Ryanair passengers can now squeeze a bigger bag on board without paying a penny, after the budget airline installed new luggage sizers at more than 200 airports across Europe. As of yesterday (Thursday, 4 September), travellers are allowed a cabin bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm – a third bigger than the EU’s old standard.
The new size represents a 33% increase compared with the standard EU allowance of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The airline says the move is designed to give passengers greater flexibility while ensuring that free cabin bags can still be stored safely under the seat in front.
Under the updated policy, every Ryanair customer is entitled to bring one cabin bag free of charge. Those wishing to travel with an additional bag will need to purchase the Priority Boarding option, which permits a second, larger cabin case. Checked baggage remains available for an extra fee during the booking process.
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “From today (Thursday, 4 September), Ryanair’s new free cabin bag is a third larger than the EU standard. We’ve updated all our baggage sizers across Europe to reflect this change, giving our customers more space at no extra cost.” He added that passengers exceeding the new limits would be required to pay for checked luggage at the boarding gate.
The airline, which carries more passengers than any other in Europe, expects the change to be well received by travellers. However, it also serves as a reminder of Ryanair’s strict baggage rules, with those failing to comply facing additional charges before departure.