the EU minimum to offer passengers a bit more space.
"Following the new EU minimum bag size of 40x30x15cm, Ryanair will increase its max 'personal bag' dimensions to 40x30x20cm, so that Ryanair’s 'personal bag' allowance is bigger than the EU standard," a Ryanair spokesperson said. This change will be implemented gradually as airport bag sizers are adjusted to the new sizes.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E), the industry body which includes Ryanair among its members, welcomed the move. She explained that the alignment with the EU decision, made by member states in June 2025, would bring clarity and consistency to passengers across Europe. "From city-hoppers to family travellers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members’ networks," Georgoutsakou said.
The EU's new rules also prohibit airlines from charging passengers for small carry-on bags weighing up to 7kg and with total dimensions no more than 100cm. This aims to simplify the travel process and provide a common standard across airlines and airports. While the policy promises easier travel, some critics warn it may drive up plane ticket prices, as airlines struggle to accommodate the increased number of cabin bags given limited overhead locker space.
Not all airlines are adjusting their allowances in the same way. EasyJet, for example, permits larger bags measuring 45cm x 36cm x 20cm and has confirmed it will not change these sizes. Wizz Air allows bags up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, matching Ryanair’s new allowance. British Airways and Jet2 maintain a smaller free personal bag similar to Ryanair's current size but also allow a separate free cabin bag measuring 56cm x 45cm x 15cm.
Ryanair’s strict baggage policies have previously led to legal challenges and fines. Earlier this year, the airline was forced to refund a customer £124 after a Spanish court ruled that charging for hand luggage was unjustified, describing hand luggage as an "essential part of air travel." In October 2024, Ryanair was fined following complaints from two customers about hand luggage charges in Spain.
These legal setbacks, combined with the new EU regulations, have pushed Ryanair to adjust its policies. Yet the airline remains firm on enforcing baggage size limits at the gate to avoid cabin overcrowding and delays. Their recent warnings to passengers emphasize that bags must fit precisely within the allowed dimensions, with no exceptions for handles or straps protruding.
Ryanair’s approach reflects a broader tension in the airline industry: balancing low fares with passenger convenience and regulatory compliance. While the new EU rules aim to standardize and simplify carry-on baggage policies, airlines must still manage operational constraints such as limited cabin storage.
As the new baggage allowances are implemented across Europe, passengers can expect clearer, more uniform rules when flying with Ryanair and other A4E member airlines. However, travelers should remain vigilant about the exact size of their carry-on bags to avoid unexpected fees at the gate.
With summer travel ramping up, Ryanair’s adjustments come at a crucial time, promising a slightly larger free personal bag allowance while maintaining strict enforcement to keep flights running smoothly. The airline’s message is clear: pack smart, measure carefully, and be prepared to pay if you don’t.
