Ryanair Luggage 2025
New Rules, Stricter Checks

What is considered hand luggage?

Hand luggage refers to the type of baggage that passengers are allowed to carry with them on board the aircraft.

This type of baggage is designed to be lightweight and compact, so it can be easily stored in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.

What seems to have changed for passengers

Ryanair now emphasizes its one-size rule for under-seat luggage: 40×30×20 cm.
For many, it feels like an improvement compared to what they previously “believed” (they often used smaller bags before).

However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
• Request for use of the sizer: Airlines are increasingly asking passengers to check that their baggage meets the permitted dimensions using the sizer (the measuring tool). This means travelers should pay closer attention to the size of their hand luggage.
• Reduced flexibility perceived: There is a sense of reduced flexibility when it comes to baggage size rules. This means airlines are less willing to accept luggage that exceeds the standard dimensions, making it important for passengers to pay closer attention to compliance with these regulations.
• Greater visual focus on bulges and tight pockets: Airlines are paying close attention to any visible bulges or tightly packed areas in luggage. This may signal that a bag is overloaded or not compliant, leading to stricter checks during check-in.

Unofficial online sources mention increases in fines/extra charges and alleged internal bonuses. However, no verifiable public documents are available. Still, the perception of strictness is widespread and consistent in passengers’ accounts.

The current situation presents an interesting paradox: with the introduction of broader official allowances for hand luggage, one would expect travelers to feel more at ease. Yet, this added flexibility seems to have had the opposite effect. Many passengers, feeling entitled to bring more, tend to overpack their bags and suitcases, which leads to an increase in borderline cases. As a result, disputes are perceived more often, and travelers are left with a greater sense of uncertainty.

One of the main factors influencing this dynamic is social observation. When travelers see someone being stopped for an oversized bag, collective anxiety rises. The fear of being next subjected to a strict inspection is palpable, creating an atmosphere of tension.

Moreover, there is the anticipation of the loss: the moment you have to pay a fine at the gate is particularly frustrating. This type of expense, imposed rather than chosen, feels much heavier than a voluntary purchase made before the flight. Experiencing a penalty creates a significant emotional burden.

Finally, many passengers start to practice a form of micro self-discipline. This means that, to avoid issues, they try to manage the volume and bulk of their luggage so as not to “stand out” visually. In other words, they make an effort to appear compliant with expectations, compressing their personal belongings and adapting to the required dimensions—even if it means sacrificing a bit of comfort.

These combined factors create a travel environment where concern over checks becomes an integral part of the experience, influencing every passenger’s decisions and behavior.

Incentives and Rewards for Staff: What They Really Mean

A key topic in discussions: gate agents may have incentives to flag oversized luggage. It is crucial to distinguish perception from actual policy.

What is meant by a “bonus” for inspection staff

In passenger testimonials, the term "award" can refer to various practices and objectives:
• Micro-bonus: Incentives linked to key performance indicators (KPIs), such as ancillary revenue and the standardization of checks.
• Quality Goals: Initiatives aimed at reducing variability across different work shifts.
• Operational Pressures: Operational expectations that lead to increased diligence and attentiveness from staff.

Specific information regarding the incentives or rewards received by inspection staff—such as the exact amount of a bonus for each oversized baggage identified—is generally not available in official airline documents. Therefore, these figures should be treated with caution, as they often come from former employee accounts or online forum discussions. Consequently, it is important not to take them as definitive data, as they may vary or may not accurately reflect the airlines’ operational reality.

Why airlines offer incentives?

Airlines implement incentives for a variety of reasons:
• Maintaining cabin order: Encouraging staff to check luggage helps ensure a faster boarding process, reducing delays and, in turn, operational costs.
• Maximizing ancillary revenue: Offering additional services such as priority boarding and the option to purchase extra baggage represents a significant source of income for airlines.
• Ensuring consistency in checks: Setting up incentives helps minimize discrepancies between inspections, preventing situations where a piece of luggage is accepted one day and rejected the next.

Risk of excessive enforcement

Over-enforcement refers to situations where authorities or inspectors apply the rules in an excessively strict way, often going beyond what would be considered reasonable.

When a security officer measures their performance by the number of oversized bags they detect, several issues can arise:
• Near-zero tolerance: A mindset is emerging where even the slightest deviation is met with strict consequences.
• Active search for irregularities: Staff may start actively looking for even the smallest violations.
• Passenger trust deterioration: This situation may lead to a decline in passenger confidence in the airline, ultimately damaging its reputation in the long run.

How to best handle the moment of hand luggage inspection

To handle the hand luggage check more calmly and efficiently, here are some practical tips:

• Adopt a collaborative approach: Avoid using an accusatory tone.
• Place your bag in the sizer: actively demonstrate the check.
• Use neutral language: Suggest phrases like “Shall we check together?”
• Document the outcome if you believe it’s unfair: escalate any disputes with a written complaint.

The Importance of Ethics and Reputation for Ryanair

When it comes to ethics and reputation, it’s essential to balance short-term gains (such as increased revenue and tighter management) with medium-term risks, like losing customer trust and facing negative word of mouth.

Traditional airlines, for example, tend to focus on providing better service in order to reduce issues and maintain passenger loyalty.

Ryanair, on the other hand, seems to be pursuing a more aggressive strategy. While this may work in the short term, it risks alienating passengers in the long run. The real challenge for Ryanair will be to strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, without putting its reputation at stake.

Signs of internal pressure on passengers

“Internal pressure” refers to the dynamics and influences that push airport staff to be more strict in their checks.

Here are some signs that show the pressure being placed on passengers:
• I also check bags that appear to be small.
• The sizer is continuously monitored by multiple staff members.
• Repeated checks even when not necessary.
• Clear differences in procedures across different airports.

Behaviors to Avoid During Security Checks

During airport security checks, it is essential to maintain a proper attitude to ensure a positive and constructive interaction. Certain behaviors may jeopardize the situation and make communication with staff more difficult.

Here are some behaviors to avoid:
• Avoid emotional escalation: Staying calm is essential.
• Do not force your suitcase: damaging your luggage could be used as an argument against you.
• Avoid making unfounded statements: Phrases such as “I know you profit from this!” should be backed by concrete evidence.

Transparency practices to adopt

Transparency is essential for building trust between airport staff and passengers. Clear and honest communication can help reduce tensions and enhance the overall travel experience.

Below are some transparency practices to adopt:
• Clarify whether handles are included in the measurement: It is important to inform passengers about this.
• Specify the percentage of checks: Differentiating between random and systematic checks helps build trust.
• Use less punitive language: Prefer terms like “additional service” instead of “penalty” to make communication more positive.

Safe Luggage: How to Choose Suitcases to Avoid Inspections

OBJECTIVE: Minimize the chances of being selected for a check. It’s not just about having the correct number of bags—it’s also about presenting yourself as a “low-risk” passenger.

Neutral colors and simple shapes help avoid drawing attention.
Avoid bags with many external pockets or bulges, as they can make your luggage appear larger than it actually is.

How can I get my compensation?

Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps: