Holidaymakers flying with Ryanair will soon be able to squeeze a few more essentials into their free under seat bag, as the budget airline plans to increase the allowance by 20% following new EU proposals aimed at making air travel fairer for passengers.
Ryanair currently allows travellers to take a “personal bag”, typically a small backpack or handbag, that fits under the seat in front, measuring up to 40x25x20cm (about 20 litres). Now, that limit will increase to 40x30x20cm, giving passengers a total volume of 24 litres. While just a modest 5cm width boost, it means extra space for a couple more T-shirts or holiday outfits.
The change, due to roll out over the next few weeks as airports adjust their baggage sizers, will bring Ryanair in line with rival WizzAir’s allowance. However, it still lags behind easyJet, which permits a larger 45x36x20cm (32 litres) free bag, but ahead of Jet2 who currently only allow a 40x30x15cm handbag or rucksack.
EU crackdown on airline add-ons
The move follows fresh proposals from the European Parliament’s transport committee. MEPs want all travellers to be guaranteed a free cabin bag of at least 40x30x15cm, plus another piece of hand luggage up to 100cm in combined dimensions and weighing 7kg, without paying extra. They also backed rules to ensure children under 12 sit next to their accompanying adult free of charge, and that people with reduced mobility can have a companion travel without paying more.
The full proposals will still need a vote in the European Parliament before becoming law. But even though the UK has left the EU, the changes would still affect British holidaymakers travelling with EU-based airlines like Ryanair.
Budget airlines wary of losing add-on fees
Charging for extras such as larger cabin bags, checked luggage and seat selection has long been central to the business model of low-cost carriers. Unsurprisingly, some have pushed back. A Ryanair spokesperson recently argued: “The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don’t.”
Still, Ryanair appears to be getting ahead of the curve. The airline says its new bag policy will even exceed the EU’s proposed minimum, though it continues to charge separate fees for overhead cabin bags and checked luggage.
What this means for travellers to the Canaries
With millions of tourists flying to the Canary Islands on budget airlines each year, even a small boost to free baggage could ease packing stresses and cut holiday costs. However, passengers hoping for bigger changes, such as a free overhead cabin bag or seat selection, will need to wait and see if the EU’s proposals make it into law.
