- Mr Plane Guy
- Jul 8
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 13
At Last! Ryanair Bag Size Allowance Is Getting Bigger This Summer
By Flight and Travel Expert Mr Plane Guy
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At last, some genuinely good news for travellers and yes, it’s from Ryanair.
If you’ve flown with Ryanair in the past few years, you’ll know that their baggage policy has been… let’s say, minimal and strict. The infamous “free personal bag” that you squeeze under the seat has been getting smaller and smaller, while add-ons like Priority Boarding (to bring a second, larger cabin bag) keep creeping up in price.
But this summer, Ryanair is actually giving us something back. The airline has confirmed it will increase the free personal bag size by around 20%, thanks to a new EU rule change and to everyone’s surprise, Ryanair has decided to be generous about it.
So if you’ve been fretting over how to fit your flip-flops, toiletries, chargers, snacks, and 17 different cables into a tiny backpack, here’s everything you need to know about the new Ryanair bag size rules, when they start, which bags actually fit, and some tips to save even more on luggage fees.
So, What’s Changing With Ryanair Bag Size?
Here’s the headline: Ryanair is increasing its free personal bag size from 40 x 25 x 20 cm to........
40 x 30 x 20 cm.
That’s a roughly 20% increase in volume, from about 20 litres to 24 litres.
It might not sound like much, but anyone who has ever sat on their bag trying to zip it closed knows that even 5 extra centimetres of width is a big deal. More space for snacks. Or that extra pair of sandals. Or your inflatable flamingo. Whatever you’re into.
Why Is Ryanair Changing Its Bag Size Policy?
Good question. The short answer: the EU made them.
New European regulations now require airlines to allow a free personal cabin bag of at least 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
Ryanair could have simply changed their rules to match that, but that actually would have been smaller in volume than their current allowance, since it’s narrower and shallower than the existing 40 x 25 x 20 cm. Instead, Ryanair opted to give customers a little extra by increasing the size to 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
When Does the New Ryanair Bag Size Take Effect?
Not quite yet.
A Ryanair spokesperson told the Independent:
“This change will be implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted.”
So don’t rock up to your next flight this weekend with a bigger bag and expect it to fit just yet. Keep an eye on Ryanair’s official website and social media over the summer as they roll it out across all airports.
In the meantime, you can still read my original guide to Ryanair’s baggage allowance rules here but just know that article is now out of date thanks to this welcome update.
Wait — What Bags Actually Fit?
Here’s the tricky bit: lots of bags advertised as “Ryanair underseat bags” are currently sold at the old 40 x 25 x 20 cm limit.
That means if you’re buying a new bag now, you might as well future-proof yourself by choosing one that’s 40 x 30 x 20 cm or less.
Here are my top recommended bags from Amazon that will fit Ryanair’s new free personal bag allowance:
1. Cabin Max Metz 20L
This bag has been a budget-traveller favourite for years. The Metz is already designed to fit under Ryanair’s old rules, but Cabin Max also offers an updated version closer to the 40 x 30 x 20 cm limit for even more packing space. Lightweight, easy to carry, and a proper rectangular shape to maximise space.
2. Aerolite Carry On Backpack
This is a super-affordable soft backpack that’s specifically sized for Ryanairs free bag rules. It even has a handy rear strap to attach to your suitcase handle if you’re travelling with a roller bag too.
3. Samsonite Guardit Underseat Bag amsonite Guardit Classy
If you want something a little more stylish, this Samsonite option is a premium soft-sided underseat bag that still fits within 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Made from recycled materials too.
4. Cabin Max Narvik 2.0 Stowaway 20L Trolley Case
Prefer wheels? This little rolling suitcase is designed to fit as your free Ryanair personal bag. Perfect for city breaks where you don’t want to carry everything on your back.
5. Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel
A great budget option — this duffel folds flat when not in use but still expands to fill the maximum 40 x 30 x 20 cm allowance. Ideal as a backup bag too.
How Does This Affect Priority Boarding?
If you’re one of the many travellers who always pays for Priority Boarding just to bring a second, larger cabin bag, this news doesn’t change that part of the policy — at least not yet.
With Priority, you still get:
One free underseat bag (now bigger at 40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Plus one larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10kg)
So if you want that second bigger bag, you’ll still need to pay for Priority. But with the increased free allowance, you may find you don’t need to anymore — especially for shorter trips.
A Quick Recap: Ryanair Bag Size Rules Now
What Does This Mean for You?
This small change actually makes a big difference, especially for budget-conscious flyers. If you can now fit everything you need into one slightly larger underseat bag, you can avoid paying extra for Priority or checked luggage.
And if you’re a serial overpacker? Well… there’s still Priority for you. But at least now, everyone wins a little bit.
A Few Packing Tips For Your Free Bag
✅ Choose a soft-sided rectangular bag — they squish better into the sizer.
✅ Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane.
✅ Use packing cubes to maximise space.
✅ Leave room for snacks (because Ryanair’s inflight sandwiches are… not it).
✅ Bring a reusable water bottle you can refill airside.
Don't forget these handy Hand Luggage Regulation approved waterproof liquids wash bags.
Will Other Airlines Follow?
Probably. Ryanair isn’t the only airline affected by this EU rule, so expect to see other low-cost carriers adjusting their own personal bag allowances soon. Watch this space and Sign up to my emails Here to Subscribe.
Why This Change Matters
For years, Ryanair’s baggage policy has been one of the biggest gripes for travellers. The new, bigger Ryanair bag size is a rare win for customers and proves that sometimes, regulations actually work in our favour.
No more sitting on your bag hoping it zips. No more sneaky charges for bags that are a hair too wide. Just a little more room, for free.
Final Boarding Call
If you’ve been putting off booking that weekend in Barcelona or quick trip to Krakow because you couldn’t face paying half the ticket price in luggage fees, now’s the time to reconsider.
With Ryanair’s bigger free bag allowance, you’ve got more room to pack and less reason to pay extra and that’s about as good as it gets when it comes to Ryanair.
So grab yourself one of the recommended bags above, keep an eye on Ryanair’s official announcement about when the change fully kicks in, and get ready to actually enjoy packing for your next flight.
Happy packing.
Check out my Blogs on different Ryanair destinations
Airport Lounge Access: Start Your Holiday in Style
Complimentary drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Tasty snacks to keep you going
Wi-Fi to catch up on emails or browse before your flight
Comfortable seating to unwind before takeoff
If you love starting your holiday with a touch of luxury, this alone might make the upgrade worthwhile.
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TOP TIP: If two of you are travelling, just get one Priority Pass and the two of you will get into lounges at reduced fee's all year!
Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.
Travel Tip: Get one of these phone holder clips and watch something on your phone hands free, it clips on to economy seats perfectly! They are so cheap and will really transform your economy flight experience!
Related Links
The Ultimate Guide to 24 hours in Rome: Everything You Need to Know
Don’t Forget to Check in EARLY for Ryanair Flights or Risk Getting Bumped off!
Ryanair Cabin Bags: What You Need to Know
My Stay at Premier Inn London Stansted Airport: Hotel Review
The Perfect Cabin Bag for Travelling with Low Cost Airlines. Cabin Max carry on Luggage
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
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