Ryanair to shakeup free cabin bag size after major EU ruling

Ryanair is making some sizeable adjustments to its free cabin bag allowance, in a huge victory for Brits.

The ultra-low-cost airline, known for its sarcastic online presence, has frequently garnered global media attention for issuing out hefty fines for passengers flouting its strict luggage rules. Currently, passengers unwilling to pay for additional luggage must make sure their free 'personal bag' does not exceed 40 X 25 X 20cm - a volume of just 20 litres.

It is now common practice for card-machine-waving staff to ask customers to prove their bag fits the tiny dimensions during the boarding process. Those found attempting to bring a larger bag on board can be stung with a £75 charge. However, following a new European Union standard, all of this is about to change.

Last month (June 24), members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favour of introducing common dimensions for hand luggage. They agreed that all passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop with maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm without an additional fee.

Ryanair has been even more generous than the ruling dictates, confirming it will allow passengers to bring a personal bag up to 40 X 30 X 20cm in the coming weeks. However, its allowance is still stingier than rival easyJet - which permits passengers to bring a free under seat bag of 45 x 36 x 20cm (including wheels and handles).

British Airways (BA) technically has a smaller under-seat bag limit - with dimensions restricted to the EU minimum (40 x 30 x 15cm). However, passengers are also allowed to bring a larger cabin bag on board free of charge, as long as it is not heavier than 23kg and can fit in the overhead lockers.

"Today's vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel," vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Matteo Ricci said in a press statement. "[It introduces] concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage … a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs."

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Last month the transport committee of the European parliament voted to give passengers the right to an extra piece of free hand luggage weighing up to 7kg. According to the BBC, the proposed rule would still have to be passed by the wider European parliament before becoming law.

Despite the ruling, Brits are still being advised to confirm the baggage rules with their selected airline directly this summer, to avoid any confusion. Showing up with a bag that exceeds the company's allowance may result in a steep fine - or your luggage being taken away and stowed underneath the plane.

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