Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update

Post Published October 8, 2024

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Ryanair has tweaked its cabin baggage rules for 2024, sticking to the one free small personal bag for everyone. This bag must be incredibly compact, measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25 cm. If you've paid for Priority boarding, you can bring along a larger carry-on, up to 10 kg in weight. However, if you haven't, you're restricted to just the mini bag. Ryanair's latest changes have generated some negative feedback due to the possibility of hidden baggage fees. The various baggage allowances tied to different ticket types can be a source of frustration for some. A recent court ruling supports Ryanair's right to enforce these rules, tying them to European safety standards. These adjustments, including the mandatory drop-off of luggage before security, emphasize the importance of checking baggage regulations before your flight. Passengers should familiarize themselves with the baggage policies to avoid any unexpected surprises and charges at the airport.

Ryanair's 2024 cabin bag policy has been refined, introducing a new dimension for the free personal item: a stingy 40x20x25 cm. This means that the days of larger carry-ons without paying extra are numbered. While Ryanair argues this streamlines cabin space and potentially boosts seat capacity in response to the growing popularity of low-cost travel, it inevitably pushes travelers to rethink their packing habits. It's a strategy observed across the budget airline landscape.

The airline's emphasis on "Priority" boarding, which unlocks the ability to bring a larger 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin bag (up to 10kg), is quite obviously a revenue generator. This tactic, with its €20 to €60 price tag, continues the trend of airlines extracting extra income from ancillary services, which for Ryanair seemingly fuels a sizable chunk (almost 40%) of their financial success. It certainly appears as if Ryanair is attempting to shift travelers away from the larger, previously permissible carry-on baggage and into the checked bag realm.

For individuals who previously relied on larger cabin bags, the revised rules may incentivize opting for the checked baggage option—particularly for longer journeys where packing needs are likely to exceed the diminutive personal item limits. One can easily imagine that this could lead to a chaotic experience at check-in counters, especially during peak travel times.

Perhaps related to this shift is the growth in popularity of "packing cubes," small, compressed fabric bags that can help maximize space within a suitcase or even a very small cabin bag. It is curious how efficiently this helps solve the issue of restrictive baggage allowances. Interestingly, Ryanair and other airlines appear to be attempting to build trust by increasing transparency with the new rules, possibly to influence customer loyalty and booking decisions.

The trend of airlines meticulously reviewing their baggage policies and tightening up guidelines is likely not going to subside. This development seems part of a broader industry shift where controlling costs is fundamental for staying competitive. Furthermore, the implementation of advanced technology like airline apps now helps passengers to follow baggage-related policies and plan their travels more efficiently. Whether this increased use of technology improves the experience for everyone remains to be seen. The increased focus on baggage control, while potentially enhancing operational efficiency, introduces a subtle pressure on travelers to carefully adapt to a new norm in air travel.

What else is in this post?

  1. Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update - Ryanair's 2024 Cabin Bag Policy Update
  2. Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update - EasyJet's New Hand Luggage Allowances
  3. Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update - Checked Baggage Options for Both Airlines
  4. Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update - Connecting Flights and Baggage Transfer Rules
  5. Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update - Tips for Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees
  6. Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update - New UK Liquid Regulations for Air Travel





EasyJet has introduced some changes to its hand luggage rules this year, putting more emphasis on keeping your bags compact. Everyone gets one free small cabin bag, but it has to be quite small – 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels, and it needs to fit under the seat in front of you. This little bag can weigh up to 15 kg, which isn't bad, but if you need more space, be prepared to pay extra for a larger cabin bag.


EasyJet does offer bigger bags at a price, for £5.99 if you book online. If you need to check in a larger suitcase, you can, but the fees add up. A 15 kg bag starts at £6.99, while a 23 kg bag is more, starting at £9.49. Then, if you exceed your baggage allowance at the airport, you'll pay even more. For instance, a 15 kg bag at the bag drop costs £40, and anything overweight or not booked in advance costs even more at the gate.


