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Travel Hack Alert! Ryanair Passengers Advised to Pack Cardboard for Smoother Flights
Ryanair travelers, listen up! A savvy packing expert is offering a surprising tip to help you navigate the airline’s updated carry-on rules: stash a piece of cardboard in your bag.
The low-cost carrier, in line with new EU regulations, has upped its “personal bag” allowance by 20%. As of September 2025, passengers on a basic fare can bring a larger bag onboard-up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm and under 10kg-at no extra charge, provided it fits under the seat in front.
While the increased allowance might sound like an invitation to overpack, Tom Schott, a packing pro from Schott Packaging, is cautioning Irish travelers against this very mistake. He believes the temptation to cram more into the larger bags could lead to costly issues at the gate.
“The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely,” Schott told the Irish Mirror. “The mistake is to simply cram more in.
The real victory for passengers is using that volume to pack with structure. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag.”
One of Schott’s most intriguing suggestions? Incorporating cardboard.
“Soft bags lose volume,” he explained. “A lightweight, snug-fitting cardboard box inside your bag provides a rigid frame, allowing you to use every corner and prevent the bulge that attracts gate staff.”
Beyond cardboard, Schott recommends using sealable bags to maximize space, organizing items into smaller compartments, and creating a “crush-proof zone” for valuables. “Place a small, sturdy box in the center of your bag, cushioned by clothes,” he advised. “This creates a crush-proof zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries, preventing damage and leaks.”
Finally, Schott urges travelers to “pre-plan your bag.” His tip: arrange all your belongings on the floor within a 40cm x 30cm outline beforehand. This “provides a real-world view of what fits and helps you assemble your packed modules logically and quickly.”
“These aren’t just clever tricks, but core principles of efficient packing,” Schott concluded. “By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate.”