Ryanair has long been a favourite among travellers seeking affordable, quick flights across Europe. But while the airline’s low fares are appealing, the baggage policies have always required extra attention. Now, Ryanair has announced updates to its cabin baggage allowance, and passengers will need to pack with more precision than ever.
These changes could catch out those who are used to stretching the rules or relying on past leniency at boarding gates. If you’ve got a Ryanair flight booked soon, here’s what you need to know.
Ryanair’s Updated Cabin Bag Allowance: What’s New?
Under the updated policy, Ryanair will continue to allow one small personal bag free of charge, but the permitted size is getting stricter. The free bag must now fit easily under the seat in front and cannot exceed 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.
This might sound like a small adjustment, but for many regular travellers, this could mean downsizing from the bags they’ve comfortably used in the past. It’s no longer enough to have a bag that just about squeezes into the measuring frame—Ryanair is warning that strict size checks will now be enforced at boarding gates.
If your bag is too big, you may face additional charges or be asked to place your luggage in the hold at an extra cost, which could quickly turn a budget trip into something more expensive than planned.
Priority Boarding Still Offers More Flexibility
If you’re someone who prefers to travel with a little extra, Ryanair’s Priority Boarding option is still the best way to bring more on board. Priority passengers can carry an additional 10kg wheeled bag, in addition to their small personal item.
This option not only allows more baggage but also lets you board the plane earlier, which many travellers appreciate when cabin space is limited. However, Ryanair has made it clear that the rules will be firmly applied: if you haven’t booked Priority Boarding, you won’t be allowed to bring a larger bag into the cabin.
It’s worth noting that Priority Boarding is usually more affordable when booked in advance, so last-minute upgrades at the airport could end up costing significantly more.
Why Ryanair Is Making the Change
Ryanair says the update is part of an effort to improve boarding efficiency and keep flights running on schedule. With millions of passengers each month, the airline often faces delays caused by luggage that doesn’t fit in overhead compartments.
Overcrowded cabins have led to last-minute luggage being taken off the plane to be stored in the hold, which slows down boarding and frustrates both crew and passengers. Ryanair aims to cut down on delays and maintain its signature fast turnaround times by enforcing stricter cabin baggage rules.
For the airline, time really is money. Faster boarding means more on-time departures, which helps Ryanair keep operational costs low and offer competitive ticket prices.
Travellers Should Check Bag Sizes Before Flying
Ryanair is strongly encouraging passengers to double-check their baggage sizes before leaving home. The airline’s bag sizers at the gate are strictly monitored, and there’s little flexibility if your bag doesn’t fit.
For travellers who aren’t familiar with the new limits, this could result in last-minute stress, unexpected fees, or being forced to check luggage into the hold. It’s especially important for passengers who have flown with Ryanair in the past and may assume the old rules still apply.
Being prepared could make all the difference: investing in a cabin-sized bag that fits the updated requirements might save you time, hassle, and extra charges at the airport.
Budget Travel Requires Careful Planning
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair have always operated with strict rules to keep ticket prices low. The trade-off for cheap fares is usually fewer perks, tighter restrictions, and careful baggage allowances.
While some travellers may see the baggage update as another way for the airline to generate extra revenue, Ryanair insists that the changes are about efficiency and improving the overall passenger experience.
For budget-conscious passengers, the key takeaway is simple: travelling smart and paying attention to the details can still get you from A to B at a great price. But ignoring the fine print could quickly lead to unexpected costs that can take the “budget” out of budget travel.