EasyJet's new hand luggage policy really does tighten things up compared to before. You only get the one small cabin bag unless you fork over some cash. There's the usual allowance of things like a small handbag, rucksack, or laptop bag to be included within that allowance. It's important to be really careful with your luggage size and weight if you're traveling with EasyJet in 2024; exceeding the limits can result in surprisingly hefty airport fees. It appears the trend of budget airlines adjusting their luggage rules to control costs and potentially generate additional revenue through ancillary services is continuing. While this might enhance operational efficiency for airlines, it puts the onus on travelers to meticulously plan their packing and avoid surprises at the airport.

EasyJet's current hand luggage policy, effective for 2024, presents a slightly different approach compared to Ryanair. They allow a free small cabin bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm, which needs to fit under the seat in front. This is larger than Ryanair's strict dimensions but still emphasizes compactness. The maximum weight for this bag is 15 kg, aligning with general industry standards.

EasyJet also permits a secondary small item like a purse or laptop bag, providing more flexibility than Ryanair's singular allowance. However, if you wish to bring a larger carry-on, you can pay a fee, starting at £5.99 online, up to £40 at the airport. This “premium” option might be enticing to travelers who value convenience over packing constraints.


Checked bags are available as well, with a 15 kg bag costing at least £6.99 and a 23 kg option at £9.49. EasyJet allows extra weight in increments of 3 kg, but you can't go over 32 kg per checked bag. The fees for exceeding size and weight limits are significant. They are clearly keen on collecting revenue from baggage charges, just like Ryanair.


The mobile app acts as a digital guide for luggage compliance, which can be helpful for travelers to estimate size and weight. The app aims to reduce hold ups at check-in and promote a smoother travel experience. This technology seems to be another way airlines are trying to stay competitive in a market dominated by savvy passengers who seek out bargains.

EasyJet's hand luggage rules represent a balance between affordability and convenience. Although the airline has tightened up their allowances in recent years, the added dimensions and small personal item add a touch more flexibility than what Ryanair offers. Travelers seem to prefer this added convenience, particularly during shorter trips. However, the increasing reliance on fees for anything beyond the minimal allowance continues to be a key part of the business model for budget airlines. Whether passengers appreciate the convenience is hard to assess, but it is certainly a topic of interest, particularly in a space where the airlines are constantly competing and experimenting.


The changes made by EasyJet might influence packing habits even further. There's likely a surge in the popularity of innovative packing techniques as travelers try to optimize available space. Whether it's vacuum bags or carefully planned packing cubes, passengers will need to think differently if they want to enjoy a hassle-free airport experience with EasyJet. The airline's baggage policy is likely to stay under close review, adapting to ever-changing demands and the quest to maximize profitability.







When traveling with Ryanair or EasyJet, understanding the options for checked baggage is important, especially given the 2024 updates to their policies. Ryanair offers the choice between a 10kg and a 20kg checked bag, with the possibility to add more bags to your booking. EasyJet presents a slightly different approach, with options for checked baggage starting at 15kg, and a more competitive pricing structure overall. While convenient, it's important to note that neither airline allows for smooth baggage transfers between each other, as they don't have any interline baggage agreements.

Keep in mind the strict weight and size restrictions both airlines enforce. Exceeding these limits can lead to hefty charges, particularly at the airport. To avoid any surprises or unexpected fees that can disrupt your travel budget, make sure you diligently check each airline's specific baggage rules before your trip.

Let's explore some of the nuances related to checked baggage options when traveling with Ryanair and EasyJet in 2024.

Firstly, both airlines enforce fairly strict weight limits for checked bags. While EasyJet allows for purchases in increments of 3kg, going over the weight limit can trigger significant fees—up to £40 at the airport, suggesting a strong emphasis on maximizing revenue from baggage. It's interesting to note the differing pricing strategies employed by the two airlines.

Ryanair's approach to its "Priority" boarding, which unlocks the ability to bring a larger cabin bag, is quite dynamic. It seems to use a demand-based pricing structure, with the price for priority boarding varying between €20 and €60, much like how airline seats are priced. The fluctuating pricing indicates an intriguing business strategy aimed at maximizing revenue.

