How Ryanair Has Increased Free Cabin Bag Size by 20% for Summer 2025

Key Takeaways

• Ryanair increases free cabin bag size to 40 x 30 x 20 cm starting July 2025.
• EU proposes two free cabin bags per passenger and standardized minimum bag sizes.
• easyJet and Wizz Air already match or exceed Ryanair’s new cabin bag allowance.

Ryanair’s Cabin Bag Rule Change: What Travelers Need to Know in 2025

Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, is making a big change to its cabin baggage policy just in time for the busy summer travel season. Starting in July 2025, Ryanair will increase the size of its free underseat cabin bag by 20%. The new maximum size will be 40 x 30 x 20 cm (24 litres), up from the previous 40 x 25 x 20 cm (20 litres). This adjustment comes as the European Union (EU) pushes for more standardized baggage rules across all airlines, aiming to make air travel simpler and fairer for passengers.

This change affects millions of travelers who fly with Ryanair each year, especially those who rely on bringing only a cabin bag to avoid extra fees. The move also raises questions about how other airlines will respond, what the new EU rules mean for everyone, and what practical steps passengers should take before their next flight.

Let’s break down what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for travelers, airlines, and the future of flying in Europe.

Why Is Ryanair Changing Its Cabin Bag Policy?

Ryanair’s decision to increase its free cabin bag size is not just about being generous to passengers. It’s a direct response to new EU proposals and agreements among European airlines. In June 2025, the EU transport commissioner and major airlines agreed on a minimum free cabin bag size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. This move is part of a wider effort to make air travel rules more consistent across Europe, reducing confusion and hidden fees for passengers.

Ryanair’s new allowance of 40 x 30 x 20 cm actually goes beyond the EU’s minimum requirement, offering more space than the new standard. The airline says it will start rolling out the change “over the coming weeks” as it updates its airport bag sizers. This means travelers should soon see the new, larger size allowed at check-in and boarding gates.

How Does Ryanair’s New Policy Compare to Other Airlines?

Ryanair’s new cabin bag rule puts it in line with some of its main competitors, but there are still differences travelers should know about:

• easyJet: Allows a free underseat bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm (32 litres), which is even larger than Ryanair’s new size.
• Wizz Air: Already allows 40 x 30 x 20 cm, matching Ryanair’s new policy.
• British Airways and Jet2: Both airlines already offer more generous cabin bag allowances than the new EU minimum and are not expected to reduce them.
• EU Minimum: The new standard is 40 x 30 x 15 cm (18 litres), so Ryanair’s new rule gives passengers an extra 5 cm of depth and 6 more litres of space.

This means that while Ryanair’s new policy is an improvement, some airlines still offer even more space for free. However, Ryanair’s move is a step toward making baggage rules less confusing for travelers who fly with different airlines.

What Are the New EU Rules on Cabin Bags?

The push for standardized cabin bag rules comes from years of complaints by passengers about confusing and inconsistent baggage policies. Some airlines allowed bigger bags, while others charged extra fees for anything beyond a small personal item. This made it hard for travelers to know what to expect, especially when connecting between different airlines.

In June 2025, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted to require all airlines to allow passengers two pieces of cabin baggage without extra fees:

• Personal Item: Minimum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm (18 litres).
• Second Bag: Up to 100 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and up to 7 kg in weight.

MEPs also supported rules for free adjacent seating for children under 12 and free travel for people assisting those with reduced mobility. These proposals are designed to protect passenger rights and make flying fairer for everyone.

However, these rules are not law yet. They must still be approved by the full European Parliament before they take effect. If passed, all EU airlines—including Ryanair—will have to follow them.

How Do Airlines Feel About the New EU Rules?

Not all airlines are happy about the proposed changes. Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air have all spoken out against the two-bag rule. They argue that allowing two free cabin bags would be “unworkable” and would hurt their business models. These airlines rely on charging extra fees for things like larger cabin bags, checked luggage, and priority boarding. They say that forcing them to allow two free bags would make it harder to keep ticket prices low.

The trade group Airlines for Europe (A4E), which represents many European airlines, supports the idea of a minimum bag size for clarity but does not back the two-bag rule. They believe that standardizing the size of the free bag is enough to help passengers, without forcing airlines to change their business models completely.

