Ryanair has implemented a significant change to its cabin baggage policy, offering passengers a more generous free luggage allowance on board its flights. The budget airline has increased the permitted dimensions for its complimentary small personal bag, providing travellers with greater flexibility and value.
New Dimensions for Free Cabin Bags
Passengers flying with Ryanair can now bring a personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm into the cabin without incurring any additional charges. This item must weigh less than 10kg and be capable of fitting securely under the seat in front of you during the flight.
20% Volume Increase from Previous Allowance
The revised dimensions represent a substantial 20% increase in volume compared to Ryanair's previous baggage restrictions. This enhancement means travellers can pack more essentials in their free cabin bag, potentially reducing the need for checked luggage on shorter journeys.
Ryanair's Baggage Policy Details
Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's Chief Executive, explained the reasoning behind this policy adjustment: "We want 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."
It's important to note that this policy specifically applies to the free small personal bag. Passengers who require additional luggage have several options:
- Non-priority customers without pre-booked baggage can purchase a 10kg check-in bag at the airport bag drop desk for €35.99-€40
- Bringing a 10kg check-in bag to the boarding gate may result in the bag being refused or placed in the aircraft hold for a fee of €46.00-€60.00
- Passengers may be required to leave their bags at the aircraft steps or in designated gate bag trolleys for stowage in the hold
Comparison with European Standards
Ryanair's new dimensions exceed the European Commission's standard size for small cabin bags, which measures 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. This positions Ryanair's free baggage allowance as more generous than the baseline European requirement, potentially giving the airline a competitive advantage in the budget travel market.
Context Within the Airline Industry
This policy change occurs within a broader context of evolving airline baggage policies across Europe. For comparison:
- Aer Lingus charges €9.99 for "carry-on bag with priority boarding" on short-haul flights
- Checking in a 20kg bag with Aer Lingus costs between €25 and €55 depending on flight duration
- Aer Lingus's excess baggage rate is €10 per kilogram over the permitted allowance
Ryanair's adjustment to its free cabin bag size represents a strategic move in the competitive budget airline sector, potentially appealing to cost-conscious travellers who value maximising their free luggage allowance. The change applies to all Ryanair flights, including those departing from Birmingham and other UK airports, offering British passengers enhanced travel flexibility for their European journeys.