The trend towards smaller cabin bag allowances is evident. Both airlines have created more restrictive environments for travellers, leading to a spike in demand for clever packing accessories, such as compression bags and packing cubes. Clearly, the restrictions have had a measurable impact on consumer behavior.

It seems budget airlines are increasingly reliant on ancillary income, including fees associated with checked baggage. In Ryanair's case, such revenue now makes up close to 40% of their overall income, illustrating how important baggage fees are to their business model.

Both Ryanair and EasyJet have also taken to technology to potentially streamline their operations. Their mobile apps help passengers visualize baggage sizes before they reach the airport, thus potentially reducing confusion and delays at check-in. Whether this technology truly benefits all passengers is something worth exploring further.

The two airlines have chosen slightly different approaches to cabin baggage allowances. EasyJet permits a slightly larger free cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) than Ryanair (40 x 20 x 25 cm), which could indicate a strategy to differentiate their offerings based on different customer preferences.

Ryanair's recent decision to require passengers to drop off their checked bags before going through security might introduce a degree of complication and delay, particularly for first-time users of the service. EasyJet doesn't appear to have the same baggage drop-off requirement.


While EasyJet has a more relaxed policy when it comes to small personal items, allowing travelers to take a laptop bag or purse in addition to their main carry-on, Ryanair remains steadfast in its single-bag rule. This flexibility could appeal to a specific audience, such as business travelers.


There is no doubt that both airlines' baggage policies are shifting, with more emphasis on adherence to guidelines. The need to carefully read through these policies and associated fees has grown in importance. Passengers who don't pay attention to this might face some painful surprises at the airport.

It's clear that restrictive baggage policies impact travel habits. Passengers are now inclined to be more strategic with their packing and use packing techniques that allow them to stay within the restrictive limits. Whether this trend will continue and change the culture of travel and the overall passenger experience is a fascinating development to watch in the industry.

These observations highlight a shift in the relationship between budget airlines and their customers, particularly when it comes to baggage allowances. While the changes might improve operational efficiency for airlines, the financial implications for passengers could lead to behavioral changes and interesting patterns in traveler habits going forward.







Navigating Baggage Rules for Ryanair and EasyJet Connections A 2024 Update

When connecting with Ryanair or EasyJet, understanding how your luggage will be handled is essential, particularly if you're not used to the way budget airlines manage baggage on connecting flights. Unlike larger airlines, where a single ticket usually means your bag travels with you to your final destination, these carriers have more specific rules that might surprise you.

For domestic flights on one ticket, you might find that your checked bag travels seamlessly to your end destination. However, this smooth process often falls apart with international flights. You might need to collect and recheck your luggage during layovers. This added step can be inconvenient and, if not handled correctly, lead to missing connections.

And things get even trickier when booking separate flights with these airlines. In those cases, you'll almost always need to personally take care of collecting and rechecking your baggage during the layover. This adds another layer of complexity and planning to your travel itinerary. As both airlines refine their baggage policies to improve operational efficiency, it’s wise for travelers to thoroughly understand the rules for every segment of their journey to avoid any unpleasant fees or delays at the airport.

When traveling with multiple flights booked on a single ticket, your luggage is generally checked through to your final destination, even if different airlines operate the flights. This seamless process is quite common for domestic connections, where baggage transfer is often automatic. However, when connecting internationally, things get more complicated. Baggage handling varies dramatically between countries, and it's not unusual to have to pick up and recheck your bags during layovers.

It's important to differentiate between "protected" and "self-transfer" connecting flights. "Protected" flights are where the airline takes responsibility for your luggage transfer; with self-transfers, you're on your own. The distinction can be crucial when things go wrong.

A layover is simply a break between flights (typically under 24 hours), while a connecting flight involves several planes before reaching the end point of your journey. Airlines recommend minimum layover times: 45-60 minutes for domestic travel, and at least two hours for international journeys. This allows enough time for baggage transfer to occur.

If you buy tickets separately, expect to manage your own baggage during transfers, collecting and rechecking it yourself. If the layover is too short, it's possible your bag won't make it in time for the connecting flight.

It's quite evident that baggage transfer rules aren't harmonized between airlines. The policies can be quite complex, so it's sensible to check each airline's rules for your specific route. It can be a real challenge to decipher what's relevant to your itinerary.

It is crucial to consult the airline's website before your trip to understand the baggage transfer policies for your exact route. Being clear on the specific transfer processes for your trip can save you a lot of hassle and unexpected fees. This often requires significant detective work and the ability to process sometimes rather opaque information from airline websites.







When dealing with the often-confusing baggage rules of Ryanair and EasyJet, travelers can avoid extra baggage charges by being organized and smart with their packing. Knowing the exact size limitations for free carry-ons is very important. Ryanair's free personal item, for instance, has very tight dimensions of just 40 x 20 x 25 cm, which can be a real challenge for many. To get the most out of your baggage allowance, make sure you use both your personal item and the main cabin bag effectively. You might also consider packing cubes to compress items and save space. In some instances, choosing services like priority boarding might be a more affordable option than paying for additional checked luggage, especially for longer trips. In the end, the best way to prevent surprising fees is to study each airline's rules carefully and plan ahead.

To navigate the often-confusing world of baggage fees with budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet, understanding their revenue model is crucial. Baggage fees are a significant source of income, contributing up to 40% of Ryanair's earnings, highlighting their importance for these airlines' financial health. This puts a focus on travelers to be more conscious of their baggage allowances.

The tightening of baggage restrictions has led to a rise in the use of clever packing techniques. Packing cubes, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular, allowing travelers to maximize limited space and adhere to size limits. It's fascinating to observe how travelers are adapting to these new limitations.

Airlines are leveraging technology to manage baggage more efficiently. Mobile apps now help visualize baggage dimensions, which has the potential to improve check-in procedures and reduce delays. While it's hard to say how well this actually works, the general idea is likely helpful.

When booking separate flights with budget airlines, travelers are responsible for managing their own baggage transfers during layovers. The complexity arises when you need to recheck bags, so knowing this difference is crucial, particularly when dealing with connecting flights. This lack of a standardized system is a source of frustration for many.

EasyJet's baggage weight rules are nuanced. It allows for luggage in 3 kg increments, yet overweight bags attract airport fees as high as £40. These fines are a significant deterrent and indicate a keen interest in generating extra income from travelers who overpack.

Minimum layover times recommended by airlines are important to prevent missed connections, particularly with baggage transfers. Domestic flights need a 45-60 minute layover, whereas international flights usually require at least two hours. These seemingly arbitrary rules are crucial for travellers to keep in mind, but can be quite difficult to remember during travel.

It is vital to differentiate between "protected" and "self-transfer" flights. The latter shifts the responsibility for baggage handling onto the traveler, so knowing which type of connection you have is crucial for a seamless journey. These fine points are often hard to understand when booking.

Ryanair and EasyJet are strict enforcers of baggage size limits, penalizing even small deviations. The emphasis on strict baggage guidelines is evident at both airlines. It forces travellers to closely scrutinize allowed luggage dimensions and to pack accordingly, potentially impacting the travel experience.

EasyJet charges a steep £40 fee for oversized bags at the airport. These high fees serve as a powerful incentive to adhere to the airline's baggage rules. These strict rules highlight a general shift in how travellers have to prepare for a journey, potentially impacting the pre-travel experience.

Ryanair's recently implemented baggage drop-off policy before security introduces a new step in the boarding process. This change can potentially create delays and confusion, especially for travelers unfamiliar with the airline's procedures. It’s not clear what the intended impact of this policy is.

The evolving baggage policies of budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet are having a measurable impact on travel habits. Travellers are forced to adapt to stricter rules, changing the packing process and pre-travel planning. The implications of these policies, for both travelers and the industry itself, remain a topic worthy of further study.







The UK has recently reinstated stricter regulations for liquids carried in hand luggage at several airports, including some regional ones. This means you are now, once again, limited to carrying liquids in containers of 100ml or less. All these small containers need to be placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, and the total capacity of all liquids in the bag cannot exceed one litre.

