Ryanair is set to increase free hand luggage allowance for passengers by 20% (Image: Getty Images)
Ryanair is set to increase its free cabin baggage allowance “over the coming weeks”, though it is not clear yet exactly when the rule change will take place. The increase of approximately 20% is due to a proposed law change among EU airlines, allowing passengers more free baggage (a minimum of 40 x 30 x 15cm).
Currently, Ryanair passengers are entitled to a “personal bag”, measuring 40 x 25 x 20cm. However, when the change takes effect, passengers will now be permitted to take a bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20cm. The bag must still be compatible with Ryanair luggage rules, which means measurements will include handles and wheels.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “This change will be implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted.”
Though the Irish-carrier’s free hand luggage size is increasing, it will still be a smaller allowance than those offered by British Airways, Jet2 and easyJet. All three airlines already have free hand luggage allowances that exceed the new dimensions set out by the EU.
Ryanair said the rule place will take change in the coming weeks (Image: Getty Images)
If you are due to travel with Ryanair in the coming weeks, it’s recommended that you follow the current free baggage size of 40 x 25 x 20cm until the airline officially implements the new rule. We’ve rounded up some of our top-recommended Ryanair-approved free hand luggage items below, as tested by our Dublin-based reporter Fran Winston, who regularly flies with the airline.
Hayayu bag – £19.95
The Hayayu bag is expandable, but at its regular size fits under the seat and in the bag sizer (Image: Fran Winston)
Currently on sale, this Hayayu bag from Amazon is an expandable option. When not expanded, it fits Ryanair’s current small luggage allowance perfectly, but once the expandable section is unzipped, it can be made larger if travelling with other airlines or upgrading to Priority. When reviewing the bag, our reporter liked that it was extremely spacious, had reinforced and lengthy handles, included a security pocket for personal items and could comfortably fit a 15.6″ laptop. The fact that the bag comes in an assortment of colours is an added bonus.
However, due to its expandable nature, it can be easy to overpack without meaning to – so you’ll need to be strict with yourself.
Fran said: “This bag does everything it says on the tin. It is incredibly spacious, comfortable to carry, and also looks great.”
The Hayayu bag usually retails for £29.92 at full price, but at the time of writing is reduced to £19.95. The bag also has a 4.6 out of a possible five-star rating from previous Amazon shoppers.
Narwey Duffel Bag – £15.99
The Narwey Bag fits under the seat in front as per Ryanair’s policy (Image: Fran Winston)
The Narwey Duffel Bag has become a viral trend online, especially on TikTok, thanks to its compact nature and low price. It’s not the most high-quality bag, but measuring 40 x 25 x 20cm, it’s the perfect size to meet Ryanair’s current free luggage requirement, and, according to Fran, it does what it says on the tin.
When testing the bag on her regular route between Dublin and London, Fran said she liked that the bag is spacious, sturdy and looks good. Plus, it also comes in several colours to suit your aesthetic. However, she was let down by the short length of the handles and felt there was a shortage of compartments.
Fran added: “This bag is like the Tardis: far bigger on the inside than it looks and holds an impressive amount. The lack of pockets is an issue as it means you have to precision pack it, but it will work for a weekend if you are smart with your packing list. Just be mindful that with the soft-shell fabric, it’s easy to over-stuff.”
The Narwey Duffel bag is available to buy from Amazon for £15.99.
VMIKIV backpack – £21.95
The VMIKIV backpack fits – but be careful not to stuff the front pocket (Image: Fran Winston)
The VMIKIV backpack may be the priciest option, at the time of writing, but this affordable bag was one of our favourites when we put it to the test. Our reporter said it was ideal for a one-night trip, though admittedly, if you’re going away for longer, it might not be the best option for you.
The bag measures 40 x 18 x 25cm and fits perfectly into the Ryanair luggage sizer. However, Fran did discover that it doesn’t fit a larger laptop. The biggest laptop it will hold is 13.3″. If overstuffed, the front pocket can also jut out to make this bag just a tad too big.
But, with that said, Fran loved that the bag is a comfortable backpack, which she found handy when hopping on and off transport. She said it “feels durable”, and she really liked the assortment of pockets for various items. Fran added: “For just over £20, this is a workhorse of a bag…The capacity is impressive for the size, and it’s comfortable to carry when packed. While my laptop didn’t fit in the allocated pocket, it is flagged that it is for a smaller machine, and it sat perfectly in the main compartment, so this isn’t a major gripe.”
The bag is currently available to buy on Amazon for £21.95.
Passengers who wish to take a second, larger piece of luggage have the option to purchase a Priority fare, which includes more luggage as well as some additional perks.
- Priority fares allow customers to take a small personal bag (40 x 20 x 25cm) and a cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) weighing up to 10kg onboard
- Priority fare passengers also board the plane first via the Priority Queue
Priority plus two extra bags costs between £6 and £36 when done online, compared to at the check-in desk, where it can cost anywhere from £20 to £38.
If priority is sold out or passengers wish to check their bag, they can purchase a 10kg check-in bag.
- When purchased online, a 10kg checked bag can cost anywhere from £11.99 to £29.99
- At the airport, passengers could end up forking out between £23.99 and £35.99
Ryanair passengers should be aware of a major catch. If you show up at the boarding gate with a 10kg bag that has not been purchased in advance, you could be slapped with a last-minute check-in fee of £46.00 if it is rejected at the gate.