Ryanair and easyjet bag rules could be about to change

Big changes could be coming to airlines like Ryanair

Passengers flying with airlines like Ryanair and easyJet may soon see changes to cabin baggage rules. New EU proposals aim to give passengers more generous and standardised hand luggage allowances at no extra cost.

If the EU law is fully adopted, expected to be finalised by mid-2026, it will standardise minimum free allowances across all EU-based airlines, such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz.

This means budget airlines like Ryanair, which usually charge for extra cabin bags, will have to let passengers bring two free cabin bags starting in mid-to-late 2026, if the law is approved.

In January 2026 the European Parliament voted for new rules that guarantee all passengers can bring both a personal item and a small cabin case for free.

Ryanair has already increased the size of its free personal item to match these new standards. However, the rule for a second free bag still needs final approval from EU member states, which could happen by mid-2026.

At the moment, if you book a standard fare with airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet, you can only bring one small underseat bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

This bag, like a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front of you. If it is too big, including wheels and handles, it may be refused at the gate or put in the hold for a fee. Bringing an extra cabin bag for the overhead locker also costs extra and prices vary by airline.

Ryanair’s previous cabin bag sizes were smaller than those of easyJet and Wizz Air allowances; however, after changes to EU law, Ryanair had to allow larger personal bags.

The new rules allow passengers to bring hand luggage up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, which is 20 per cent larger than Ryanair’s old limit of 40 x 20 x 25cm.

More EU rule changes could soon let travellers bring both a cabin bag up to 100cm and a personal bag for free. In January the European Parliament strongly supported allowing all passengers to carry a small case and a free underseat bag for no extra cost.

The new proposals would allow passengers to bring a personal item and a small piece of hand luggage for free, provided the combined dimensions are up to 100 cm, and the combined weight is up to 7 kg.

These changes still need approval from the European Council, likely by mid-2026, before they take effect. They would affect anyone flying to or from an EU airport on an EU airline, including most short-haul flights from the UK.

However, this change could have an unexpected effect on passengers. Airlines have said that allowing people to bring free cabin bags beyond a small underseat item takes away a key source of income and could lead to higher ticket prices.

While this would remove surprise fees, travellers who usually bring only a free personal item might end up paying more for tickets than they do now, affecting low-budget travellers.

The proposed changes, which require approval from the European Council to become law, have not yet taken effect, so for now, you should follow your chosen airline’s current baggage rules, which are typically listed on its website. Make sure to follow our senior travel reporter, Portia Jones, on TikTok for the latest travel news.

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