Ryanair introduces policy with enlarged luggage allowance with no additional fees
Ryanair Expands Cabin Baggage Allowance Aligning with EU Standards
Ryanair, the European budget airline, has announced an expansion of its cabin baggage allowance, aligning with the proposed European Union (EU) minimum hand luggage size. The new policy, which will increase the baggage capacity from 20 litres to 24 litres, is set to benefit millions of passengers travelling on Ryanair's most economical fare.
The exact implementation date for the new luggage sizers is not yet confirmed, but Ryanair's move to increase cabin baggage allowance may be seen as a PR move in light of the EU Parliament's vote against carry-on baggage fees. The new policy will allow travellers to pack more without the additional fees, as long as the bag does not exceed the 10 kg weight limit.
Ryanair's new policy is slightly larger than the proposed EU minimum hand luggage size of 40x30x15 cm, but it is in line with the standards being adopted by other budget airlines. Most airlines affiliated with Airlines for Europe (A4E)—a major carrier trade association—are already implementing the personal item size of 40x30x15 cm ahead of the formal law, with full adoption expected by the end of the 2025 summer season.
The EU has largely agreed on uniform hand luggage standards—1 personal item (40x30x15 cm) plus 1 cabin bag (up to 100 cm and 7 kg)—and airlines are progressively aligning with these standards ahead of the final mandate. This regulatory move is widely seen as a pro-consumer reform intended to phase out surprise baggage fees and simplify travel within Europe.
However, there remains some resistance from low-cost airlines due to potential revenue loss. In early July, the ministry also opened a sanctions procedure against a sixth airline for the same issue. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs in Spain has fined Ryanair and four other low-cost airlines a total of €179 million for charging carry-on baggage fees, with Ryanair facing the heaviest penalty at €107.7 million.
Avoiding checked luggage can save up to 40 minutes at the airport, reduce the risk of lost or delayed bags, and streamline the travel experience according to Ryanair. The new policy is expected to contribute to a smoother journey for all passengers overall, promoting lighter travel and cutting costs. However, travellers are still advised to check individual airline policies closely during this transition period, as full legal implementation and enforcement are imminent but not yet complete.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, June 25). EU agrees on standard hand luggage sizes for airlines. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58106582
[2] The Guardian. (2025, June 24). EU agrees to standardise hand luggage sizes on flights. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/24/eu-agrees-to-standardise-hand-luggage-sizes-on-flights
[3] Skyscanner. (2025, July 1). EU to standardise hand luggage sizes across airlines. [online] Available at: https://www.skyscanner.net/news/eu-to-standardise-hand-luggage-sizes-across-airlines
[5] The Independent. (2025, July 5). Ryanair fined €107.7m for charging carry-on baggage fees. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ryanair-fined-carry-on-baggage-fees-eu-a8453586.html
- The new luggage policy by Ryanair allows passengers to adopt a more spacious lifestyle while traveling, as they can now pack more items within the expanded cabin baggage allowance.
- In line with the EU Parliament's push for a streamlined travel experience, Ryanair's increased cabin baggage allowance is a step towards promoting an affordable and convenient travel lifestyle for its customers.
