Ryanair’s latest move to change its cabin baggage policy has left passengers feeling frustrated, and for many, it’s a step too far.
The airline, known for its low-cost fares, has introduced new restrictions on what passengers can bring onboard without paying extra, and the backlash has been swift.
The New Cabin Bag Rules
Ryanair has long allowed passengers to bring one small cabin bag onboard for free, but the recent changes have significantly restricted this allowance. Under the new rules, passengers are only permitted to bring one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them. Anything larger, including a cabin-sized suitcase, now incurs an additional charge.
To bring a larger carry-on bag, passengers must pay for Priority Boarding, which includes both a small personal item and a cabin bag. For travelers who don’t pay for Priority, the only option is to check their larger bag into the hold, which comes with additional fees ranging from €6 to €25, depending on the route and the time of booking.
These changes, Ryanair claims, are intended to speed up the boarding process and reduce delays.
Passenger Reaction: Frustration Over Fees
For many budget-conscious travelers, Ryanair’s new rules feel like another way for the airline to pad its profits at their expense. What was once a free service is now behind a paywall, and passengers are questioning whether the airline’s low-cost reputation is justified when they are hit with extra charges at every turn.
The frustration among passengers stems from the fact that Ryanair’s low fares often lure travelers in, but the additional charges for luggage, seat selection, and other extras can quickly add up.
What Ryanair Says
Ryanair has defended its decision to change the cabin bag policy, claiming it’s all about efficiency. Ryanair has explained that the changes are intended to ‘speed up boarding times and improve punctuality’. The airline insists that the reduction in the number of cabin bags will prevent delays and make the overall flying experience smoother for passengers.
However, critics argue that the real motivation is financial, pointing to the airline’s significant revenue from extra charges, including baggage fees.
The Cost of Flying Ryanair
At first glance, Ryanair’s fares may seem incredibly attractive, with flights across Europe often priced as low as €20. But as passengers quickly discover, the total cost of flying with Ryanair can increase dramatically once baggage fees, seat selection, and other extras are factored in.
For instance, a traveler booking a flight from London to Barcelona might pay just €25 for the base fare, but once they add priority boarding for a cabin bag and choose a seat, the price could easily jump to over €60. For some, this makes other airlines with more generous baggage policies and slightly higher fares more competitive.
What’s Changing for Frequent Flyers?
Ryanair’s new baggage policy is particularly disappointing for frequent flyers who have come to rely on the airline’s relatively flexible baggage allowance in the past. Many business travelers or short-haul passengers used to be able to bring their essentials in a cabin bag without paying extra, but that’s no longer the case.
The change forces frequent travelers to either pay for priority boarding or check their bags into the hold, adding both cost and inconvenience to their trips.
A Trend Across Budget Airlines
Ryanair isn’t alone in adopting stricter baggage policies. Other budget airlines, such as Wizz Air and EasyJet, have also reduced their free baggage allowances in recent years. The shift toward “unbundled” pricing—where passengers pay separately for each service—has become more common across the airline industry.
Still, Ryanair’s decision has drawn significant attention, partly because of the airline’s reputation for being one of the most affordable options for flying across Europe. With these changes, travelers are beginning to question whether the airline still offers the value it once did.
How to Avoid Ryanair’s Baggage Fees
If you’re planning to fly with Ryanair and want to avoid paying extra for luggage, there are a few strategies you can use:
- Pack Light: Stick to the free personal item allowance by packing only essentials in a small bag that fits under the seat.
- Purchase Priority Boarding Early: If you know you’ll need a cabin bag, buying priority boarding early can save you money compared to booking it last minute.
- Check for Promotions: Ryanair occasionally offers promotions or discounts on baggage fees, so keep an eye out for any deals.
- Consider the Length of Your Trip: For shorter trips, it may be possible to pack everything you need in the free personal item and avoid fees altogether.
What About the Boarding Process?
Ryanair claims the new policy will speed up boarding and reduce delays, but some passengers aren’t convinced. Many argue that the added complexity of different boarding groups—priority versus non-priority—and the need to tag and check bags at the gate could slow down the process rather than streamline it.
Moreover, passengers who don’t want to pay for Priority Boarding are often forced to wait longer at the gate while their bags are tagged and loaded into the hold. For many, this adds unnecessary hassle to an already stressful travel experience.
Is Ryanair Still the Best Option?
For years, Ryanair has been the go-to airline for budget-conscious travelers, offering ultra-low fares on flights across Europe. But with these new baggage fees, passengers are beginning to wonder if the airline still represents the best value.
While Ryanair’s base fares are often the lowest, other airlines—such as EasyJet or Norwegian—may offer more inclusive baggage policies at a comparable price, making them a more appealing option for those who don’t want to pay extra for every service.
Alternatives to Ryanair
If you’re looking to avoid Ryanair’s baggage fees, there are a few alternative airlines to consider. EasyJet and Wizz Air both offer low-cost flights, although they, too, have moved toward charging for extras like baggage. However, some regional carriers in Europe, such as Vueling and Norwegian, may provide more flexibility with their baggage policies, making them worth a look when comparing prices.
The Future of Budget Travel
As budget airlines continue to unbundle their services and charge passengers for everything from luggage to seat selection, it’s clear that the days of truly “all-inclusive” low-cost travel are fading. For travelers, the key to navigating these changes is to be aware of the costs upfront and plan accordingly.
Ryanair’s new cabin bag policy may not be popular, but it’s part of a larger trend across the airline industry. For passengers who want to keep their travel costs low, it’s more important than ever to read the fine print and be prepared for the extra charges that come with flying on a budget.
Feature Image Credit: Pexels / Markus Winkle.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