This change comes despite promises to update airport screening equipment by mid-2024, allowing passengers to carry larger quantities of liquids. The delays in implementing these new scanners mean that the old, stricter rules have been brought back into effect. It's a temporary setback for those hoping to ditch the fiddly little bottles in favor of larger containers.

This change could prove inconvenient for travellers, who might now have to repack toiletries and other essentials to comply with the current regulations. The situation is further complicated by the possibility that airports may not have fully updated their screening processes, creating some confusion over which rules apply where.

If you're flying from or through the UK in the coming months, be sure to familiarize yourself with the latest restrictions to avoid any unexpected delays or problems at security. With budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet continuing to refine their baggage policies, keeping track of the latest rules and regulations is more important than ever.

The UK's recent reintroduction of the 100ml liquid restriction at several regional airports, including Leeds Bradford, Southend, and Teesside, is a curious twist in the ongoing saga of airport security. This decision comes as a surprise, considering earlier plans to lift the limit by mid-2024 with the installation of upgraded screening equipment.

The rationale behind the 100ml restriction seems to be the potential for liquids to be used in the formation of explosive mixtures. While it's unclear exactly how much a reduction in the maximum volume of allowed liquid actually helps, it's easy to assume that authorities aim to simplify the screening process and reduce potential hazards.

The delay in implementing the advanced screening technology across the UK's airports network, which was originally scheduled for June 2024, is noteworthy. The new technology, which would theoretically eliminate the need for a liquid volume limitation by more thoroughly analyzing the contents of containers, has been slow to be implemented at the airports. Perhaps this is due to the substantial cost of installing and maintaining the equipment or perhaps to technical challenges in developing the technology to work as intended.

It's rather fascinating that despite the existence of the 100ml limit, many travelers still pack liquids in larger bottles. This raises questions about the effectiveness of communication and understanding of the regulations. It would be helpful to investigate why these travelers ignore this regulation; is it a lack of awareness, a willful disregard, or a simple oversight? One wonders how much more efficient airport security would be if passengers adhered more closely to the regulations.

The 100ml liquid rule still applies regardless of the type of scanner used, a fact that seems to add confusion and inconvenience for travelers. Furthermore, while certain exemptions exist for baby food and medicinal liquids, these must be declared at security, and there's a chance that this process can be frustrating and contribute to potential delays.

It appears the aviation industry is using the introduction of new technologies to justify changes and create new ways to regulate passengers. It's hard to deny that the use of new baggage scanners can enhance security but it is also unclear whether these investments will deliver a demonstrable improvement to the passenger experience. The impact of security rules and baggage regulations on flight times is rarely analyzed but should be studied further to get a fuller picture of the efficiency of the changes.

Furthermore, recent statistics on baggage mishandling show that a substantial number of travelers experience problems with luggage handling, especially during international travel. This issue highlights the need for careful consideration of baggage transfer rules when booking flights with different airlines, particularly with budget airlines. They seem to struggle with effective baggage handling during layovers.

The restrictions placed on liquids and luggage allowances have undoubtedly led to alterations in consumer behavior. Many travelers now opt for solid alternatives like bar shampoos or toothpaste tablets to avoid the complexity of packing liquids and adhering to volume limitations. It's likely this demand has boosted a particular sub-sector of the travel industry; perhaps this has fueled the market for innovative packing solutions.

It will be interesting to see how loyalty programs and airline reward structures will adapt to the new reality of restrictive baggage regulations. It's possible that airlines will leverage their rewards programs to offer discounts on baggage fees or perhaps exemptions from restrictions, which could lead to more complex and confusing pricing strategies for air travel.

In conclusion, the new UK liquid regulations and the broader landscape of baggage allowances are a constant evolution. It seems we need a clearer picture of the impact these changes have on travel times and traveler satisfaction. The underlying message is that travelers need to be more proactive in understanding the intricacies of these regulations. Whether the recent changes truly benefit passengers or primarily help airlines better control costs and manage their revenue streams, will continue to be a topic of intense interest.


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