Ryanair luggage update: Bigger bags free

If you’ve ever tried to travel with kids on Ryanair, you’ll know the pain: juggling suitcases, snacks, and a toddler clinging to your leg, only to be told at the gate that your little one’s precious Trunki isn’t allowed on for free.

It’s the kind of thing that can ruin the start of your family holiday before you’ve even left the airport. But hold onto your hats, parents because Ryanair has actually listened to the cries of mums and dads everywhere, and changed its cabin baggage rules for kids.

Trunki trouble: The parent problem Ryanair has FINALLY fixed

Let’s be honest, Trunki suitcases have been a saviour for families. Kids love riding on them, parents love the fact it keeps their little ones busy in the never-ending airport queue. But for years, there’s been this bizarre catch: Ryanair’s small bag size limit was just too, well, small for a standard Trunki.

If you risked it, you faced the wrath of the Ryanair gate staff, and sometimes a hefty fee—just for letting your child drag their beloved suitcase through security. Mumsnet forums are full of horror stories: “We thought we’d be fine… but had to pay a small fortune at the gate!” one frazzled parent wrote. “Next time, we stuffed the Trunki in the buggy bag just to avoid another meltdown (from the staff AND the kids)!”

Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone.

Ryanair’s new rule: Yes, you can bring that trunki (and more!)

Now, though, Ryanair has finally updated its rules, and it’s a game-changer. As of this month, children aged 2-11 can bring a Trunki or similar ride-on suitcase as their “free” small cabin bag—even though these bags are about 50 per cent bigger than the official hand luggage size. The new guidelines are crystal clear: “Yes, children (2-11 years) are permitted to carry one Trunki case, which may exceed these dimension limits of the small bag (40 x 20 x 25cm). As well as Trunki cases, other brands with similar dimensions are also accepted on board.”

Parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief. No more stressful gate confrontations, no more tears (from kids or grown-ups), and no more trying to Tetris-pack the Trunki into a buggy bag just to dodge a fine.

But don’t get carried away—this doesn’t mean you can suddenly bring half your house on holiday. The rule only applies to kids’ bags that are similar in size to a Trunki, so it’s still worth double-checking the dimensions before you travel. And, as always, Ryanair’s rules are always evolving—so don’t get caught out by last-minute changes.

Travel hacks: Packing tips (and what not to do)

Right, let’s talk packing—because if you’re like most parents, you’re already dreading the thought of getting everything to fit. With the new Trunki rule, you’ll have a bit more space for that must-have cuddly toy, extra snacks, and maybe even a change of clothes for yourself (let’s be real, you’ll probably need it).

But don’t fall for all the internet “packing hacks”. The team at Bounce, the luggage storage experts, recently put a bunch of tips to the test. Turns out, those trendy vacuum bags and compression cubes don’t actually save you that much space—and in some cases, you end up fitting LESS than if you just folded your clothes properly. And rolling vs. folding? The difference is marginal. So, don’t stress about buying special kit—sometimes, the old ways really are the best.

If you’re buying a new suitcase for your child, it’s worth shopping around. There are other brands similar to Trunki—like MiaMily—that double up as ride-on seats, making airport meltdowns a thing of the past (at least, until you reach the check-in queue).

What you REALLY need to remember before you fly

The big lesson? Always, always double-check the airline’s current baggage policy before you travel. Ryanair is notorious for updating its rules (sometimes at the last minute), and what worked last year might not fly this summer. If you’re travelling with older kids or teens, remember—this rule is only for the little ones aged 2-11. And if your child’s suitcase is wildly bigger than a Trunki, you might still get stopped.

But honestly? For thousands of families, this small change is going to make holidays less stressful—and isn’t that what we all want?

So, next time you’re heading off to Spain, Ireland, or just about anywhere with Ryanair, let your little one proudly pull their Trunki through the airport, and enjoy the journey just a little bit more.

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