As the summer holiday season gets underway, thousands of Irish holidaymakers are preparing to escape in search of sun, sea, and relaxation. Ryanair
However, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact households, many travellers are seeking savvy ways to reduce expenses.
One increasingly popular method is to avoid checked baggage fees by fitting all travel essentials into a single piece of hand luggage. Budget airline Ryanair, known for its no-frills pricing model, allows passengers to bring one small cabin bag for free—provided it fits under the seat in front.
In welcome news for holidaymakers, Ryanair has announced that it is increasing the size allowance for that free “personal item” bag by 20%, following new EU regulations aimed at standardizing cabin luggage policies across airlines.
Currently, the dimensions are capped at 40 cm x 25 cm x 20 cm. Under the new guidelines, passengers will be permitted to carry a bag measuring 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm—allowing for additional room and more packing flexibility.
However, experts are warning that this seemingly minor increase could end up costing passengers more if they don’t pack smart.
Tom Schott, a packing consultant and director of Schott Packaging, urged Ryanair passengers to exercise caution and avoid the temptation to overfill. “The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely,” he told DealzFlight. “The mistake is to simply cram more in. The real victory for passengers is using that volume to pack with structure. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag.”
Among Schott’s top packing tips is inserting a lightweight cardboard frame inside soft bags to maximize usable space while maintaining shape. “Soft bags lose volume,” he explained.
“A snug-fitting cardboard box inside your bag provides a rigid frame, allowing you to use every corner and prevent the bulge that attracts gate staff.”
He also recommends using sealable bags for organization, cushioning fragile items with clothing, and creating a crush-proof zone for breakables like chargers and toiletries. “Place a small, sturdy box in the center of your bag, cushioned by clothes,” he said. “This prevents damage and leaks—particularly during transit.”
Planning ahead is another critical step for efficient packing. Schott suggests laying out items within a taped 40 cm x 30 cm space before attempting to pack them.
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“This gives you a real-world view of what fits and helps you logically assemble your packed modules,” he added. “These aren’t just clever tricks but core principles of efficient packing. By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate.”
The new cabin bag policy is expected to be rolled out across Ryanair’s European routes in the coming weeks, just in time for peak summer travel.
For now, travelers are encouraged to double-check individual airline policies before flying and to keep an eye on dimensions—or risk unexpected fees at the gate.