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New Ryanair cabin bag size: the exact date bigger bags will be allowed for free
We reveal the starting date for increased hand luggage sizes, and Ryanair’s new cabin bag dimensions
Ryanair has told Which? Travel it plans to increase the size of its underseat bag by 5cm for travellers from September 2025.
It said it would roll out the changes across its network of over 230 airports, with completion expected by the end of August.
The new dimensions will measure 40 x 30 x 20cm. Previously, this was 40 x 20 x 25cm.
The change comes after EU lawmakers voted to make free airline luggage allowances meet a minimum size of 40 x 30 x 15cm, which has resulted in Ryanair increasing the height by 10cm, but reducing the depth by 5cm.
While the difference may seem minimal, it's a 20% increase in the volume of the bag.
It’s good news for customers, as the budget carrier currently has the smallest underseat bag dimensions of all major UK airlines
Can I take the new Ryanair underseat cabin bag size on board now?
Ryanair’s website now says it allows a small personal bag up to (40 x 30 x 20 cm) — ie the new, bigger size. This applies to all passengers, whether you’re travelling with hand luggage only, or with ‘priority and 2 bags’
The airline told us it planned for the changes to be in full effect by the end of August 2025.
Planning to purchase a new underseat cabin bag? See the best-rated cabin bag brands, as voted for by Which? readers
Most, at least in the UK, won’t need to. Ryanair’s new sizing aligns it with Wizz Air.
The carrier’s main budget rival, easyJet, already offers underseat bags with dimensions that exceed those imposed by the EU: 45 x 36 x 20cm.
British Airways and Jet2 have always been much more generous.
Discover underseat bag and regular cabin bag allowances, broken down by airline, in our comprehensive guide and what to do if you airline says you cabin bag is too big.
Why has the EU implemented this new cabin bag rule?
EU lawmakers wanted to standardise free cabin bag sizes to make it easier for travellers.
It means that consumers can buy one bag that meets the minimum EU requirements, knowing that every airline that flies in and out of Europe will accept it.
