# EU baggage rule, Ryanair updates, safety incident

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ryanair-expands-restrictions-and-calls-for-bans-amid-rising-passenger-disruptions-and-technical-glit
> Updated: 2026-08-01T10:00:07.000Z. Sources: 158. Developments: 40.

The EU carry‑on rule was further clarified on 19 July 2026, confirming that Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air must include one free small cabin bag in the ticket price from 2027 and may not levy extra fees for it, for ticket‑error corrections, or for children under 12 sitting with parents. The regulation also extends compensation protections for disabled passengers.

On 29 July 2026 Ryanair launched a new ancillary service called “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags”. The add‑on lets passengers purchase early‑gate boarding and bring two cabin items—a personal item (40 × 25 × 25 cm) and a 10‑kg roll‑cabin bag (55 × 40 × 20 cm). Ryanair says the product is intended to reduce boarding‑gate disputes and generate additional revenue.

The wheel‑detachment incident at Lanzarote Airport was reported again on 17 July 2026, confirming that airport staff secured the tire, no injuries or damage occurred, and Ryanair reiterated that personal items must fit within 40 × 30 × 20 cm or risk being classified as cabin baggage and incurring fees.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: Ryanair pays staff bonuses for spotting oversized luggage

Ryanair pays staff €2.50 per oversized bag they detect, removing the previous monthly cap, to enforce its 40 × 30 × 20 cm cabin‑item limit, CEO Michael O'Leary says the policy cuts violations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-pays-staff-bonuses-for-spotting-oversized-luggage

### 2026-07-29: Ryanair adds Priority & 2 Cabin Bags service as new carry‑on options launch in Europe

Ryanair launches a two‑bag priority service for early boarding, while Rick Steves and Away unveil new European‑focused carry‑on luggage designs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-adds-priority-2-cabin-bags-service-as-new-carryon-options-launch-in-europe

### 2026-07-19: EU mandates free carry‑on bags for Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz from 2027

From 2027 EU rules will require Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air to include one free carry‑on bag per ticket, ban extra bag fees and introduce consumer protections for spelling errors, disabled passengers and unac

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-mandates-free-carryon-bags-for-ryanair-easyjet-and-wizz-from-2027

### 2026-07-17: Ryanair wheel falls off plane at Lanzarote; airline stresses hand‑bag size limits

A Ryanair wheel rolled off on the Lanzarote apron with no injuries; the airline also reminds passengers that hand‑bags must stay within 40×30×20 cm or face extra charges.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-wheel-falls-off-plane-at-lanzarote-airline-stresses-handbag-size-limits

### 2026-07-12: Ryanair updates family seating rules and warns ban on party poppers

Ryanair will give free seats beside children after check‑in, seating families toward the rear, and joins other carriers in banning party poppers from all luggage, risking confiscation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-updates-family-seating-rules-and-warns-ban-on-party-poppers

### 2026-07-11: Ryanair baggage policy fuels viral trick to evade fees

Ryanair’s strict baggage rules prompted a viral hack where a traveler hides two small backpacks under his coat to carry 20 kg free, sparking mixed online reactions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-baggage-policy-fuels-viral-trick-to-evade-fees

### 2026-07-09: Ryanair travelers secure free extra space by bypassing middle seats

Ryanair passengers can avoid middle seats for free by requesting adjacent seats at the gate or using a two‑minute dummy‑booking trick, both bypassing the airline’s seat‑selection fees.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-travelers-secure-free-extra-space-by-bypassing-middle-seats

### 2026-07-06: Airlines tighten hand‑baggage limits and warn on missed connections

Airlines are tightening hand‑baggage limits for safety and efficiency, while a veteran flight attendant advises travelers to allow longer layovers, sit forward and travel with only hand luggage to avoid missed‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airlines-tighten-handbaggage-limits-and-warn-on-missed-connections

### 2026-07-06: Jet2 hand luggage limits and top cabin‑bag picks

Jet2 permits a 10 kg main bag (max 56×45×25 cm) and a smaller under‑seat bag (max 40×30×20 cm); infants get extra items. Recommended cabin bags include the M&S Oslo suitcase and Antler Discovery backpack.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jet2-hand-luggage-limits-and-top-cabinbag-picks

### 2026-06-30: Ryanair drops £8 family seat fee after CMA probe

Ryanair ends its £8 mandatory family seat fee after a CMA investigation, allowing parents to sit with children free of charge, with seats likely at the rear of the plane.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-drops-8-family-seat-fee-after-cma-probe

### 2026-06-29: Ryanair faces pilot union Cockpit backlash over tariff talks and Berlin base closure

Ryanair is accused by German pilot union Cockpit of disciplining negotiators during tariff talks and plans to close its Berlin base, raising concerns over crew scheduling and service cuts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-faces-pilot-union-cockpit-backlash-over-tariff-talks-and-berlin-base-closure