On the other hand, EU officials say the new rules are needed to protect passengers from hidden fees and confusing policies. They want to make sure that everyone knows what they can bring on board, no matter which airline they fly with.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

For travelers, Ryanair’s new cabin bag rule is mostly good news. Here’s what you need to know:

• More Space for Free: You can now bring a slightly larger bag on board without paying extra. This makes it easier to pack for short trips or weekend getaways.
• No Need to Buy a New Bag: If you already have a bag that fits Ryanair’s old size (40 x 25 x 20 cm), you can still use it. But if you want to take advantage of the extra space, you can upgrade to a slightly bigger bag.
• Check the Bag Sizer: Ryanair is updating its bag sizers at airports. Before you travel, check the new size at your departure airport to make sure your bag fits.
• Priority Boarding: If you pay for priority boarding, you can still bring an additional larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg) on top of your free underseat bag.
• No Change for Checked Bags: This rule only affects the free underseat cabin bag. Checked baggage policies and fees remain the same.

What Should Passengers Do Before Their Next Flight?

If you’re flying with Ryanair or any other European airline this summer, here are some practical steps to follow:

1. Check Your Airline’s Website: Visit Ryanair’s official website for the latest updates on baggage allowances and to see if the new rule is in effect for your flight.
2. Measure Your Bag: Make sure your cabin bag fits the new size limits. If you’re flying with another airline, check their specific rules, as sizes can vary.
3. Arrive Early: With new rules rolling out, there may be some confusion at the airport. Arrive early to avoid stress at check-in or boarding.
4. Keep an Eye on EU Developments: The rules could change again if the European Parliament passes the two-bag law. Stay informed by checking official sources like the European Parliament’s passenger rights page.
5. Pack Smart: Use packing cubes or organizers to make the most of your cabin bag space.

How Will This Affect Travelers from the United Kingdom?

Even though the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is no longer part of the European Union 🇪🇺, these new rules will still affect British travelers who fly with EU-based airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. If the two-bag rule becomes law, it will apply to all flights operated by EU airlines, even those flying to and from the United Kingdom. However, UK-based airlines will not be required to follow the new EU rules unless the UK government decides to adopt similar standards.

This means British travelers should pay close attention to the baggage policies of the airline they’re flying with, especially if they’re connecting between UK and EU carriers.

What About Other Airlines? Will They Follow Ryanair’s Lead?

Most major European airlines already offer more generous cabin bag allowances than the new EU minimum. easyJet, for example, allows a much larger underseat bag than Ryanair. British Airways and Jet2 also have policies that exceed the new standard. These airlines are not expected to reduce their allowances, as doing so would likely upset passengers and make them less competitive.

However, the real impact will be on low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, which have used strict baggage rules and extra fees as a way to keep ticket prices low. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these airlines are watching the EU’s legislative process closely and may adjust their policies further if the two-bag rule becomes law.

Summary Table: Ryanair vs. Rivals (July 2025)

What’s Next? The Future of Cabin Bag Rules in Europe

The situation is still changing. The European Parliament must vote on the new passenger rights proposals before they become law. If the two-bag rule passes, all EU airlines will have to allow passengers to bring both a personal item and a larger cabin bag for free. This could lead to even more changes in airline policies and possibly higher ticket prices if airlines try to make up for lost baggage fees.

For now, Ryanair’s new rule gives passengers a bit more space and brings the airline in line with EU efforts to make air travel simpler and fairer. Most major airlines already meet or exceed the new minimum, so travelers can expect more consistency when flying across Europe.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Ryanair is increasing its free cabin bag size to 40 x 30 x 20 cm (24 litres) starting July 2025.
• The change is in response to new EU rules aiming to standardize baggage policies across airlines.
• Most major airlines already offer more generous allowances and are not expected to reduce them.
• The European Parliament is considering a law that would require all airlines to allow two free cabin bags, but it has not passed yet.
• Travelers should check their airline’s website and measure their bags before flying.

For the latest updates on baggage rules and passenger rights, visit the European Parliament’s official passenger rights page.

By staying informed and planning ahead, travelers can avoid surprises at the airport and make the most of their next trip—whether flying with Ryanair, easyJet, or any other European airline.

Learn Today

Cabin Bag → A small bag allowed on board the aircraft without extra fees, fitting under the seat or in overhead lockers.
EU Transport Commissioner → An official responsible for creating and enforcing transport policies across European Union member states.
Underseat Cabin Bag → A personal bag sized to fit beneath the airplane seat, typically smaller than overhead cabin luggage.
Two-Bag Rule → A proposed EU regulation requiring airlines to allow two free cabin bags per passenger without extra charges.
Airlines for Europe (A4E) → A trade group representing many European airlines, advocating airline industry interests within the EU.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting July 2025, Ryanair expands its free cabin bag size by 20% to align with upcoming EU rules, easing travel and reducing confusion for passengers across Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com