Ryanair, shock news: 'free' carry-on baggage grows by 33% (but POS at gate remains on)

Ryanair is back in the news with a move they say will revolutionize the travel experience: From today, September 4, all its passengers will be able to carry a larger personal bag on board. We're talking 40 x 30 x 20 cm, a generous +33% compared to the EU standard (40 x 30 x 15 cm). In short, enough extra space to squeeze in-perhaps an extra pair of socks.

The No. 1 company in Europe (especially in finding rules to be followed to the millimeter) has installed new bag sizers, or infamous baggage meters, at as many as 235 airports which from today will accommodate "oversize" bags of as much as five centimeters. Of course, luggage must always fit under the seat.

And if you really feel like bringing a second bag, Ryanair will not leave you empty-handed: just purchase priority boarding. For those nostalgic for larger suitcases, there are always checked bags, available during booking.

Dara Brady, CMO of Ryanair, enthused:

"As of today, our free carry-on baggage is 33% larger than the EU standard. Those who do not meet the new limits will have to pay the checked baggage fee at the gate."

Simultaneous translation: limits are "more generous," but if you miss by an inch your credit card will fly faster than the plane.

We had it already announced a few weeks ago, but now it is official: New bag sizers are installed and Ryanair "free" baggage grows. A revolution? Maybe not. Good news? Depends on how adept you are at stuffing your life into a 40 cm bag.

And to make it even more fun, rumors tell that "Controllers" at the gates will receive a small reward every time they pinch a passenger with an oversized bag. Basically, a treasure hunt with customers as the spoils: may the person who finds the most inches out of place win.