Europe’s leading low-cost carrier, Ryanair, has done something passengers least expected – it has increased its minimum free cabin baggage allowance without adding a fee.
From 1 August 2025, the airline’s small cabin bag size limit will grow from 40×25×20 cm to 40×30×20 cm. The change is already reflected in Ryanair’s official policy and applies to all passengers, regardless of their fare type.
The paid “large cabin bag” option remains unchanged at up to 55×40×20 cm for those flying on basic fares.
With the update, Ryanair’s small cabin bag size now matches Wizz Air’s policy. For travellers, this means the same bag can be used on both airlines without risking extra fees – a welcome convenience for budget flyers.
Political Pressure from Brussels
The European Parliament is currently debating standardizing free cabin baggage allowances across all airlines. In June, the Parliament’s Transport Committee backed a proposal to require carriers to allow two free items:
- One personal item up to 40×30×15 cm
- One bag weighing up to 7 kg with a maximum combined dimension of 100 cm (for example, 50×35×15 cm)
For low-cost airlines, which have monetised every centimetre of baggage space for years, the proposal is a potential revenue hit.
A Strategic PR Move
While Ryanair’s change appears passenger-friendly, it is also a calculated move. By slightly increasing its free allowance now, the airline can argue that regulation is unnecessary, showing the European Commission and Parliament that the market can “self-regulate.”
It’s also a subtle lobbying tactic – a show of goodwill designed to protect its freedom to set fees. Matching Wizz Air’s dimensions could even be a coordinated step toward creating an informal low-cost industry standard, potentially limiting regulators’ influence.
If strict EU rules are passed, airlines stand to lose significant ancillary revenue from baggage charges. By making selective concessions now, Ryanair may ultimately protect its business model.
Unexpectedly More Generous than Premium Rivals
In a twist, while Ryanair is expanding free baggage allowances, some full-service carriers are going in the opposite direction. Air France and KLM are testing a new basic fare on selected European routes that includes only a small personal item measuring 40×30×15 cm.
For now, this makes Ryanair – of all airlines – appear more generous than some of its premium competitors.
