As of November 1st, Ryanair’s hand luggage policy has changed for the second time this year in order to reduce delayed flights.
A statement on the airline’s website read: “Main benefits of this new policy will be reduced flight delays and cheaper checked bag option. Pack more liquids into a 10kg checked wheelie bag. Walk to the boarding gate hands-free.”
Under the new policy, non-priority boarding passengers are allowed to bring a small personal bag into the cabin free of charge. However, there will be a charge £8 to check in a small suitcase weighing up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) or £25 for a suitcase weighing up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
Infographics by Lucija Duzel and Ruby Naldrett | Created with Piktochart
However, under the policy introduced in January, non-priority passengers were allowed to bring a small handbag into the cabin, alongside a small suitcase free of charge.
Departures suffered major delays due to slow boarding as a result of too many handbags and small suitcases. This led Ryanair to terminate the freehold baggage that they usually offered.
Ryanair customers were not too happy about this and expressed their anger on Twitter.
First day of @Ryanair‘s new baggage policy. And already screwed over with the allowance. F**king ridiculous in the middle of a packed airport. One of very many. pic.twitter.com/54m9vfokBr
— James (@Jamesashton20) November 1, 2018
#Ryanair So if everyone buys priority boarding, to be able comply with luggage rules, who gets priority because all will get priority, so priority boarding just becomes boarding! pic.twitter.com/eS0D0gyrTf
— StAndrewsBlue (@StAndrews68) November 1, 2018
Passengers who purchase priority boarding, £6, will still be allowed to bring a ‘personal bag’ and a small suitcase onto the plane.
Words: Lucija Duzel | Subbing: Victoria Locke