TravelRyanairRyanair passengers have been warned08:34, 06 Jul 2026Updated 09:27, 06 Jul 2026Ryanair travellers have been urged to take cardboard inside their hand luggage following an announcement the budget carrier made last summer.‌The low-cost airline boosted its 'personal bag' allowance by 20% in response to updated EU regulations. From September 2025, passengers flying on a basic fare will be permitted to bring a larger bag on board, measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, free of charge. The bag must weigh no more than 10kg and be small enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you.‌With the revised bag dimensions now in place, packing specialist Tom Schott from Schott Packaging is warning holidaymakers against a potentially expensive mistake, as he believes the bigger allowance will tempt travellers into overstuffing their bags and landing themselves with penalty charges.‌Tom said: "The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely." The expert advises placing a lightweight cardboard box inside your bag to create a "rigid frame, allowing you to use every corner and prevent the bulge that attracts gate staff".Tom's additional tips include using sealable bags to make the most of available space, keeping belongings neatly organised into smaller sections, and keeping valuables well protected. He also recommends "thinking in modules" - grouping items into compact cubes using small boxes or pouches, so everything slots neatly together and eliminates any wasted space.Article continues belowFinally, Tom is encouraging travellers to pre-plan their bags by laying everything out on the floor within a 40x30cm outline first. "This provides a real-world view of what fits and helps you assemble your packed modules logically and quickly".Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌RyanairEuropean UnionHands