Budget airline Ryanair is planning to increase its "personal bag" size by 20% as the EU brings in a new standard. Passengers will be allowed to take an item such as a handbag or laptop bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in the cabin without paying an extra fee. It should weigh less than 10kg, and fit "under the seat in front you." The new size represents a 20% increase in volume from the current maximum dimensions. This will mean that Ryanair accepts free bags one third bigger than the new EU minimum size limit. Ryanair said the new free bag size would come into effect in the coming weeks as its bag size measuring devices were adjusted to the new standard. It's current maximum bag size is 40cm x 25cm x 20cm, which already has a greater volume than the new European standard of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. Ryanair declined to say why it was giving passengers a larger carry-on bag allowance. The size is still less generous than rival budget airline Easyjet, which allows a free underseat bag of 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (including wheels and handles) weighing up to 10kg. Wizz Air allows one cabin bag as big as Ryanair's new limits – 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, with the same weight limit of 10kg. BA has a slightly smaller limit for an under-seat laptop bag or handbag of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, but passengers are allowed to take a larger cabin bag as well free of charge, subject to a maximum weight of 23kg. The EU has been working with airlines to agree a minimum free bag size, so that frequent travellers can purchase one piece of luggage and be confident it would be accepted by multiple airlines. The rule applies to airlines based in the EU – which includes Easyjet, Ryanair and Wizz Air – but airlines are of course free to accept larger bags if they choose. Confusion about the different minimum sizes has causedproblems for passengers, who have sometimes been faced with unexpected extra fees when airlines said their bags didn't match the specified dimensions. 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. The proposed rule would still have to be passed by the wider European parliament. Passengers should confirm baggage rules with their airlines directly.
Ryanair increases size limits for free cabin bags
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"Ryanair to Raise Free Cabin Bag Size Limit in Line with New EU Standards"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Ryanair, the budget airline, has announced an increase in the allowed size for free personal bags that passengers can carry onto flights. This change comes as part of a new standard introduced by the European Union. Under the new regulations, passengers will be permitted to bring a personal item, such as a handbag or a laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, which translates to a 20% increase in volume compared to the current limit. The new bag must weigh less than 10kg and fit under the seat in front of the passenger. The airline indicated that this new size will be implemented in the coming weeks, as they update their bag measuring devices to align with the revised standards. Notably, the new dimensions will allow Ryanair to accept bags that are one third larger than the EU's minimum size requirement, which is set at 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
Despite the increase in bag size, Ryanair's allowance remains less generous than that of its competitor Easyjet, which permits a free underseat bag measuring 45cm x 36cm x 20cm. Wizz Air matches Ryanair's new limits, while British Airways has a slightly smaller size for personal items but allows a larger cabin bag at no extra charge, subject to weight restrictions. The EU has been collaborating with airlines to establish a minimum size for free baggage, aiming to simplify travel for frequent flyers. This initiative comes in response to confusion among passengers regarding varying bag size limits, which has sometimes resulted in unexpected fees. Additionally, the European Parliament's transport committee recently voted on a proposal to grant passengers an extra piece of free hand luggage weighing up to 7kg, although this measure still requires approval from the full parliament. Passengers are advised to verify baggage policies directly with their airlines to avoid any issues during travel.
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