Ryanair Chief Rejects EU Suggestions for Two Free Luggage Items per Passenger
The European Parliament's transport and tourism committee has recently put forward a motion that could revolutionise air travel within the EU. This proposal aims to allow passengers to bring two free cabin bags onboard flights, one personal item and one piece of hand luggage, without extra charges[1][2][3]. The new rule, if approved, is set to standardise baggage rules across all airlines operating in the EU, improve transparency, and reduce unexpected costs for travellers, potentially coming into effect as early as July 2025[2][3].
The new allowance typically sets the personal item size at 40 x 30 x 15 cm and hand luggage at a maximum size totaling 100 cm (length + width + height), with a 7 kg weight limit[3][4]. While major legacy carriers already permit two free cabin items, this proposal primarily targets budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, which traditionally charge for cabin bags beyond a small personal item.
Ryanair, a budget carrier known for its no-frills approach, has historically opposed compulsory free cabin baggage measures, as such charges are an important revenue source for their low-cost business model. However, following the EU Parliament vote, Ryanair announced it will increase their free cabin baggage allowance by 20%, aligning with the new EU rules ahead of final approval[4]. This suggests a strategic adaptation rather than outright rejection of the change.
The proposal still requires approval from EU member states (minimum 55% support) and may be subject to changes during negotiations[4]. Until then, Ryanair and others are preparing to comply with the expected new rules, which represent a significant shift in European air travel policy[4].
The new rule has sparked debate, with Ryanair's boss, Michael O'Leary, criticising the move, stating that the airline's fleet cannot physically accommodate two bags per passenger, especially on fully booked flights[5]. He also suggested that any rules that would alter Ryanair's pricing and policies could infringe on EU rules guaranteeing the freedom of airlines to set their own policies[6].
However, the practice of paying gate staff bonuses to catch out passengers with oversized bags has been met with criticism from some passengers[7]. Hundreds of Ryanair passengers have vented their frustration on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, questioning the motivation for employees to enforce baggage rules for a €1.50 bonus[8]. One social media user criticised the practice, stating that it crosses into petty revenue hunting[9].
A former Ryanair employee allegedly pocketed a bonus for every oversized bag they reported, with the monthly bonus capped at €80 (£70)[10]. This practice has further fuelled the debate, with a third customer suggesting that the behaviour of some Ryanair ground staff may be explained by the incentive system[11].
The negotiation between the European Parliament and the commission on passenger rights is expected to be a crucial step in determining the future of cabin baggage policies in the EU[12]. As the debate continues, it is clear that the EU’s proposal to allow two free cabin bags per passenger reflects a major consumer protection initiative intended to harmonise airline practices and reduce traveler costs, while eliciting pushback from budget carriers like Ryanair that rely on baggage fees for revenue[1][2][3][4].
- The news of the EU's proposal to allow two free cabin bags is a significant shift in European air travel policy, aiming to reduce unexpected costs for travelers and improve transparency.
- If approved, the new rule set to standardize baggage rules across all airlines in the EU, will also target budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, who traditionally charge for cabin bags beyond a small personal item.
- In response to the EU Parliament vote, Ryanair announced it will increase their free cabin baggage allowance by 20%, aligning with the new EU rules ahead of final approval, suggesting a strategic adaptation rather than outright rejection of the change.
