Ryanair passengers urged to check hand luggage rules to avoid extra fees
Ryanair passengers should make sure they carefully check the airline's rules around hand luggage - or they could end up having to pay extra at the airport.
Under the current policy, every Ryanair fare includes a small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. This could be a backpack measuring 40cm by 25cm or a carry-on bag that's 40cm by 20cm.
If you've been on a Ryanair flight, you'll know how seriously the flight attendants take the 'fit under the seat in front' requirement. They regularly check the bag is stowed away as instructed while ensuring that passengers have their seatbelts on prior to take-off.
If you want to bring another bag in addition to this one, you'll need to pay extra - although the airline's CEO Michael O'Leary recently told the Mirror that the fees are not designed to make the budget airline cash.
If you want a second cabin bag, there are a few different options. For example with Priority and 2 Cabin Bags, you get to board the plane first and take both your small personal bag (40x20x25cm) and a 10kg wheelie bag (55x40x20cm) on board. This means you won't have to wait for your bag at the terminal when you arrive. If Priority is sold out, you can buy their 10kg Check-in Bag.
Abandoned UK airport plans relaunch with budget flights to Spain and CyprusIf you choose this option, then bags must be dropped at the airport check-in desk before security to be placed in the aircraft hold. If you require a larger baggage allowance, you can add a 20kg Check-in Bag to your booking. Passengers can purchase up to three checked bags of 20kg in size per booking.
If you are travelling with a child up to 23 months in age, Ryanair allows you to carry two items of baby equipment free of charge per child, "to make your journey as seamless as possible." However, there is no cabin bag allowance for an infant, although a baby bag up to 5kg (dimensions: 45x35x20cms) can be brought for no additional charge for babies travelling on an adult's lap.
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, but it will cost them £46.00.
Passengers who have not added a bag to their booking can still purchase a 20kg Check-in bag at the airport bag drop desk for £70.00.
Meanwhile, make sure to check-in online before your flight, or you could risk a hefty charge at the airport like one woman whose party ended up having to fork out an extra £220.
Like all airlines, Ryanair also has extra fees if you're looking to bring specific items that don't meet normal restrictions, such as ski equipment or a bicycle.
We've rounded up some of these fees below, with some items costing more or less depending on how long the route is, but it's worth noting that a full list of costs can be found on the company's website.
- Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: Between £6 and £36/ £20 and £38.
- 10kg Check-in Bag: Between £11.99 and £29.99/ £23.99 and £35.99
- 20kg Check-in Bag: Between £18.99 and £59.99/ £44.99 and £59.99
- Infant/child equipment per item (after two free items): £15/£20
- Bicycle: £60/£75
- Ski equipment: £45/£50
- Golf clubs: £30/£40
- Musical instrument: £50/£65
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