Ryanair will expand its free cabin baggage allowance in the coming weeks, increasing dimensions from 40x25x20cm to 40x30x20cm. The change follows an agreement amongst European airlines to establish minimum cabin luggage sizes.

The budget carrier's current "personal bag" allowance of 20 litres will grow to 24 litres with the dimensional adjustment. This exceeds the newly announced European minimum bag size of 40x30x15cm, which would have reduced volume by 10 per cent had Ryanair aligned with it.

A Ryanair spokesperson said the change will be rolled out over the coming weeks, and airport bag sizers will be adjusted.

The trade body Airlines for Europe has been in discussions with EU transport commissioner Adina Valean about simplifying passenger experiences. The organisation has agreed that any traveller purchasing a bag no larger than 40x30x15cm will be guaranteed to take it on board.

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Ourania Georgoutsakou, the organisation's managing director, said: "This will align A4E members with the decision of member states made last month and bring more clarity to passengers across Europe.

"From city-hoppers to family travellers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members' networks."

In more hand baggage news, the EU Parliament transport committee approved new regulations that would mandate free cabin bags weighing up to 7kg on all EU flights.

The amendment to air passenger rights would permit travellers a free cabin bag measuring no more than 100cm alongside a smaller personal item fitting beneath the seat.

The proposed rules would extend to all flights to and from the EU, including routes between the European Union and Britain.

The legislation requires approval from 55 per cent of member states representing at least 65 per cent of the EU population before implementation, with Spain already signalling support.

The airline industry has warned that implementing these regulations could lead to increased ticket prices, affecting all travellers regardless of their baggage requirements.

Airlines for Europe told Politico: "The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't."

Luggage charges will also be changed

The industry body highlighted that typical aircraft cabins accommodate 180 passengers but contain overhead locker space for merely 90 trolley bags.

This disparity presents significant operational challenges for airlines attempting to comply with the new rules, with concerns that mandating free carry-on allowances could create boarding complications and delays.

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