Ryanair has increased the permitted dimensions of free hand luggage to 40 × 30 × 20 cm. Find out what the new rules are from September 2025, how much extra baggage costs and why the company opposes EU requirements for a second free seat

From September 4, Ryanair has introduced new rules for hand luggage at all 235 airports in Europe where it operates flights. The low-cost carrier has increased the permitted size of the free bag that can be taken on board, but at the same time warned of fines for passengers who do not comply with the restrictions.

Traveling in Europe in 2025 may be complicated by numerous strikes in the aviation and transport sectors. We have already told you about the current dates and countries where airport and airline workers are striking, as well as how this may affect your flights and what to do to minimize delays and inconvenience.

New rules for Ryanair hand luggage

From now on, each Ryanair passenger has the right to take one personal bag on board for free measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm (previously – 40 × 25 × 20 cm). This increases the luggage volume from 20 to 24 liters, which will allow you to take a few extra items, such as T-shirts or underwear.

The company has also adapted all baggage meters at airports to the new dimensions. If a passenger wants to take another piece of hand luggage, he can use the paid Priority Boarding service or check in his luggage when booking a ticket.

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Additional costs for carrying hand luggage Ryanair

You will have to pay for carrying a second piece of hand luggage or larger luggage. The cost starts from 30 euros per flight (online) and can reach 60 euros at the airport. In addition, the company reminds you: if the bag does not meet the permitted parameters, the passenger will have to pay a fee for checked baggage immediately before boarding.

Ryanair’s response to EU demands

Ryanair’s changes come amid new European rules that set a free hand luggage standard of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. MEPs also propose allowing passengers to take on board one more bag weighing up to 7 kg for free.

However, Ryanair is opposed to this decision. The company emphasizes that on a full plane there is simply no room for two items of hand luggage per passenger. In addition, the airline believes that such a requirement will lead to an increase in ticket prices and a decrease in tariff flexibility for customers.

The EU has backed a law that will prohibit airlines from charging additional fees for hand luggage. Read here what will change for passengers when the new rule comes into effect, who it affects and how budget carriers are reacting.

Competition among low-cost carriers

The increase in hand luggage makes Ryanair more competitive compared to other budget carriers, but the company still lags behind EasyJet. For example, EasyJet allows free baggage of 45 × 36 × 30 cm.

Ryanair passengers should carefully check the dimensions of their hand luggage to avoid additional costs. Although the new rules allow you to take a little more things into the cabin, a second item or a larger bag remains payable.

Traveling under the new airline rules is often associated with additional questions regarding visas, documents and legal stay abroad. If you are planning not only a short trip, but also work or study in another country, it is worth consulting with professionals in advance.

Our migration specialists will help you correctly apply for a visa, prepare documents for moving and avoid unforeseen difficulties. Contact us so that your trip or relocation is stress-free.

Reminder! In recent months, airlines around the world have increasingly begun to cancel the right to carry free checked baggage for passengers, and this has become a noticeable trend that covers both budget and traditional air carriers. We have already told you about the changes in the airline’s free baggage policy, in particular in Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and the USA.

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