Ryanair is set to increase passengers' free baggage allowances by 20% (Image: Getty Images)
Ryanair is set to increase its free cabin baggage allowance “in the coming weeks,” but it is not yet clear when the rules will change. The approximately 20% increase will allow passengers more free luggage (minimum 40 x 30 x 15cm) as changes to EU airline laws are proposed.
Currently, Ryanair passengers are entitled to a “personal bag” of 40 x 25 x 20cm. However, once the changes take effect, passengers will be allowed to obtain a 40 x 30 x 20cm bag. The bag must remain compatible with Ryanair's luggage rules. That is, the measurement includes the handle and wheels.
A Ryanair spokesperson said, “This change will be implemented over the next few weeks as airport bag sizers will be adjusted.”
The size of freehand luggage for Irish carriers is increasing, but there are fewer allowances than those offered by British Airways, JET2 and EasyJet. All three airlines already have free baggage allowances that go beyond the new dimensions set by the EU.
Ryanair said the location of the rules will change over the coming weeks (Image: Getty Images)
If you are traveling with Ryanair in the coming weeks, we recommend following the current free baggage size 40 x 25 x 20cm until the airline officially implements new rules. As tested by Dublin-based reporter Fran Winston, we have rounded up some of the top recommended Ryanair-approved freehand luggage items.
Hayayu Bag – £19.95
Hayayu bags are expandable, but in their normal size they fit under the seat and inside the bag. (Image: Fran Winston)
This Hayayu bag from Amazon is an expandable option for sale now. If not expanded, it fits perfectly with Ryanair's current small baggage allowance, but once the expandable section is thawed it will get bigger when traveling with other airlines or upgrading to priorities. When reviewing the bag, our reporter liked it was very spacious, with reinforced long handles, and included personal items security pockets, and fit comfortably on a 15.6″ laptop.
However, due to its expandable nature, it is easy to overpack without any meaning. Therefore, you need to be strict with yourself.
Fran said: “This bag does everything that's written on the tin. It's incredibly spacious, comfortable to carry and looks great.”
Hayayu bags are usually sold at the full price for £29.92, but at the time of writing it will be reduced to £19.95. The bag also has a 4.6 out of a 5-star rating from previous Amazon shoppers.
Narwey Duffel Bag – £15.99
The Nerwey bag fits under the front seat according to Ryanair's policy (Image: Fran Winston)
Narwey Duffel bags have become a viral trend online, especially at Tiktok, thanks to their compact nature and low price. It's not the most quality bag, but it's a measurement of 40 x 25 x 20cm, the perfect size to meet Ryanair's current free luggage requirements, and according to Fran, it does what it says with tin.
When testing the bags on a regular route between Dublin and London, Fran said he liked the bags being wide, sturdy and good looking. Plus, there are several colors available to match the aesthetic. However, she was disappointed by the short length of the handle and felt that the compartment was lacking.
Fran added: “This bag is like TARDIS. It's much bigger than it looks. It holds an impressive amount. Lack of pockets is a problem. That means you need to pack it with precision, but it works on the weekends if you're smart on your packing list.
The Narwey Duffel bag is available for purchase from Amazon for £15.99.
vmikiv backpack – £21.95
The vmikiv backpack fits, but be careful not to pack the front pocket (Image: Fran Winston)
Vmikiv's backpack may be the most expensive option at the time of writing, but this affordable bag was one of my favorites when it came to tests. The reporter said it's ideal for an overnight trip, but certainly, if you're going a long way from apart, it may not be the best option for you.
The bag measures 40 x 18 x 25cm and fits perfectly into a Ryanair luggage sizer. However, Fran discovers that it doesn't suit a big laptop. The largest laptop it holds is 13.3″; the front pocket can also make this bag just a little too big if stuffed.
But with that being said, Fran loved that the bag was a comfortable backpack. She said it was “durable” and she really liked the pocket assortment of various items. Fran added: “At 20 pounds, this is the star of the bag… The capacity is impressive in size and is comfortable to carry when packaged. The laptop didn't fit in the allocated pocket, but this is not a big complaint as it was for a smaller machine and sat perfectly in the main compartment.”
This bag is currently available for purchase on Amazon for £21.95.
Passengers who want to take the second larger baggage have the option to purchase a priority fare, including more baggage and additional perks.
The priority fare allows customers to carry small personal bags (40 x 20 x 25cm) and cabin bags (55 x 40 x 20cm).
Priority Plus Two extra bags can cost between £6 and £36 when made online, between £20 and £38.
If your priority is sold out or if passengers want to check their luggage, you can purchase a 10kg check-in bag.
Buy online, a 10kg check bag can cost between £11.99 and £29.99 at the airport.
Ryanair passengers need to recognize the big catch. If you show up at a boarding gate carrying a 10kg bag that has not been purchased in advance, you could be slapped at a last-minute check-in fee of £46.00 if you are denied at the gate.
