Ryanair Increases Free Cabin Bag Size Across Europe
New Ryanair Baggage Policy 2025: Bigger Free Hand Luggage for All Passengers
Ryanair, Europe’s biggest budget airline, has officially updated its carry on baggage policy across all 235 airports it serves in Europe. As of Thursday, 4 September 2025, all Ryanair passengers are now entitled to bring a larger free underseat cabin bag measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm — 33% bigger than the previous EU standard of 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
This larger free bag still needs to fit under the seat in front, but the added space offers a welcome bonus for travellers flying with only hand luggage.
Dara Brady, Chief Marketing Officer at Ryanair:
"From today (Thurs, 4 Sept) Ryanair's new, bigger free carry-on bag is now 33% larger than the EU standard. Our bag sizers at all airports have now been "resized" to accommodate this bigger, free carry-on bag. All passengers wishing to bring a second carry bag can do so by availing of our Priority Boarding service, and passengers can also purchase check-in bags, should they so wish, during their booking process. We hope our customers will enjoy these bigger, free carry-on bag sizes, but any passenger who fails to comply with these new generous limits, will be required to pay the checked in bag fee at the boarding gate."
What’s Included in Ryanair’s Free Baggage Allowance?
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One free carry on bag per passenger
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Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
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Must fit under the seat in front
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Add Priority Boarding for a second, larger cabin bag
Passengers exceeding this size allowance will be charged at the boarding gate for a checked bag.
Airline Cabin Bag Allowance Comparison – September 2025
Wondering how Ryanair stacks up against other UK and European airlines in 2025?
| Airline | Free Cabin Bag Size | Included Items |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | One underseat bag only |
| Wizz Air | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | Same as Ryanair |
| easyJet | 45 × 36 × 20 cm | Larger underseat allowance |
| Jet2 | 56 × 45 × 25 cm + personal item | Cabin bag plus small item (10 kg total) |
| TUI Airways | 55 × 40 × 20 cm + personal item | Cabin bag plus small item (10 kg total) |
| British Airways | 56 × 45 × 25 cm + 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Two free cabin bags, each up to 23 kg |
What This Means for UK Holidaymakers
With this move, Ryanair joins a growing list of airlines responding to passenger demand for more generous cabin baggage allowances. The new hand luggage policy is great news for UK travellers on a budget, especially those taking short haul European city breaks or weekend getaways with only carry on luggage. The change gives passengers more room without paying extra — making it easier to avoid checked bag fees.
