Ryanair and easyJet Crack Down on Hand Luggage, Frequent Flyers Warned to Avoid Packing These Three Common Items or Risk Fines and Boarding Delays, What You Need To Know

Published on May 30, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Ryanair and easyJet have just raised the stakes for travellers. As both airlines crack down on hand luggage, frequent flyers are being warned: pack carefully or pay the price. The new rules are catching passengers off guard, and three common items could now cost you dearly.

If you’re used to breezing through airport security with a single carry-on, this crackdown changes everything. Suddenly, that innocent-looking hand luggage could trigger surprise fines, boarding delays, or even a denied flight. Ryanair and easyJet are watching closely—and their enforcement teams mean business.

The warning is especially urgent for frequent flyers. These seasoned travellers often assume they know the drill. However, even regular jetsetters are being tripped up by this new wave of baggage inspections. And it’s not just about weight or size. It’s about what you pack.

So, what are the three items you should absolutely avoid? Why are Ryanair and easyJet targeting hand luggage now? And how can you stay ahead of the game without sacrificing your travel comfort?

As summer travel ramps up and airport crowds swell, these changes couldn’t come at a more critical time. What you pack in your hand luggage matters more than ever—and one simple mistake could unravel your entire trip.

This is what you need to know before your next flight. Because Ryanair and easyJet aren’t backing down. The crackdown is real. The risk is rising. And travellers who ignore the warning might pay for it at the gate—literally.

Budget Airline Travellers Face New Packing Rules: The 3 Hand Luggage Items That Could Ruin Your Trip

Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet are changing the way millions travel. As more passengers choose to fly light and save on baggage fees, the pressure is rising—literally and financially—inside the cabin. But packing only hand luggage comes with strict consequences, and even one wrong move can lead to costly airport fines, delays, or even denied boarding.

This summer, travellers heading to European holiday spots need to be smarter than ever. New warnings are surfacing as airlines increase inspections of carry-on bags. And three everyday items have now made the do-not-pack list.

Hairdryers, towels, and full-sized toiletries may seem harmless, even essential. But in 2025, they’ve become the biggest culprits for last-minute luggage drama.

Why Flying Light Now Comes With Heavier Consequences

With fares soaring and airlines tightening baggage rules, flying with just a small cabin bag has become the go-to choice for cost-conscious travellers. Ryanair and easyJet, in particular, allow only one small bag free of charge—barely enough space for a weekend wardrobe, let alone bulky extras.

The upside? Saving money.

The downside? Every item must earn its space.

Overpacking or bringing the wrong gear can trigger unexpected airport charges. And as demand for cheap flights spikes this summer, enforcement is only getting tougher.

The 3 Items You Should Never Pack in Hand Luggage

1. Hairdryers
   They’re bulky, awkwardly shaped, and almost always unnecessary. Most hotels, hostels, and rentals across Europe and the UK now offer them as standard. Packing your own hairdryer not only wastes space but can also raise red flags during bag checks. Leave it behind and free up space for essentials.
2. Towels
   Unless you’re heading to a remote location or camping off-grid, there’s no need to pack a towel. These absorbent monsters consume valuable real estate in your bag and are often provided wherever you stay. If a beach trip is on your itinerary, consider a compact microfiber alternative that dries quickly and fits in a corner of your bag.
3. Full-Sized Toiletries
   Not only are they heavy, but they also risk violating airport liquid restrictions. Security checkpoints across Europe enforce the 100ml rule strictly. One oversized bottle of shampoo or lotion can delay your journey—or worse, be tossed in the bin. Opt for travel-sized items or buy what you need after landing.

The Real Cost of a Packing Mistake

Budget airline tickets may start cheap, but extra fees stack up fast. Oversized or overweight hand luggage can cost passengers up to £70 at the gate. Add the stress of unpacking or repacking in a crowded terminal, and your trip starts on the wrong foot.

Moreover, summer is peak travel season. Longer queues and stricter checks mean every traveller is under more scrutiny. Ryanair, easyJet, and other carriers have clearly increased enforcement—because more people are gaming the system, and airlines are fighting back.

Smarter Packing: A Growing Travel Trend in 2025

The rise of minimal packing is shaping how people travel. Lightweight, multi-purpose items and packing cubes are now essential gear for savvy jetsetters. But more than ever, smart packing also means knowing what not to bring.

Avoiding banned or unnecessary items can save more than money—it can save time, energy, and stress.

This packing awareness is especially critical for short-haul routes between the UK and popular hotspots like Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. With millions of holidaymakers using Ryanair and easyJet to reach sunny escapes, every inch of luggage space matters.

What Travellers Should Do Instead

• Check your airline’s baggage policy before flying. Rules vary not just between airlines, but between ticket types.
• Use shared tech. Coordinate with travel companions to share chargers, hair tools, or adapters.
• Buy toiletries at your destination. Supermarkets and pharmacies are often cheaper than travel shops, and you won’t have to worry about liquid limits.
• Wear heavier clothing items. Layer your bulkiest clothes on the plane to save space in your bag.
• Use digital tools. Packing apps and airline baggage calculators can help you prepare with precision.

Airlines Are Watching—and So Are Consumers

Airlines are increasingly relying on baggage enforcement to boost ancillary revenue. In response, a wave of travel influencers and flight-savvy passengers are sharing hacks, guides, and warnings across TikTok and Instagram.

It’s clear: what goes in your hand luggage now holds more weight—figuratively and literally—than ever before.

Travellers who adapt quickly, pack strategically, and avoid common missteps will breeze through boarding while others fumble at the gate.

Conclusion: In 2025, Packing Smarter Is Travelling Smarter

Ryanair and easyJet aren’t being petty—they’re being precise. And that precision could cost you if you’re not prepared.

The message is clear: ditch the hairdryer, leave the towel, and swap your full-sized toiletries for travel-friendly alternatives. With millions expected to travel through Europe’s skies this summer, the tiniest items can spark the biggest travel headaches.

In a time when every airline seat, every checked bag, and every overhead bin matters, your hand luggage choices could define the start of your holiday.

So pack smart. Travel light. And don’t let a hairdryer ruin your flight.