Ryanair attacks new EU cabin-bag rules, claims they will inflate advertised airfares

Ryanair has sharply criticised new EU passenger-rights regulations, arguing that they will force airlines to advertise higher fares by including the cost of a second cabin bag, even though the airline says more than half of its passengers travel without one.

The carrier claims the revised rules will prevent airlines from prominently advertising their lowest available fares and instead require them to display prices that include a second carry-on bag. According to Ryanair, this will make air travel appear more expensive and reduce the competitiveness of European airlines.

Ryanair’s main arguments

• More than 50% of Ryanair passengers choose the airline’s lowest fare and do not purchase a second cabin bag.
• The new rules will require airlines to advertise higher prices than those paid by many customers.
• Ryanair argues the measure adds regulatory complexity without providing meaningful consumer benefits.
• The airline says the EU should focus instead on reducing costs and improving competitiveness.

Wider criticism of EU aviation policy

Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary used the announcement to renew criticism of several EU aviation policies, including:

• The EU’s aviation emissions trading scheme (ETS), which Ryanair argues increases costs for intra-European flights.
• Air traffic control (ATC) inefficiencies and staffing shortages across Europe.
• The fact that airlines can face compensation obligations under EU261 even when delays are caused by air traffic control disruptions.

Political message

Ryanair framed the debate as part of a broader concern about European competitiveness, arguing that policymakers should prioritise economic growth, aviation efficiency and infrastructure reform rather than additional passenger-rights regulations.

The statement is characteristic of Ryanair’s long-standing campaign against regulatory measures it believes increase operating costs or restrict its low-fare business model. Supporters of the new EU rules, however, argue that clearer fare presentation and cabin-bag rights make price comparisons easier for consumers and reduce unexpected ancillary charges.

In essence, Ryanair’s complaint is not about allowing passengers to carry a second cabin bag, but about being required to include that bag in the headline fare displayed to consumers, rather than advertising the lowest possible base fare and adding optional extras later in the booking process.