New Ryanair Cabin Bag Policy

Let’s be real: flying Ryanair is already a bit of a gamble. It’s like ordering a pizza and hoping the toppings don’t slide off the cardboard. So when they announced yet another cabin bag policy change, the collective groan from travelers could be heard from Dublin to Malaga.

But here’s the good news: this time, it’s actually easier. I know, I know—you don’t believe me. Let me explain.

The Big Change: No More Weighing Your Life’s Meaning at the Gate

If you’ve ever flown Ryanair, you know the dreaded “gate check” shuffle. You smuggle your “personal item” that looks suspiciously like a suitcase onto the plane. Then a flight attendant eyeballs you like you’re smuggling a live pig in a handbag.

Under the new policy, the 40x20x25 cm “personal item” is now standard for all passengers, including those who didn’t pay for priority boarding. That means your tiny duffel bag, your laptop backpack, or even that chunky tote you swear is not a suitcase—they all get a free ride into the cabin.

It’s like your grumpy uncle finally admitting he’s okay with your weird haircut. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

What Size Are We Talking? Think Cat Carrier, Not Suitcase

Let’s get technical for a second. The new size is roughly the dimensions of a medium cat carrier—if your cat was very patient and didn’t mind being squished. Or better yet, it’s about the size of a large shoebox filled with hopes and dreams.

Here’s the funny part: most people’s regular backpacks fit this. The ones you use for hiking, groceries, or pretending you’ll go to the gym? Yeah, those are fine. The panic comes from people who try to bring a weekend duffel that could double as a camping tent.

Ryanair Cabin Baggage Allowance Changes | What’s the New Limit?

I once watched a guy at Stansted try to jam a rolled-up yoga mat into a Ryanair sizer. The look on his face was pure existential crisis. Under the new rules, he could have just left the mat at home—or, you know, rolled it tightly and called it “art.”

But What About the Priority Boarding People?

Ah, the priority boarding crowd—the ones who pay extra because they can’t bear to part with their wheelie suitcase. You know the type: they board first, block the aisle for three minutes, and sigh loudly when someone asks them to lift their bag.

For them, nothing changes. They still get two bags: the personal item and a 55x40x20 cm cabin suitcase. It’s like the VIP section at a club, except the club is a metal tube going 500 mph and the drink is overpriced water.

If you’re not paying for priority, you now just get one free bag—that personal item. It’s a trade-off: save €10 on the fare, but you pack like a survivalist preparing for a weekend in a phone booth. Honestly, it’s a fair deal.

Ryanair announces change to its cabin bag policy for second time this

The Practical Guide: How to Survive (and Even Thrive)

First, invest in a good backpack. Not a hiking behemoth—something slim, like a book bag from the 90s. Fold your clothes like a pro: roll, don’t fold. Imagine you’re packing for a trip where laundry is optional.

Second, wear your heaviest items. Yes, I mean board the plane wearing that hoodie, that jacket, and even your jeans with the cast-iron pockets. You’ll look like a hiker who lost a bet, but your bag stays small.

Finally, master the art of the “personal item” illusion. If your bag looks like it could hold a thesis but not a hairdryer, you’re golden. The Ryanair staff aren’t tape-measure detectives—they just want to keep the plane safe and moving fast.

The Anecdote That Proves It Works

Last month, I flew from Brussels to Porto with a canvas tote bag that had a sketchbook, a windbreaker, and three bags of dried mango. The flight attendant didn’t even blink. I sat down, pulled out my book, and felt like I had outsmarted the system.

Ryanair New Cabin Bag Policy Goes Live. Ryanair rsquo;s new bag policy went

Meanwhile, a woman next to me wrestled a hard-shell suitcase into the overhead bin. It took her 90 seconds, and she apologized nine times. I just smiled and sipped my €5 water.

What About the “Price of Change”?

Ryanair being Ryanair, they did snuck in a small tweak: if you want to bring a cabin case (the 55x40x20 size), you now must buy priority boarding. It used to be an option with random luck. So the new policy is like a menu with clear prices—annoying, but at least you know what you’re ordering.

If you’re flying with a family, this also means chaos. Kids don’t understand bag sizes. They just want to bring their entire stuffed animal collection. Good luck fitting that into 40x20x25. You might have to choose: the giraffe or the dinosaur. Life is cruel.

The Final Verdict: Is It Better?

Honestly, yes. The new rules are simpler, more predictable, and—dare I say—reasonable. You no longer need to worry about your bag being weighed like a contestant on a diet show. Just don’t try to bring a full-size gym bag and expect a hug.

So go ahead, book that €15 flight to the sun. Pack your personal item like a Tetris champion. And when you see someone wrestling a fifty-euro suitcase through the gate, just nod knowingly. You’re part of the new, easier Ryanair club. Welcome aboard.