Following amendments to EU regulations, Ryanair has had to increase the allowed dimensions of its personal bags to up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, a 20% increase from the previous 40 x 20 x 25cm restriction, while easyJet's personal bag dimensions already met the new requirements. Further EU regulatory changes could allow travellers to bring both a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm and a personal bag without facing extra costs, with the Parliament's proposal entitling passengers to one personal item and one small piece of hand luggage with maximum combined dimensions of 100cm and weighing up to seven kilos. Passengers flying with Ryanair and easyJet could soon enjoy more generous cabin baggage allowances as a result.
Airline opposition has been vocal, with easyJet branding the proposals to enforce free additional baggage a 'lunatic idea' and similarly warning that fares are likely to rise. According to a press release, easyJet's chief executive said earlier this year that giving all passengers the right to extra free carry-on baggage would be 'crazy European legislation' and 'terrible for the consumer'. Experts have cautioned that requiring free hand luggage on flights will reduce pricing flexibility, push up base fares, and ultimately leave many travellers paying more for services they may not even need.
The exact timeline for finalizing and implementing these changes remains unclear, as does the extent of potential fare increases and the impact on other airlines or long-haul flights.