Ryanair has increased its free personal baggage allowance from today, expanding dimensions from 40x25x20cm to 40x30x20cm, while simultaneously resisting European Union proposals for mandatory free carry-on luggage. The Irish budget airline completed its Europe-wide rollout of larger bag sizers, increasing free baggage volume from 20 to 24 litres – enough space for “a few more T-shirts or underwear,” according to the company.
The expansion brings Ryanair closer to low-cost competitors, though it remains behind EasyJet’s more generous 45x36x30cm free personal bag allowance. Ryanair emphasized its new dimensions exceed EU standard carry-on requirements of 40x30x15cm by 33%. However, the airline is actively opposing broader EU legislative proposals that would require carriers to offer free 7kg hand luggage alongside personal items. Transport MEPs want passengers entitled to both a personal bag and free carry-on luggage with maximum dimensions of 100cm total. Currently, Ryanair permits only one small personal item free of charge, with additional bags starting at €30 per flight or €60 if purchased at the airport. The airline argues mandatory free carry-on bags would “reduce choice and drive-up air fares for all passengers.” Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady welcomed the increased allowance while warning that passengers exceeding the “generous limits” will face checked bag fees at boarding gates.
The policy change reflects ongoing tensions between budget airlines’ fee-based revenue models and regulatory efforts to standardize passenger rights across European aviation, with Ryanair maintaining its opposition to expanded free luggage requirements despite increasing its own allowances.