EU Airlines to Standardise Cabin Baggage Rules – Ryanair Expands Free Allowance

In a major development for European air travel, airlines across the EU are preparing to standardise cabin baggage allowances. This follows a proposal by European lawmakers aiming to simplify and regulate the size and weight of hand luggage passengers can bring on board, for free.

The move promises to end years of confusion over differing baggage policies between low-cost and legacy carriers. And Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, is already making changes in anticipation.

What Are the New EU Cabin Bag Rules?

If adopted, the new rules will require all EU airlines to allow two free items onboard:

• One personal item (e.g., handbag or small rucksack)
  Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
• One hand luggage item
  Combined size (length + width + height): Maximum 100 cm
  Maximum weight: 7 kg

The law, however, is not yet final. It must receive approval from at least 55% of EU member states. Negotiations are ongoing and could lead to changes, but implementation could start as early as the end of the 2025 summer season.

Ryanair Increases Free Cabin Bag Allowance

Ryanair has announced a proactive change, increasing the size of its free personal cabin item to meet (and slightly exceed) the proposed EU standards.

• Old dimensions: 40 x 25 x 20 cm (20L volume)
• New dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (24L volume)

The airline will start updating its airport bag sizers over the coming weeks. A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed the change is aimed at making travel smoother for passengers, especially those who already own bags compatible with the airline’s current policy.

By slightly exceeding the proposed dimensions, Ryanair ensures that customers won’t need to purchase new luggage.

When Will Other Airlines Follow?

The Airlines for Europe (A4E) association, which includes major carriers like Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and Ryanair, confirmed its members are already preparing to meet the new EU rules.

“All A4E airlines will roll out the guaranteed dimensions and have them in place by the end of the 2025 summer season,” the group said in a statement.

However, the rules won’t stop airlines from allowing larger cabin bags at their discretion. For example, British Airways, Jet2, and easyJet already offer more generous cabin bag limits than those being proposed.

New Cabin Bag Fee May Be on the Horizon

While the regulation secures one personal item and one small cabin bag for free, there’s growing speculation that larger cabin luggage will become a premium service across all airlines.

This could mean a universal cabin baggage fee for larger hand luggage, a practice already common among budget carriers. Advocates for the change argue that this will lead to more transparent pricing and smoother boarding processes.

But critics worry that it may increase costs for travellers, especially families or those flying without checked baggage.

Why This Matters for Travellers

The new regulation could have a significant impact on how people pack and what they pay for air travel in Europe. Here’s why it matters:

• Clarity: Passengers will know exactly what they can bring for free, no matter the airline.
• Fairness: Airlines must abide by a shared minimum, reducing surprise fees.
• Convenience: More consistent rules make travel easier, especially for multi-airline or connecting trips.

Final Thoughts

This upcoming shift marks a positive step for EU air travel. While there’s still a long way to go before full implementation, travellers can expect more consistency and possibly new charges when it comes to cabin luggage.

With airlines like Ryanair already taking action, now is a good time to review your travel bags and get familiar with the upcoming size limits. Watch this space for more updates as the proposal moves closer to becoming EU law.