By Ben Hurst
Ryanair, Europe’s leading budget airline, has revealed plans to alter its free baggage allowance, with the changes set to take effect ‘in weeks’. At present, passengers can bring on board a bag measuring 40 x 25 x 20cm without incurring any additional charges, offering a total volume of 20 litres.
However, as we approach the winter flight season, the permitted dimensions will be increased to 40x30x20cm, effectively boosting the volume to 24 litres. This increase in the complimentary allowance is a response to an initiative by the European Commission to encourage standardisation across airlines throughout Europe.
In a statement, Ryanair confirmed the upcoming change, stating it would be implemented just in time for the summer holidays ‘in weeks’. A spokesperson clarified: “Ryanair’s current free “personal bag” size is 40x25x20cm. 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.”
The spokesperson added that the adjustment would be rolled out over the coming weeks, as airport bag sizers are modified to accommodate the larger luggage limit, which will remain free of charge.
Airlines for Europe (A4E) has been in talks with Adina Va虇lean, the transport commissioner in Brussels, about simplifying travel for passengers. The organisation has stated that “all A4E airlines will roll out the guaranteed dimensions and have them in place by the end of the 2025 summer season”.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, the organisation’s managing director, remarked: “This will align A4E members with the decision of member states made last month and bring more clarity to passengers across Europe. From city-hoppers to family travellers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members’ networks.”
Despite the new “standardised” dimensions, most airlines like British Airways, Jet2, and easyJet are set to continue with their current allowances that exceed these measurements. An easyJet spokesperson confirmed that their dimensions will stay at 45 x 36 x 20cm, offering a volume of 32 litres.
According to the Independent, Ryanair appears to be the only major airline making adjustments.
The change in rules will mean airport sizing gauges must be recalibrated, and passengers with currently compliant bags may have to invest in new luggage.
MEPs recently voted to require all airlines to allow two pieces of cabin baggage on board, a move opposed by Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air as impractical.
Furthermore, the EU Parliament’s transport committee has endorsed an amendment to scrap fees for small carry-on bags starting Tuesday. If the proposed legislation passes, EU airline passengers could soon carry handbags up to 7kg without facing additional charges.
A number of airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, have adopted a pricing strategy where they charge extra for larger cabin bags intended for the overhead locker. Under their basic ticket prices, these airlines only permit a small under-seat bag at no additional cost.
According to authorities, travellers should be allowed one complimentary cabin bag weighing up to 7kg and not exceeding 100cms in size, alongside another smaller personal item capable of fitting under the seat. This prospective policy would encompass all flights operating to and from the EU, including those between the EU and the UK.
When asked for a statement, Ryanair cited a response from Airlines for Europe concerning the EU’s proposed changes. It said: “Airlines for Europe (A4E) today confirmed that its member airlines have started applying the guaranteed set of dimensions of 40 脳 30 脳 15 cm for the item of cabin baggage that usually is placed under the seat in front- the “personal item”- agreed by member states last month.
“The agreement reached on 5 June 2025, sets out the dimensions of the personal item, which passengers can already bring into the cabin at no extra cost. It is defined as an unchecked bag with “dimensions of 40 脳 30 脳 15 cm “.”
All A4E airlines are set to introduce guaranteed cabin-bag sizes by the end of summer 2025, ensuring uniformity across carriers. While airlines will still have the option to allow larger personal items, as many already do, the standardisation of cabin-bag dimensions has been a long-standing topic in Brussels, most notably pushed forward by former Transport Commissioner Adina Va虇lean.
With the Member-State decision, passengers can now travel with the assurance that one bag up to 40 脳 30 脳 15 cm will be accepted in the cabin.
“This will align A4E members with the decision of member states made last month and bring more clarity to passengers across Europe,” Ourania Georgoutsakou, the Managing Director of A4E, expressed. “From city-hoppers to family travellers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members’ networks.”
In related news, Ryanair recently announced it had flown 19.9 million passengers in June, marking a 3 per cent rise from the year before.