Ryanair travellers should bring a piece of cardboard in their hand luggage to make the most of the airline’s expanded bag allowance.
Cardboard frames can help travellers pack efficiently and protect belongings under new Ryanair bag rules
Since September 2025, passengers flying on a basic ticket can bring a larger personal bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, weighing under 10kg, without extra charges. The allowance, designed to comply with updated EU rules, has prompted experts to warn that travellers could easily exceed limits if their bags are poorly packed.
Packing specialist Tom Schott of Schott Packaging told The Mirror: “The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely. The mistake is to simply cram more in. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag.”
Schott recommends including lightweight cardboard inside the bag to create a rigid frame, adding that “soft bags lose volume. A snug-fitting cardboard box allows you to use every corner and prevents the bulge that attracts gate staff.”
Tom also suggests using sealable pouches to organise items and protect valuables, placing a small sturdy box in the centre cushioned by clothes to create a crush-proof zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries.
Beyond cardboard, Schott advises travellers to pre-plan their packing.
He said: “Organise all your items on the floor within a 40cm x 30cm outline first. This gives a real-world view of what fits and helps assemble your packed modules logically and quickly. By applying these principles, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate.”
With more space available under the seat, smart organisation and structure, rather than simply overstuffing, is key to avoiding extra fees and keeping belongings safe.