Ryanair travelers have been advised by experts to box their baggage as new rules have been confirmed. On Thursday, July 4th, Budget Airlines announced that it would expand its “personal bag” dimension by 20% to meet the new EU standards.
Passengers can immediately bring bags up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm into the cabin and bring them to the cabin at no additional cost. Items must “have to fit under the seat in front of you” and weigh less than 10kg.
With Ryanair set to introduce new bag sizes in the coming weeks, Tom Schott from Schott Packaging warns travelers that they are making mistakes that could cost money. According to him, the additional allowance could lead to overfilling of the bag.
Tom told the Express: “The new dimension is a game changer, but only if you use it wisely. The mistake is simply to stuff it in more. The real victory for the passenger is to use that volume to stuff the structure.
He recommends adopting five packing tactics, including the use of boxes. Tom explains: “Soft bags lose volume. A lightweight, snug fit cardboard box inside the bag provides a stiff frame, and use all corners to prevent bulging that attracts gate staff.”
Additional tips include using Ziplock bags to reduce wasted space, organizing items in small cubes and bags, and cushioning valuables. Tom added: “Place a small, sturdy box in the center of the bag covered with clothes. This creates a crushing zone for chargers, adapters and toiletries, preventing damage and leaks.”
Tom also encourages travelers to “plan your bags ahead of time.” First, I suggest placing all items on the floor within a 40x30cm outline.
“These are not only clever tricks, but also core principles of efficient packaging. By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and pass through the boarding gate.”
