Budget airline Ryanair has officially increased the size allowance for free underseat carry-on bags by 20% across all European routes, following new EU regulations that standardize minimum baggage allowances for passengers traveling within the European Union.
The change, which took effect on September 4, 2025, allows passengers to bring larger personal bags measuring 40 x 30 x 20cm on all Ryanair flights, up from the previous limit of 40 x 25 x 20cm. The adjustment affects millions of travelers across Ryanair’s entire European network, including those heading to popular destinations like Crete, Spain, Italy, and beyond.
Official Announcement and New Policy Details
Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady announced the change in an official company statement: “From today, Ryanair’s new, bigger free carry-on bag is now 33% larger than the EU standard. Our bag sizers at all airports have now been ‘resized’ to accommodate this bigger, free carry-on bag.”
The free personal bag must still fit completely under the seat in front of passengers, weighs up to 10kg, and appears on the airline’s updated help center and booking pages. Brady emphasized strict enforcement: “Any passenger who fails to comply with these new generous limits will be required to pay the checked in bag fee at the boarding gate.”
Gate fees for oversized bags can reach €75, and Ryanair has increased financial incentives for ground staff to identify violations, with bonuses rising from €1.50 to €2.50 per violation starting November 2025.
EU Regulation Context and Competition
The size increase follows new EU regulations establishing a universal minimum of 40 x 30 x 15cm for under-seat personal items, though full legislation remains pending across all member states. Ryanair’s allowance exceeds this minimum by 5cm in depth, but competitors vary significantly: EasyJet offers larger free bags at 45 x 36 x 20cm, while Wizz Air matches Ryanair’s new dimensions.
Further changes, possibly including mandatory larger cabin bags for all European airlines, could emerge as EU legislation develops.
Implementation Across All 235 European Airports
Ryanair completed the rollout of larger bag sizers at all 235 European airports on September 4, applying immediately across the network. For Crete visitors specifically, this expansion accommodates beach essentials and provides that extra bit of space we all crave for those irresistible traditional Greek products, whether it’s handmade ceramics, local textiles, or artisan crafts that inevitably find their way into our hearts (and bags) during any visit to the island. The change affects flights to Heraklion, Chania, and the upcoming Kastelli International Airport opening in 2027.
Travelers needing additional space can purchase Ryanair’s Priority Boarding service for a second cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm stored in overhead compartments.
Bottom Line
The change represents a rare instance of airlines expanding free services rather than introducing new charges, driven by EU regulatory requirements rather than competitive pressure.
For travelers, this represents a modest win in the ongoing battle between budget airlines’ cost-cutting strategies and passenger convenience, though it’s worth questioning whether a mere 5cm expansion truly addresses the fundamental tension between affordable fares and practical travel needs.
Further reading:
Top 12 Bakeries in Heraklion, Crete (Bakeries of Crete Series – Part 1)
3 Healing Methods Ancient Greek Doctors Knew and Practiced (That Crete Still Embodies Today)
