It turns out to be one of the most stressful things for airline passengers: the size of their carry-on luggage. Especially with low-cost airlines. Because there are no specific measures in place and it is the airlines themselves that set the limits, most travellers find it difficult to know exactly what dimensions and weight are allowed. Often, they are not aware that if this is exceeded, it can lead to an increase in the final price of the ticket.
The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair also contributes to its success. The Irish airline is one of the most popular low-cost options for users looking for cheap flights. The airline has a small carry-on bag of 40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm in its regulations. If you opt for priority boarding, you can bring a larger bag of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm, which can weigh up to 10 kg. If the airline deems it appropriate, the hand baggage will travel in the hold, at no extra cost to the passenger. Hand baggage that exceeds the permitted dimensions will be left outside the cabin, and transferred to the hold. Furthermore, you will have to pay for that.
Strict control on flights to Tenerife
The British newspaper, The Daily Mail reports the testimony of journalist Emily Chaplin. She saw that a number of passengers had to pay £46 (more than €53) because their luggage did not meet the dimensions. That was just before they boarded a Ryanair flight between Birmingham and Tenerife on May 6. After passing through security, passengers were required to measure their carry-on baggage. According to the journalist, 13 passengers had to pay extra to board.
European Parliament
Now, each airline sets its own dimensions and prices. In view of the chaos that this situation can cause, the European Parliament submitted a petition in October 2023. It wants to establish common parameters for hand baggage for all airlines. A measure that must be in line with what the European institution determined 9 years ago. Hand baggage is an ‘indispensable element’, which should not be subject to a ‘price surcharge’.
Preventing unlawful costs
Although there is no date yet for the entry into force of the new law, it is expected that its application will lead to a level playing field between airlines. In order to prevent “unlawful and unjustified costs”. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that carry-on luggage should not exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm. In addition, the weight should not exceed 8 kilos.