### 2026-06-29: UK airlines Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet and TUI set digital boarding‑pass rules

Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet and TUI outline digital boarding‑pass rules for UK travellers, with fees for non‑online check‑in and printed‑pass exceptions at specific airports.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-airlines-ryanair-jet2-easyjet-and-tui-set-digital-boardingpass-rules

### 2026-06-28: Ryanair changes family seat policy, parents now sit free with children

Ryanair will assign free seats to parents traveling with children after check‑in, ending the paid‑seat requirement. The move follows a CMA probe and is criticized by CEO Michael O'Leary but should not affect on

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-changes-family-seat-policy-parents-now-sit-free-with-children

### 2026-06-27: Austrian Supreme Court Rules Most Ryanair Extra Fees Illegal

Austria’s Supreme Court declared 14 Ryanair surcharge clauses illegal, halting hidden fees from September and allowing refunds for affected passengers.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austrian-supreme-court-rules-most-ryanair-extra-fees-illegal

### 2026-06-26: Ryanair drops seat‑selection fee for families, seats children with parents for free

Ryanair will stop charging a fee for families to sit together, assigning seats for free after check‑in from 25 June 2026, after regulator pressure.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-drops-seatselection-surcharge-for-parents-travelling-with-children

### 2026-06-25: Ryanair eliminates mandatory family seat fees, allows free seating for parents and children

Ryanair will no longer charge a mandatory seat fee for parents traveling with children; free seats are allocated after check‑in, usually in the rear, while paid seat selection remains optional. The change comes

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-drops-fees-for-parents-sitting-with-children-after-cma-probe

### 2026-06-24: Ryanair offers ultra‑low fares and high on‑time rate despite strict extra‑fee policies

Ryanair draws travelers with $40 fares and a young fleet, achieving about 90% on‑time arrivals, but enforces strict luggage rules and extra fees.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-offers-ultralow-fares-and-high-ontime-rate-despite-strict-extrafee-policies

### 2026-06-24: EU rule mandates free cabin bag on budget airlines, impact on Ryanair and easyJet

The EU has adopted a rule giving passengers a free personal item and a small wheeled cabin bag on intra‑EU flights, pushing low‑cost carriers to adjust fares; compliant bags such as the £21 Cabin Max Vela are,​

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-rule-mandates-free-cabin-bag-on-budget-airlines-impact-on-ryanair-and-easyjet

### 2026-06-24: EU Hand‑Baggage Rules and Summer Travel Trends Reshape European Tourism

EU new hand‑baggage rules, fuel‑price spikes and a surge in short family trips are reshaping European tourism this summer.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-airline-sector-hit-by-transparent-luggage-fees-and-soaring-fuel-costs

### 2026-06-23: Holiday travel advice: packing, stress reduction and airline baggage rules

UK airline baggage limits, stress‑free holiday tips, expat packing advice and the importance of checking official travel guidance before you fly.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-airways-and-other-uk-airlines-tighten-baggage-size-and-weight-rules

### 2026-06-22: EU bans extra fees for cabin bags, ending hidden charges for airlines

The EU has banned extra cabin‑bag fees and expanded passenger rights, prompting criticism from Ryanair. Meanwhile, travelers share hacks—like vacuum‑packing 20 kg into a free rucksack—to dodge Ryanair’s strict

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-bans-extra-fees-for-carryon-luggage-on-airlines

### 2026-06-21: Ryanair highlighted by viral baggage stunt and falling cost per seat in Europe

AirAdvisor ranks Ryanair’s cost per seat sharply down, while a passenger at Bristol airport broke his suitcase wheels to dodge a Ryanair baggage surcharge, sparking a viral video.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-highlighted-by-viral-baggage-stunt-and-falling-cost-per-seat-in-europe

### 2026-06-18: Ryanair calls EU free‑carry‑on baggage proposal regulatory nonsense

Ryanair denounces the EU draft requiring a free 7 kg cabin bag as “regulatory nonsense”, saying it will raise fares and strain cabin space.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-calls-eu-freecarryon-baggage-proposal-regulatory-nonsense

### 2026-06-15: Ryanair faces UK regulator probe over mandatory family seat fees

UK regulators are probing Ryanair’s mandatory family‑seat fee, assessing if it violates consumer‑protection rules.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-faces-uk-regulator-probe-over-mandatory-family-seat-fees

### 2026-06-15: EU bans airline fees for parents to sit beside children

The EU will forbid airlines from charging parents extra fees for seats next to their children, part of a passenger‑rights overhaul taking effect in January 2026 and reinforced by the EU261 rule.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-bans-airline-fees-for-parents-to-sit-beside-children

