New EU baggage change may impact Ryanair and Aer Lingus carry-on rules
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The confusion about what size suitcase we are allowed to bring on board flights in the EU has hit headlines recently.
Since people have started jetting off on their summer holidays, there's been reports from annoyed travellers that their suitcases have been deemed too big and over the recommended size dimensions allowed on their flights, despite these suitcases being accepted previously. This resulted in these holidaymakers having to pay to take their bags on board. However, there could be a resolution in sight, thanks to the EU.
Last week, EU transport ministers proposed standardising the free under seat baggage size on EU airlines. If this proposal is accepted by the European Parliament, it would become law and all EU-based airlines would have to comply, such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
The proposal said that passengers should be guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles), or an item which could reasonably fit under the seat of a plane. Over a decade ago, a European court ruling stated that airline hand baggage should not be subject to an extra fee, as long as it met "reasonable" weight and dimensions. However, "reasonable" was never defined.
At the moment, Ryanair allows one free small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag. It has to measure 40x20x25cm and must fit under the seat in front. Aer Lingus, meanwhile, allow personal items of 25x33x20cm.
The EU ministers did not go as far as stipulating whether airlines could charge for overhead cabin bags, per the BBC. This means that even if the above proposals were adopted into law, airlines could still keep charging for overhead cabin bags.
Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus charge to take a suitcase or large bag on board. Ryanair passengers who want a cabin bag have to book priority boarding, which allows them to take a 10kg (55x40x20cm) bag onboard, which is stored in the overhead locker. As for Aer Lingus, if you want to take a 10kg bag on board with you and your ticket does not include it, you have to pay for a "10kg carry-on bag" online, with prices starting from €9.99/£9.99.
If you'd rather skip that fee, you can drop your 10kg bag off at the check-in desk or bag drop kiosk (available in Dublin, Shannon and London) when check-in opens and collect it again at the bag carousel when you land. This option is free, the airline's website states.
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