Low-Cost European Airlines Required to Increase Carry-On Bag Limit

They’ve been the butt of the joke for years: Low-cost European airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 have eked out money from often unsuspecting passengers through hidden add-on fees like small carry-on bag limits, additional bags and seat selection. In fact, these airlines’ hidden fees are so well masked, some savvy travelers have even concocted funny hacks to beat the system (like one man who put on several layers of clothes).

Now, this is about to change. The European Union recently proposed a law that would allow passengers to bring one cabin bag measuring up to about 40 inches and weighing 15.4 pounds, as well as an under-the-seat personal item with maximum dimensions of 15.8 by 11.8 by 5.9 inches (roughly the size of a small backpack). Previously, passengers were only allowed one free bag that must fit under the seat, but with no standardized dimensions across the different airlines, it made it difficult for passengers to know the right bag size.

The proposed law is currently pending approval from E.U. member states, and if passed, would apply to all flights within the EU, as well as flights to and from the EU.

Ryanair has already confirmed plans to increase its small-item size limits “in the coming weeks,” as well as adjust its airport bag-sizers.