Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, just made a big change to its carry-on policy ahead of forthcoming EU regulations. Beginning November 15, the budget carrier will increase the maximum size allowed for carry-on bags. The new dimension limit will be 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, up from allowable dimensions of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. This shift is in large part a result of an EU requirement. Beginning this September, all member states from TSA will implement carry-on bags of a consistent size.
Ryanair, meanwhile, is thrilled to have 200 million passengers per year choose to fly with them. In turn, the airline has developed a reputation for its draconian baggage policies. At the moment, travelers are only allowed to take one small carry-on item of up to 10kg. It does mean about 200,000 Ryanair passengers a year have to pay extra fees for having to check bigger bags into the hold. Fees can be as high as £75, depending on the route and day of travel.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has said that the new baggage size enforcement arrives at his airline baggage-specific no apology. He’s been serious about enforcing these rules, too, reminding passengers that they are essential for quick and easy boarding procedures.
“Those are our rules. Please comply with the rules, as 99.9% of our 200 million passengers do, and you won’t have any problem.” – Michael O’Leary
O’Leary went on to mention that with the bag rules in place, passengers would help make boarding go faster. He stated, “comply with the bag rules then everyone will board faster.”
Even with these changes though, Ryanair still claims to be Europe’s lowest air fare airline. The airline’s carry-on policy does not allow passengers to bring larger bags on board. This ensures functions and activities proceed safely and productively.
In a broader context, O’Leary expressed skepticism regarding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), particularly in relation to the UK’s SAF mandate. He projected that there is “not a hope in hell” of achieving the goal of 10% SAF usage by 2030. The UK will implement a gradual ramp up of use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from 2025. It sets a target of 2% by 2025, 10% by 2030, and 22% by 2040.
O’Leary is convinced that the real wild card dropping oil prices will play a vital role in shaping future fuel costs during the next ten years. As Ryanair navigates these regulatory changes and market conditions, it remains committed to offering competitive fares while managing its operational policies.