Ryanair travellers warned as bag rules change overnight at 235 airports

The airline has rolled out new luggage sizers at 235 airports overnight.

Ryanair passengers are being warned of a sudden change to luggage rules after the airline rolled out new cabin bag sizers across all of its 235 airports overnight.

From today, travellers will be able to bring a larger free personal bag on board – measuring 40 x 30 x 20cm, which is 33% bigger than the EU standard allowance. The previous allowance was 40 x 20 x 25cm.

The bag must still fit under the seat in front, but Ryanair says the new limits will give customers more space without extra charges.

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The airline’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady said: “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.”

But Ryanair warned that any customer failing to comply with the new limits will still be hit with fees at the gate, the Irish Mirror reports.

Dara added: “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.”

The rollout comes after years of criticism over Ryanair’s strict baggage policy, which has led to hefty fines of up to €75 for oversized bags.

Earlier this year, Ryanair bosses admitted staff receive a small bonus of around €1.50 per oversized bag they flag, however the airline insisted that more than 99.9% of passengers comply with the rules.

It comes as European lawmakers continue to push for airlines to allow one free small suitcase alongside a personal item. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has dismissed the idea, claiming aircraft don’t have the space.

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