Budget airline Ryanair has announced it will raise the size allowance for passengersโ free personal bags by 20%, aligning with a newly introduced European Union standard to harmonize cabin baggage rules across member states. The change will allow travellers to bring a handbag, laptop bag, or similar item measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm onboard without incurring extra fees, provided the item weighs less than 10 kilograms and fits under the seat in front.
Ryanair Expands Free Personal Bag Allowance
Ryanair will adjust its free personal bag policy in the coming weeks to reflect the EUโs minimum standard. The airlineโs current size limit for free personal bags is 40cm x 25cm x 20cm, which exceeds the new European regulation of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm in volume. With the upgrade, passengers can now carry slightly taller bags, increasing the permitted volume by about one-fifth.
According to a spokesperson for Ryanair, โWe are updating our bag measuring devices to the new EU standard imminently.โ However, the airline declined to specify any strategic motivations behind its decision to permit larger free cabin bags.
This change is expected to reduce confusion over baggage dimensions, particularly for frequent flyers who navigate multiple airlines with different policies. Under the new policy, Ryanair will accept free bags larger than the EU minimum, enhancing passenger convenience for the low-cost carrierโs extensive European network.
Industry Comparison: How Ryanairโs Policy Measures Up
Ryanairโs revised personal bag allowance remains less generous than that of budget competitor EasyJet. EasyJet permits free cabin bags measuring up to 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, including wheels and handles, with a maximum weight of 10kg, offering passengers more onboard luggage space.
Similarly, Wizz Air allows free cabin bags matching Ryanairโs new dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, also capped at 10kg. On the other hand, British Airways (BA) sets a slightly smaller size limit for free under-seat bags (40cm x 30cm x 15cm), but allows an additional larger cabin bag free of charge, up to a weight of 23kg.
Industry analysts suggest these differences highlight varied competitive strategies among airlines, balancing passenger convenience with operational efficiency. โCabin baggage policies are key differentiators in the price-sensitive European low-cost market,โ said aviation analyst Claire Reilly from Aviation Consultancy Ltd. โRyanairโs alignment with the EU standard simplifies travel but remains conservative compared to EasyJetโs more generous allowance.โ
The EUโs Push for Standardised Cabin Baggage Rules
The updated EU baggage standard is part of a broader effort to reduce airline inconsistencies within the single market. Historically, variations in baggage size policies have caused frequent misunderstandings and unexpected fees, frustrating travellers at boarding gates and complicating trip planning.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) worked alongside airlines to formulate a minimum free personal bag size, hoping that passengers could carry one item compatible across multiple carriers. The rule applies primarily to EU-based airlines, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, though carriers retain discretion to accept larger bags.
Last month, the European Parliamentโs Transport Committee advanced legislation to secure passengers the right to an additional piece of free hand luggage up to 7kg. This proposal still requires approval by the full parliament and negotiations with member states before codification.
A spokesperson for the European Consumer Organisation stated, โStandardizing hand luggage allowances is a positive step for consumers, promoting transparency and reducing hidden charges.โ They added that consumers should remain vigilant about airline-specific rules as policies evolve.
Implications for Passengers and the Aviation Industry
Standardizing carry-on baggage sizes could improve the travel experience by reducing gate delays, improving boarding efficiency, and streamlining the enforcement of luggage policies. Airlines benefit from fewer disputes and more predictable cabin space usage, directly impacting turnaround times and overall operational costs.
Observers note that low-cost carriers have historically restricted free baggage allowances to encourage additional revenue through ancillary fees. Ryanairโs adjustment may signal a strategic shift towards greater passenger satisfaction amid intensifying competition. However, experts caution that further changes will likely depend on broader policy developments and airline financial performance.
Professor Michael OโHara, an expert in aviation economics at University College London, commented, โThe EUโs initiative to standardize hand luggage allowances reflects a regulatory trend balancing consumer protection with airline operational realities. Ryanairโs move aligns with this but remains cautious in preserving revenue streams linked to checked and cabin baggage.โ
What Passengers Need to Know
Passengers traveling with Ryanair should anticipate updated baggage measurements at airports shortly. They may carry one personal item weighing no more than 10kg with dimensions not exceeding 40cm x 30cm x 20cm without extra cost. However, travelers are advised to verify the latest baggage allowance directly with their airline before departure, as rules may vary and are subject to change.
The ongoing regulatory shifts suggest an improving environment for air travelers seeking greater predictability and fairness in baggage policies. Industry watchers will closely monitor how airlines adapt these standards and whether further harmonization will extend to other elements of air travel.
For further inquiries on airline baggage policies and forthcoming regulatory updates, passengers should consult official airline websites and the European Commissionโs transport department.
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