Ryanair's new cabin bag charges sparks 'rip-off' outrage among passengers
The budget airline has made a change to its baggage policy that has left some passengers fuming - with some branding the new charge a "rip off"
by Emily Chaplin, Steve Bagnall · ChronicleLiveRyanair has updated its pricing structure for passengers wishing to bring a larger cabin bag on board. Currently, travellers must pay for Priority boarding if they want to carry a 10kg suitcase.
Without this extra fee, passengers are only allowed to bring a small personal bag measuring up to 40x20x25cm, which is included in the ticket price. The cost to upgrade to priority, allowing a small personal bag and a 10kg suitcase measuring up to 55x40x20cm, varies from £6 to £36 when added to the original flight booking, according to BirminghamLive.
The airline charges more to upgrade to Priority at a later date or at the airport. This charge was previously listed on Ryanair's website as being between £20 and £38, but this has recently been revised to between £20 and £60.
When asked for a comment on the apparent price increase, Ryanair pointed out this part of its baggage policy: "Fee varies depending on the route and travel dates selected."
"Non-priority customers who have not added a bag to their booking can still purchase a 10kg Check-in bag at the airport bag drop desk for €/£ 35.99. Non-priority customers who bring their 10kg Check-in bag to the boarding gate may check it in against payment of a fee of €/£ 46.00 - €/£ 60.00.", reports North Wales Live.
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An airline spokesperson added: "This is to align with the gate bag fee if passengers choose to bring their 10kg to the boarding gate and want to carry it on board, then they are subject to a gate fee."
Some Ryanair customers have vented their frustrations over extra costs incurred with the airline's additional fees for services such as airport check-ins, boarding card printouts and seat allocations to sit with fellow travellers.
Folks on social media haven't held back, slating the extra charges; for instance, @ColinScunner blasted: "So @Ryanair have put the price of Priority boarding up from £26 to £40 ... rip off ... everything extra, so you book your flight then it's add on after add on after add on. Before you know it you're another £100 out of pocket."
@Sickboy_Mcsatan expressed his discontent by suggesting: "Just avoid Ryanair if you can, they make EasyJet seem luxurious and customer friendly. They charge extra for *every* little thing, I'll never use them again if there's an alternative."
Moreover, Andy Holmes lamented: "Cheap flights can still be found but not many. Adding priority really brings up the price. Can use a tiny bag for a two-day trip but usually need a trolley bag and therefore priority is required and sometimes it costs more than the ticket."
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