2025-07-02T16:05:00Z

---

Your support helps us to tell the story. From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference.

In a significant move impacting the travel experience of millions, Ryanair, the largest low-cost airline in Europe, has announced a forthcoming increase in its free cabin baggage allowance. As one of the leading budget airlines, Ryanair's decision is set against the backdrop of a recent agreement among European airlines to standardize cabin luggage sizes.

Currently, Ryanair allows passengers to carry a free “personal bag” with dimensions of 40cm x 25cm x 20cm, translating to a total volume of 20 liters. However, in a bid to enhance customer convenience, the airline plans to adjust the size of this allowance. The new dimensions will be 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, increasing the volume to 24 liters.

This change not only exceeds the recently established European minimum bag size of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm but also avoids a potential reduction of 10% in volume that would have occurred if Ryanair had aligned its allowances strictly with the new guidelines. By maintaining a larger size limit, Ryanair ensures that passengers can continue using their existing luggage without concern.

A spokesperson for Ryanair confirmed, “This change will be implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted.” Passengers can expect to see these changes materialize soon as Ryanair works to align its policies with the new regulations.

Discussions surrounding cabin baggage policies have been ongoing, spearheaded by the trade organization Airlines for Europe (A4E), which has been in dialogue with Adina Valean, the EU's transport commissioner, about implementing clearer regulations for travelers. Under the new rules, passengers purchasing bags that fit within the dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm will have an assurance of being able to bring them on board, creating a more straightforward experience for all.

Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of A4E, noted, “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 travelers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members’ networks.”

Interestingly, most airlines are set to maintain their current baggage allowances. For instance, British Airways, Jet2, and easyJet all offer baggage limits that exceed the new standardized dimensions. EasyJet has confirmed that its allowance will remain at 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, allowing a maximum volume of 32 liters.

In a related development, European Parliament members recently voted to mandate that all airlines permit passengers to bring two pieces of cabin baggage onboard. Notably, Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air have raised objections to this proposal, arguing that it would be impractical. The airlines believe that establishing a minimum size for cabin baggage might increase their chances of successfully negotiating against a two-bag limit.

In June, Ryanair reported carrying approximately 19.9 million passengers, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This growth highlights the airline's ongoing success within the competitive low-cost travel market.