Ryanair to Expand Free Carry-On Bag Size Amidst Passenger Frustration

DUBLIN – Budget airline Ryanair is set to increase the size of its free carry-on baggage allowance, a move that comes as the airline faces mounting criticism over its strict enforcement of cabin luggage dimensions. The change aims to alleviate passenger frustration and streamline boarding processes, which have been frequently disrupted by passengers struggling with oversized bags.

A Welcome Change for Travellers

The airline has acknowledged that passengers are frequently enough caught out by the current regulations, leading to unexpected charges at the boarding gate. A spokesperson for Ryanair stated, “We are looking at increasing our bag commissions to try and get rid of these excess bags which delay boarding and annoy our other passengers.” This suggests a dual approach: incentivising passengers to adhere to size limits while also making those limits slightly more forgiving.

In recent months, reports have highlighted numerous instances where passengers have been charged for carry-on luggage that they had previously used without issue, only to find it deemed too large by Ryanair’s sizers. This has lead to a perception among some travellers that the airline has tightened its policies, a claim Ryanair has consistently denied, maintaining that its rules have remained unchanged for years.

What’s Changing and When?

the upcoming adjustments are designed to offer a more generous allowance without compromising the efficiency of the boarding process.

New Dimensions for Carry-On Luggage

Currently, passengers are permitted to bring one free bag measuring 40x25x20cm, which must be stowed under the seat in front of them. However, under the planned changes, this allowance will be expanded.

The new dimensions for the free carry-on bag will be 40x30x20cm. This increase of 5cm along one side is expected to provide travellers with a little more flexibility, perhaps allowing for a couple of extra T-shirts or a few pairs of rolled-up socks. Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has even suggested it might accommodate an additional pair of trousers.

The Broader Context: EU Baggage Scrutiny

These changes by Ryanair occur within a wider European Union context where cabin baggage allowances have been under scrutiny by lawmakers. Members of the European Parliament have been advocating for regulations that would mandate airlines to permit passengers to carry two cabin bags at no additional cost.

While the European Commission has not yet implemented such a broad mandate, it has agreed upon a standard size for a small bag: 40x30x15cm.Ryanair’s move to increase its free bag allowance to 40x30x20cm positions it as offering a more generous allowance than the proposed EU standard. Mr.O’Leary has expressed Ryanair’s intention to “have our personal baggage allowance, our free bag allowance to be bigger than the EU standard so we’re moving ours up. We want you to have a big free bag but limit yourself to that one free bag and don’t bring a second one.” This indicates a strategic effort by Ryanair to manage passenger expectations and cabin space effectively, while still offering a competitive and slightly more accommodating baggage policy.