People flying with Ryanair have been told to put cardboard in their hand luggage after a rule change was confirmed. The no-frills airline said on Thursday, July 4, that it is to increase its “personal bag” size by 20% as the EU brings in a new standard.
New rules will mean travellers can take a bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in the cabin without paying any extra charges. It should weigh less than 10kg, and fit “under the seat in front you.”
Ryanair said the new bag size will come into effect in the coming weeks, but a packing expert is warning holidaymakers not to make a costly mistake. Tom Schott of Schott Packaging believes the new allowance could encourage bulging bags.
He said: “The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely. The mistake is to simply cram more in. The real victory for passengers is using that volume to pack with structure. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag”.
To avoid doing so, Tom suggests following five tips, one of these involving cardboard. Tom said: “Soft bags lose volume. A lightweight, snug-fitting cardboard box inside your bag provides a rigid frame, allowing you to use every corner and prevent the bulge that attracts gate staff.”
He also suggests using sealable bags to avoid wasting space, grouping items into smaller cubes or bags, and creating a “buffer for valuables”. Tom said: “Place a small, sturdy box in the centre of your bag, cushioned by clothes.
“This creates a crush-proof zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries, preventing damage and leaks.” Finally, travellers are advised to “pre-plan your bag”, with Tom advising you lay everything out on the floor within a 40cm x 30cm outline first, as this “provides a real-world view of what fits and helps you assemble your packed modules logically and quickly.”
Tom added: “These aren’t just clever tricks, but core principles of efficient packing. By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate”.