Irish travellers have been urged to pack a piece of cardboard in their hand luggage after ryanair expanded its personal bag allowance, a change that could turn routine gate checks into unexpected costs if passengers overfill soft bags. Packing expert guidance now focuses on structure rather than volume: a simple, lightweight insert can stop bulging soft luggage from exceeding the new dimensions while also protecting chargers and toiletries inside a crowded cabin.
Ryanair rule change and the new EU-aligned allowance
The airline implemented an expansion of its ‘personal bag’ allowance last summer, increasing capacity by 20% in line with new EU regulations. From September 2025, travellers on a basic fare will be able to bring a larger underseat bag — maximum dimensions 40cm x 30cm x 20cm — at no extra cost. The bag must weigh under 10kg and fit beneath the seat in front, a detail that makes how the bag is packed as important as what is packed.
Analysis and expert perspective: why cardboard matters
Packing specialist Tom Schott, packing specialist at Schott Packaging, warns that the enlarged allowance may encourage passengers to overstuff their luggage. He said: “The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely. ” He added: “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. ” Schott recommends placing a lightweight, snug-fitting cardboard box inside a soft bag to create a rigid frame that prevents bulging and attracts less scrutiny at boarding gates.
His practical guidance extends beyond cardboard. Schott recommends using sealable bags to optimise space and sorting items into smaller sections to protect valuables. “Place a small, sturdy box in the centre of your bag, cushioned by clothes, ” he advised. “This creates a crush-proof zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries, preventing damage and leaks. ” Pre-planning is central to his method: laying items out on the floor within a 40cm x 30cm outline gives travellers a real-world sense of what fits and reduces last-minute repacking at the gate.
Broader impact for Irish travellers and boarding operations
The shift in allowance and Schott’s recommendations together change the incentives at the gate. For ryanair travellers, the combination of a larger permitted footprint and a strict beneath-seat requirement means gate staff will still have cause to inspect bags that appear overfull. Structured packing reduces both the visible bulge that draws attention and the risk that fragile items are damaged when soft luggage collapses under cabin pressure or luggage handling.
From an operational perspective, the rule emphasises compliance with the dimensional and weight limits rather than policing brand-new carrying rules. For passengers, adopting structural solutions like cardboard inserts and sealed modules can streamline boarding and lower the chance of paying for checked baggage at the gate.
Final thought
For Irish travellers adapting to the new underseat allowance, a small change in how a bag is built can yield smoother boarding and less damage to electronics and toiletries. Will ryanair passengers routinely switch to structured packing, or will gate checks still catch those who simply try to cram more in? The answer will determine whether this change becomes a practical benefit or a fresh point of friction at the gate.
