Ryanair Expands Free Bag Allowance Amid EU Luggage Rule Changes
Ryanair, the well-known budget airline, has announced plans to expand its free ‘personal bag’ allowance. This move is expected to provide more convenience for passengers traveling with their essentials. Currently, the airline allows a small under-seat bag, referred to as a ‘personal bag,’ which measures 40x20x25cm. However, this policy is about to change.
Increased Bag Size and New EU Regulations
According to the latest updates, Ryanair is set to increase the size of its free bag allowance by 20%. This means that passengers will soon be able to bring a bag measuring 40x30x20cm without incurring additional fees. The adjustment comes in response to new regulations introduced by the European Union (EU), which require airlines to allow passengers to carry free bags measuring 40x30x15cm.
The revised policy is expected to take effect in the coming weeks once Ryanair adjusts its bag measuring devices to reflect the updated size limits. Despite the increase, the free bag will still need to weigh under 10kg and fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
Comparison with Other Airlines
While Ryanair’s new allowance is an improvement, it still falls short compared to other carriers like easyJet. Passengers on easyJet can currently bring free under-the-seat bags measuring 45x36x20cm, which is larger than what Ryanair offers. This highlights the ongoing competition among budget airlines to attract customers with more flexible baggage policies.
EU Efforts to Simplify Luggage Rules
The EU has been working to streamline luggage rules for travelers, aiming to establish a minimum free allowance across all airlines operating within the region. These new rules apply to every airline based in the EU, including Ryanair and easyJet. The goal is to make the travel experience more predictable and less stressful for passengers.
Past Issues with Ryanair’s Baggage Policies
Ryanair’s strict luggage size limits have caused frustration among many travelers over the years. Passengers often find themselves paying extra fees if they bring an oversized bag. One such incident involved a 32-year-old Londoner named Kay, who claimed she was ‘made to feel targeted’ by the airline after being charged £62 for an oversized bag.
Kay was flying from Dublin to London Stansted when her cabin suitcase was found to be slightly out of line during the bag check. The issue arose because the wheel of her suitcase extended beyond the airline’s marker. As a result, she was required to pay the airline’s standard €75/£62 oversized baggage fee to board the flight.
Another passenger was fined for bringing a water bottle that didn’t fit inside her bag. Meanwhile, a 63-year-old grandmother claimed she was singled out to pay £75 for an oversized bag while younger and more attractive passengers were allowed through without issues.
A violinist also shared her negative experience, stating that she was treated like a ‘piece of garbage’ by airline staff when they informed her that her instrument case was 1cm too long to be taken on the plane.
Tips for Travelers
Passengers are advised to check the current requirements on Ryanair’s website before their trip. The airline is likely to check the size of bags at the departure gate. It is important to note that baggage restrictions vary between airlines, so travelers should always verify the maximum size allowed on their specific airline’s website.
With these changes, Ryanair is taking steps to improve the customer experience. However, the airline must continue to address past complaints to regain the trust of its passengers. As the industry evolves, it remains crucial for airlines to balance cost-saving measures with customer satisfaction.
