Ryanair Alters Policy Amid European Hand Luggage Revolution
While Ryanair takes a step in favor of passengers, a movement within the European Union is set to revolutionize baggage policies on flights. The European Parliament’s Transport Committee has approved a bill that will prohibit additional charges for bringing hand luggage and trolleys on board. If the proposal is finalized, every passenger on flights departing from or arriving in EU countries will be able to bring two items—a small personal bag and a hand luggage up to 7 kg—at no extra cost.
Ryanair Expands Free Bag Dimensions
Ryanair, a leader in the European low-cost airline market, recently announced a welcome change: an increase in the dimensions of the bag that can be brought on board for free. According to the update, each passenger can bring a bag measuring up to 40×30×20 cm into the cabin, compared to the previous size of only 40×30×15 cm.
To implement this decision, the airline has installed new measurement frames at all airports where it operates, aiming to unify procedures and allow passengers to maximize their entitlement.
Important to Know: Exceeding Dimensions Could Be Costly
The free bag is intended to fit under the seat, and those wishing to bring additional items can choose between paying for Priority service, which includes an extra cabin bag, or adding a suitcase to the aircraft’s hold during booking. According to Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, the move is designed to enhance customer experience, but he also warned that exceeding size or weight limits could result in on-the-spot charges and the bag being placed in the hold.
What Awaits in the European Union?
Beyond Ryanair’s initiative, a much broader proposal is currently being advanced in the European Parliament. Based on a 2014 ruling that carrying hand luggage is a basic service airlines are obliged to provide, a bill is being promoted that will ban charges for hand luggage as long as safety and weight conditions are met.
If the proposal passes further votes, it will apply to all airlines operating within the union, thereby changing the aviation industry’s rules. The next step is approval by the parliament’s plenary and then final approval by the EU member states. If approved, this move could save passengers significant money and encourage greater transparency from low-cost airlines.
And What About Israel?
As of now, Ryanair continues not to operate routes to and from Israel. The airline has suspended its operations at Ben Gurion Airport, at least until the end of October 2025, and has not announced a return date. This is in contrast to competing airlines that have already resumed their operations in Israel.
