The change is soon to arrive at British airports and help passengers avoid costly fees, but there’s a catch…
The change in baggage will be welcome for many(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Budget airline Ryanair is preparing to change its strict baggage allowances in the coming weeks. Currently, the airline permits passengers to bring a small carry-on bag for free with each ticket.
The maximum size allowed is 40cm x 20cm x 25cm, with a weight limit of 10kg. However, starting in the following weeks, this size limit will increase to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
This change comes as the EU has revised carry-on rules, standardising free luggage allowances across the region.
Previously, EU-based budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and others often imposed substantial fees for hand luggage, depending on its size and weight. Consequently, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry fined five budget airlines €179 million (£149 million) in November 2024 for what it deemed “abusive practices.”
This ruling, combined with pressure from consumer rights associations and passengers, has prompted the EU to advocate for fairer and more consistent hand luggage rules.
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In addition, Ryanair plans to increase the bonuses for staff who identify passengers attempting to bring oversized baggage on flights. Furthermore, the current monthly cap of €80 (£68.98) for these bonuses will be removed.
Ryanair’s Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary, stated that he makes “absolutely no apology” for catching passengers who are “scamming the system.”
Speaking at a press conference in central London, Mr. O’Leary mentioned that the airline would likely increase incentives for gate staff who intercept passengers with oversized luggage from €1.50 (£1.29) to €2.50 (£2.16) per bag starting in November.
He expressed confusion over the number of passengers with rucksacks who believe they can get through the gate unnoticed. “We will, and you will be paying for the rucksack,” he said. “You’re not getting on if it doesn’t fit.”
Mr. O’Leary noted that approximately 200,000 passengers per year are charged luggage fees at airport gates, indicating that “we have more work to do to get rid of them.” The airline carried 200 million passengers in the year ending in March.
While consumers will benefit from increased baggage allowances in September, they will need to be particularly cautious starting in November, as Ryanair increases its bounty against oversized baggage.