Ryanair’s new luggage policy: What are the rules?

Ryanair passengers have enjoyed the perk of being able to carry on two bags into the cabin. However from today, travellers will have to put one (the larger one) in the hold unless they pay £5 for priority boarding.

Travellers will have to put one bag in the hold unless they pay £5 for priority boarding.

The permissible bag should be roughly the size of a handbag or laptop holder (i.e does not exceed 35x20x20cm and should easily fit under the seat in front). The second 10kg bag must be 55x40x20cm in size and must fit into the sizers at the gate. This bag will be tagged at the gate and put into the hold free of charge.

This means that those that thought they were travelling with carry-on luggage will now have to wait at the carousel for the bags.

Make sure you read: Cabin hand luggage reviewed: which is best for you?

In the meantime Ryanair have lowered the price of travelling with a check-in bag from £35 to £25 and while increasing the weight allowance to 20kg from 15kg.

Why have Ryanair changed the baggage rules?

According to Chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs this new system is intended to reduce delays caused by passengers struggling to find room for wheelie bags in overhead lockers. He said:

We hope that all our customers will enjoy these new bag rules which are centred around lower checked bag fees and bigger bag allowances.

All Ryanair customers will still be free to bring two free carry-on bags but because of our heavily booked flights we don’t have space on board for this many wheelie bags.

How does Ryanair’s policy compare to other budget airlines?

Easyjet – Passengers can take one cabin bag on board and though there is no weight limit the bag does have to fit in the overhead locker. easyJet Plus cardholder, Flexi fare, Up Front or Extra Legroom customers can bring an additional bag to place under the seat.

Putting a bag up to 15kg in the hold costs between £8.99 and £29.99.
Putting a bag in the hold up to 23kg costs £13.99 and £33.99.

Jet2 – Passengers may take one piece of hand luggage for free but can weigh no more thank 10kg and no larger than 56cmx45cmx25cm, including all wheels and handles.