Ryanair is planning to increase its “personal bag” size in the coming weeks. The move comes as the EU introduced new laws for more free baggage.
The budget airline told The Express: “Ryanair’s current free ‘personal bag’ size is 40x25x20cm. Following the new EU minimum bag size of 40x30x15cm, Ryanair will increase its max ‘personal bag’ dimensions to 40x30x20cm, so that Ryanair’s ‘personal bag’ allowance is bigger than the EU standard. This change will be implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted.”
European politicians said holidaymakers should be allowed a bag with a minimum size of 40x30x15cm and another up to 100cm and 7kg in weight, without an extra charge on top of their ticket.
Ryanair’s current size allows a volume of 20 litres; the 5cm increase will take that up to 24 litres. However, it still remains less than its competitor EasyJet, which allows passengers a free underseat bag of 45x36x20cm.
Wizz Air’s cabin bag is the same size as Ryanair’s new limit, with the same weight maximum of 10kg.
The EU has been collaborating with airlines to agree on a minimum free bag size in hopes that frequent travellers will be able to purchase one piece of luggage and be assured that it will be accepted by various airlines
The move comes as a major change as many budget airlines charge seperately for a larger bag in the overhead locker or in the hold.
Despite the UK no longer being part of the EU, the legislation will still impact British passengers as they cover EU-based airlines.
Members of the European Parliament also said that children under the age of 12 should be guaranteed a seat next to their acommpanying passenger free of charge, as well as addressed more protection for people with reduced mobility by making an accompanying person can travel for free.
A Ryanair spokesperson previously told Sky News: “The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and importantly, what services they don’t.”