### 2026-06-13: Ryanair faces consumer backlash over family seat fees

Ryanair’s extra fee for family seats is under scrutiny by the UK CMA and German consumer groups, with BEUC noting potential costs of €80‑€200 per family and Ryanair citing safety rules.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-faces-consumer-backlash-over-family-seat-fees

### 2026-06-13: Ryanair faces UK competition probe over mandatory family seat fees

The UK CMA is investigating Ryanair's mandatory family seat fees, averaging £8 per flight, to see if they breach consumer‑protection rules. Ryanair denies wrongdoing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-faces-uk-competition-probe-over-mandatory-family-seat-fees

### 2026-06-12: European Union bans airline fees for parents seating children

The EU will ban airlines from charging parents extra fees to sit with children under 14, end name‑correction penalties, keep delay compensation, and demand transparent luggage pricing, pending ratification.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-bans-airline-fees-for-parents-seating-children

### 2026-06-11: UK regulator probes Ryanair's mandatory family seat fees

The UK CMA is investigating Ryanair’s mandatory family seat fees of about £8 per flight, deeming them potentially unfair under consumer law. Ryanair calls the probe bogus.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-regulator-probes-ryanairs-mandatory-family-seat-fees

### 2026-06-11: EU crackdown on airline extra fees targets Ryanair parental seat charge

UK regulators probe Ryanair's £8‑9 parental seat fee as the EU agrees to ban such ancillary airline charges, keeping flight‑delay compensation rules.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-crackdown-on-airline-extra-fees-targets-ryanair-parental-seat-charge

### 2026-06-11: EU reform bans airline fees for parents sitting with children

EU passenger‑rights reform bans airline charges for parents sitting with children; the UK CMA is investigating Ryanair’s £8 family‑seat fee, which the airline calls unfounded.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-reform-bans-airline-fees-for-parents-sitting-with-children

### 2026-06-11: Ryanair faces UK regulator probe over mandatory family‑seat fee

UK’s CMA is probing Ryanair’s £8 mandatory family‑seat fee for parents with children 2‑11, citing possible unfair contract terms and drip‑pricing; Ryanair calls the investigation bogus.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-faces-uk-and-eu-investigations-over-fees-for-parents-to-sit-with-children

### 2026-06-04: Ryanair flyer sidesteps £70 baggage charge by wearing entire suitcase’s clothes

A 27‑year‑old avoided a £70 Ryanair baggage fee by wearing all her clothes, highlighting passenger anger over hidden airline fees.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-passenger-avoids-70-baggage-fee-by-wearing-entire-suitcase

### 2026-06-01: UK government proposes lifetime ban for disruptive airline passengers

The UK plans a permanent blacklist for passengers who act drunkenly or violently on flights, aiming to stop repeat offenders from flying on any airline, with strong public support but privacy concerns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-proposes-lifetime-ban-for-disruptive-airline-passengers

### 2026-06-01: Ryanair urges passengers to keep shoes on as UK airlines seek stricter air‑rage rules

Ryanair urges passengers to keep shoes on while UK airlines push for a national blacklist to curb rising air‑rage incidents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-urges-passengers-to-keep-shoes-on-as-uk-airlines-seek-stricter-airrage-rules

### 2026-05-12: Ryanair boosts staff bonuses as bag size checks tighten

Ryanair raises staff bonuses for detecting oversized bags while urging passengers to stick to the 40×30×20 cm cabin limit to avoid €75 fees.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-boosts-staff-bonuses-as-bag-size-checks-tighten

### 2026-05-12: Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary urges ban on early‑morning airport alcohol sales

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary proposes banning early‑morning airport alcohol sales, citing safety, sparking debate with experts and pub owners.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-ceo-michael-oleary-urges-ban-on-earlymorning-airport-alcohol-sales

### 2026-05-06: Ryanair flights hit by passenger altercation and passport‑control system glitch

Ryanair faced a flight diversion after a passenger fight and a separate flight loss due to an EES passport‑control outage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-flights-hit-by-passenger-altercation-and-passportcontrol-system-glitch

### 2026-05-06: Ryanair CEO O'Leary pushes for ban on early‑morning airport alcohol sales

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary urges a ban on early‑morning airport drinks, citing passenger misconduct.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-ceo-oleary-pushes-for-ban-on-earlymorning-airport-alcohol-sales

### 2026-05-06: Ryanair urges ban on early‑morning airport alcohol as rowdy passengers rise

Ryanair asks airports to curb early‑morning drinking after surge in drunken passenger disruptions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-urges-ban-on-earlymorning-airport-alcohol-as-rowdy-passengers-rise

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Cite as: EU baggage rule, Ryanair updates, safety incident. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ryanair-expands-restrictions-and-calls-for-bans-amid-rising-passenger-disruptions-and-technical-glit