Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has condemned new EU airline pricing regulations that stipulate carry-on bag fees must be included in advertised ticket prices.
The new EU rules require airlines to display fares inclusive of carry-on luggage by default, with passengers able to opt out for a lower fare if they do not need a carry-on bag.
EU lawmakers say the change will make it easier for customers to compare fares across airlines by showing the true ticket cost upfront. The move is part of a broader push against hidden fees, where passengers select a flight at one price only to find the total has risen significantly by checkout.
Critics, including O’Leary, argue that many travellers have grown accustomed to flying with minimal hand luggage – a small backpack rather than a carry-on suitcase – and should not be penalised with a higher default fare for a bag they do not want.
O’Leary said as many as half of all travellers choose to fly without a carry-on bag.
“These latest EU261 regulations are more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council. Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise our lowest fares (which exclude second cabin bags), which is what over 50% of our customers choose, these new rubbish regulations require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.”
The rules are due to come into effect in 2027.
