Ryanair and easyJet baggage shake-up: passengers could soon get more for free

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze your bag into a tiny sizer at the gate, this could be the change you’ve been waiting for. Passengers flying with Ryanair and easyJet may soon be allowed to take both a cabin bag and a personal item on board without paying extra – if new EU rules are approved.

For now, nothing has changed at the airport just yet. But the proposal is already moving through the EU system, and if it gets final approval, it would apply to flights operated by EU airlines, including many routes used by UK travellers.

What’s changing with baggage rules right now

Even before the wider reform is finalised, there has already been a small but noticeable adjustment.

Ryanair has updated its allowance for personal bags following regulatory pressure. Passengers can now bring a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, which is slightly more generous than before.

EasyJet, on the other hand, was already in line with those dimensions, so nothing has changed there for now.

At present, both airlines still follow the same basic model:

• one small personal item included in the cheapest fare
• any additional cabin bag comes at an extra cost

That’s exactly what the EU is now trying to address.

The proposed EU rule that could change everything

Earlier this year, the European Parliament voted in favour of a change that would standardise what passengers are allowed to take on board.

Under the proposal, travellers would have the right to bring:

• one personal item (like a handbag or backpack)
• plus one small cabin bag

Both would be free of charge.

There are limits, but they’re fairly clear. The cabin bag would need to stay within a maximum combined size of 100cm (length + width + height) and weigh no more than 7kg.

If approved, this would apply to all flights departing from or arriving in the EU operated by EU-based airlines, which includes Ryanair and easyJet.

What this would mean for passengers

For frequent flyers, the change could make a real difference.

Right now, many passengers end up paying extra just to bring a small suitcase on board – even for short trips.

If the rule goes through, it would mean:

• no extra fees for basic hand luggage
• fewer surprises at the airport
• and less need to upgrade fares just to carry essentials

For people travelling regularly between the UK and Europe, it could also simplify things, as most short-haul routes are operated by EU airlines.

It’s not law yet – here’s what still needs to happen

Although the European Parliament has backed the proposal, it’s not final.

The next step is approval by the European Council, which represents EU member states. Until that happens, airlines can continue applying their current baggage policies.

So for now, travellers should still follow the existing rules when booking and packing.

Another change being discussed: seating for children

The baggage proposal isn’t the only change on the table.

MEPs are also pushing for a rule that would ensure children under 12 are seated next to an accompanying adult at no extra cost.

At the moment, airlines are not legally required to guarantee this, even though it’s widely recommended for safety reasons.

In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority advises that young children should ideally sit in the same row as their parent, or at least no more than one row apart. The concern is simple – in an emergency, separation could slow things down.

Why airlines may not welcome the change

While the proposal is likely to be popular with passengers, it could be more complicated for airlines.

Low-cost carriers have built part of their business model around charging for extras, including cabin baggage. Removing those fees could affect how tickets are priced in the future.

That doesn’t necessarily mean flights will become more expensive – but it could lead to changes in how fares are structured.

What you should do before your next flight

Until the rules are officially adopted, it’s still important to:

• check your airline’s baggage policy before travelling
• double-check bag dimensions
• and avoid assuming anything has changed

If the new regulation is approved, airlines will need to update their policies – but that won’t happen overnight.

A change many passengers have been waiting for

For years, travellers have had to navigate increasingly strict baggage rules, especially on low-cost airlines. This proposal aims to bring some consistency back – and remove one of the most common frustrations at the airport.

For now, it’s a case of wait and see. But if approved, your next short-haul flight could come with one less extra charge to worry about.