Ryanair increases under-seat space by 5cm: what changes for passengers

The proposal voted by the EU Transport Commission to standardize measures and eliminate hand luggage surcharges has created many heated discussions, both among airlines and travelers. The latter, on the one hand, have been divided into two factions: those who agree with the introduction of hand luggage in the ticket and those who, instead, prefer to continue to make use of the possibility of choosing, especially for fear of an increase in fares.

On the other hand, there are low-cost airlines , directly involved in the issue, which initially opposed the proposal. Now, some of them are updating their policies by introducing some changes to the permitted dimensions for under-seat baggage , Ryanair above all.

New Ryanair Baggage Dimensions

Ryanair , following the proposal put forward by the EU Transport Commission on hand luggage included in the ticket , will increase the maximum dimensions allowed for luggage to be placed under the seat. Currently, the free personal baggage allowed by the company measures 40 x 25 x 20 cm, corresponding to a volume of 20 litres.

However, following an agreement between the main European airlines to standardize the minimum standard dimensions, the low-cost company will increase one of the measures, bringing the depth from 25 to 30 cm . The new dimensions will therefore be 40 x 30 x 20 cm , with a total volume of 24 litres .

As a Ryanair spokesperson said: “This change will be implemented over the coming weeks , as bag sizers at airports are updated.”

The new standards for free baggage

Last Wednesday, the association Airlines for Europe (A4E), which brings together some of the major European airlines including Ryanair , Lufthansa AG , Air France-KLM and IAG SA announced the introduction of new standards regarding the dimensions of free under-seat baggage. These new parameters, which the members of the association are committed to implementing by the end of the summer , provide for a minimum standard size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm .

The initiative stems from the desire to standardize hand luggage policies among European airlines, thus facilitating the passenger experience and reducing confusion during boarding. In this context, EasyJet has also announced that it wants to go beyond the minimum requirements set by A4E, confirming the maintenance of its current free hand luggage allowances, which include dimensions of 45 x 36 x 20 centimeters. This choice aims to guarantee its customers more space and flexibility during travel.

However, some news also comes from non-low cost companies, such as Air France-Klm which changes the rules of hand luggage and says goodbye to the free trolley. From September 9, those who purchase the new “Basic” fare will pay less for the ticket, but will no longer have access to free luggage.