Overview
- Ryanair has raised its free underseat bag size to 40 x 30 x 20 cm after EU rule changes, up 20% from 40 x 20 x 25 cm.
- easyJet already permits a personal item within those dimensions on its basic fares.
- The European Parliament, in January 2026, backed a plan to let every passenger bring a personal item plus a small cabin bag with a combined size of 100 cm and up to 7 kg at no extra cost.
- The two-bag right remains a proposal that needs European Council approval and would apply to EU-based airlines on flights to or from EU airports, affecting most UK short-haul trips.
- MEPs also want a rule that seats children under 12 next to an accompanying adult for free, while the UK aviation regulator currently offers guidance rather than a legal guarantee.