Ryanair EU 2027 Baggage Rules – What Changes for Carry-on ​

From 2027 the new EU cabin bag rules will change how Ryanair sells its tickets. The airline must include a free standard cabin bag in the first price you see. This is a big change from how Ryanair works today where basic fares only include a small under seat bag.

This page explains what we know about how Ryanair will adapt based on the EU political agreement from June 2026 and the Parliament vote in July 2026.

Ryanair Baggage Rules in 2026 (Current) ​

Before we look at 2027 here is what Ryanair offers today.

The key problem until 2027 is that Ryanair shows you the Value fare price first. That price does not include a cabin bag. If you arrive at the gate with a normal wheeled bag and no Priority you pay a gate fee of about €70 to €75. Buying Priority in advance during booking is much cheaper (around €6 to €36 depending on the route).

What Changes for Ryanair in 2027 ​

Under the new EU rules Ryanair must:

1. Show a fare that includes a standard cabin bag as the default when you search for flights.
2. Let you bring one free cabin bag up to about 100 cm total size and 7 kg on that default fare.
3. Let you bring one free personal item up to about 40 × 30 × 15 cm that fits under the seat.
4. Only sell a fare without the free cabin bag if you choose it yourself — and the choice must be clear.

The Big Change ​

Today when you search for a Ryanair flight the cheap price you see does not include a cabin bag. From 2027 the first price you see must include the free cabin bag. A cheaper option without the bag will still exist but you must pick it knowingly.

Will My Current Cabin Bag Be Free on Ryanair in 2027 ​

The new EU standard cabin bag is expected to be up to 100 cm total size (length plus width plus height) and up to 7 kg.

Ryanair currently allows cabin bags of 55 × 40 × 20 cm which equals 115 cm total and 10 kg for Priority passengers.

The gap between Ryanair's current 115 cm Priority bag and the new 100 cm rule is 15 cm. That is enough that many people will need a smaller bag or will need to accept the paid opt-out fare.

How Ryanair Might React ​

Ryanair has not said exactly what it will do. But based on its history and public statements here are the most likely moves.

Option 1: New Fare Structure ​

Ryanair could create a new "EU Standard" fare that includes the 100 cm 7 kg cabin bag at a slightly higher price than the current Basic fare. The cheapest "No Bag" fare would still be there but hidden behind the standard fare. Priority would still exist for people who want a bigger bag 10 kg and early boarding.

Option 2: Change the Cabin Bag Size ​

Ryanair could change its free cabin bag size to match the EU rules. But the current bigger bag brings in a lot of money from Priority sales so they might keep the bigger bag as a paid extra and offer the free one at the EU standard.

Option 3: Raise All Base Fares ​

If Ryanair has to give a free cabin bag to everyone the cost of carrying those bags goes up. Ryanair will probably spread that cost across all tickets. Media estimates say base fares could go up by €5 to €15.

When Will Ryanair Actually Change ​

Ryanair has a history of waiting until the last possible moment to change policies. Do not expect changes before the law starts. Ryanair may even test legal limits. The earliest changes will likely happen some time in 2027 when the law becomes active.

Current Ryanair Personal Item vs New EU Personal Item ​

Both bags share the same 40 cm length and 30 cm width. The Ryanair bag is 20 cm tall while the EU rule is 15 cm tall — a 5 cm difference in height. Most backpacks and laptop bags will fit both standards. If you have a very thick bag it might need to change.

What Ryanair Passengers Should Do Now ​

1. For flights before 2027 keep following the current Ryanair rules. Nothing has changed yet.
2. Measure your cabin bag and check if it is under 100 cm total. If not think about getting a smaller bag when the rules start.
3. Book Priority if you want a bigger bag — Ryanair will likely keep Priority as a paid extra even after 2027.
4. Watch for Ryanair announcements closer to when the EU law is published.
5. Check ryanair.com before every booking — Ryanair may change its fare names and rules without much warning.

Frequently Asked Questions ​

Will Priority boarding still exist on Ryanair in 2027? ​

Almost certainly yes. Priority gives you early boarding overhead bin access and a bigger bag at 10 kg. The new EU rule gives you a free standard bag at about 100 cm and 7 kg. Ryanair can still sell Priority as an upgrade.

Will Ryanair's 10 kg bag rule change? ​

Ryanair may keep the 10 kg limit for Priority and paid extras while the free EU bag stays at 7 kg. Or they may change the whole system. No one knows yet.

Will I still be able to fly Ryanair without a cabin bag for a lower price? ​

Yes. The EU rules let airlines offer a cheaper opt-out fare without the free cabin bag. You must choose this yourself. The cheap fee without a bag should still be there in 2027.

Will the gate fee for an oversized bag go away? ​

If you book a fare that includes a free cabin bag and your bag meets the EU rules the airline cannot charge you at the gate. But if your bag is too big or too heavy they can still charge you. If you booked the no bag fare and show up with a cabin bag you will pay.

Sources and Official References ​

• European Parliament press release (3 July 2026)
• Euronews report (7 July 2026)

Based on public information from June to July 2026. Ryanair has not yet changed its baggage policy. Final rules depend on the official EU publication. Always check RyanAir before you book.