Ryanair and easyJet passengers could shortly be allowed to bring two cabin bags on flights without facing extra charges.

Currently these carriers permit those travelling on basic fares to bring one small personal item onboard, with any additional luggage resulting in extra fees.

Ryanair has been compelled to increase the size of the personal bag it allows, following changes to EU regulations.

Under new rules, passengers flying with the budget airline will be allowed to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, representing a 20 per cent increase from its previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm size restrictions.

easyJet's personal bag dimensions already complied with these requirements. However another EU rule change could mean travellers are able to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, alongside a personal bag, without extra costs.

The European Parliament last month voted to grant all passengers the right to carry on a small case, as well as the complimentary underseat bags currently allowed.

Parliament wants passengers to have the right to carry with them onto the aircraft, at no extra cost, one personal item (such as a handbag, rucksack or laptop) and one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and seven kilogrammes.

The reforms, which require approval from the European Council before taking effect, would cover all passengers flying to or from an EU airport with an EU-based carrier - directly impacting the majority of short-haul journeys from Britain.

European Parliament members (MEPs) are also determined to guarantee that children under 12 years old are sat next to an accompanying adult at no additional charge.

At present, airlines have no statutory obligation to place children with their parents, although the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends they should do so.

The CAA explains: "Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.

"This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children."