Ryanair's Strict Baggage Rules: A €60 Water Bottle Lesson

An Irish woman's recent experience with Ryanair highlights the airline's strict adherence to its baggage policy. Ruby Flanagan, traveling from London to Dublin, faced a €60 charge for carrying a water bottle deemed to exceed the permitted size limits. This incident underscores the importance of understanding and complying with Ryanair's regulations, which are often strictly enforced, as other passengers have experienced recently.

Understanding Ryanair's Baggage Policy

Ryanair's baggage allowance includes one small personal bag (40x20x25cm), typically a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack, which must fit under the seat in front of you. Any additional baggage may result in extra charges. There is an option for priority boarding with two cabin bags, including one smaller bag (40 x 20 x 25cm) to fit under the seat and a larger one (55 x 40 x 20cm) up to 10kg for the overhead locker. For those who need to check in baggage, Ryanair offers both 10kg and 20kg options, available at an additional cost. Infants (8 days to 23 months) are allowed up to two items of baby equipment free of charge, plus a 5kg (45 x 35 x 20cm) baby bag if traveling on an adult's lap. Note that this does not include a cabin bag for the infant.

The Importance of Accurate Measurements

The dimensions are critical; exceeding them, even slightly, as in Ruby's case with her water bottle causing an oversized bag, can trigger hefty fees. Passengers often find themselves facing the 'cabin baggage police' as it is often called. Many passengers gamble by bringing a bag slightly larger than Ryanair's strict 40 x 20 x 25cm size limit, always risking the chance of being caught by the airline's vigilant staff. Ryanair staff are known for their strict enforcement of these rules.

Ruby Flanagan's Experience

Ruby's ordeal began when cabin crew noticed her large water bottle. She attempted to fit it into her backpack, but this resulted in her bag exceeding the size limit. Despite other passengers getting through with larger items, including laptops and food bags, Ruby was flagged and charged €60 at the gate. She described the situation as “really distressing and annoying” and felt unfairly targeted, which is very common with similar situations. This added another layer to the stress of traveling. However, an expert has weighed in and clarified the situation.

An Expert's Perspective

Travel expert Simon Calder confirmed Ryanair's right to charge the fee, although he sympathized with Ruby's frustration. He noted that even his own bag, while fitting, would be subject to the same rule if it didn’t. He suggested that in such circumstances, he would rather discard items than pay extra. Other passengers and experts have commented that Ryanair’s baggage rules are very strict and can be difficult to navigate even for seasoned travellers.

Another Case of Ryanair's Strict Rules

Another passenger, John Butler, recently faced a similar experience. John and his son's cabin bags were deemed too large because of the bag’s handle extending over the sizer. Ryanair staff enforced a €50 charge for each bag, amounting to a total of €100. Despite John's attempts to challenge the charge and an appeal that was made, Ryanair upheld the fees, citing the bags’ non-compliance with size restrictions. This highlights a frequent problem that many passengers are experiencing with Ryanair. Similar events have happened to other families and people traveling individually.

Avoiding Future Baggage Issues

To avoid similar issues, carefully measure bags before traveling, ensuring they conform to Ryanair's stated limits, including any added external elements that may be measured by the baggage police. Knowing the specific baggage dimensions and the airline's policy on additional items such as water bottles is crucial. Consider purchasing additional baggage allowances, which can be cheaper if booked in advance, in order to avoid issues and fines at the airport. Be aware that the gate bag fees can be high, so understanding and complying with the regulations is in a traveler’s best interest. While this may not be the most popular option for most travellers, it is a sure way to avoid paying additional and unexpected charges.

A Final Word on Ryanair's Policy: Navigating the Airline's Baggage Rules

Ryanair's strict baggage policies, while often viewed negatively by passengers, serve a vital role in its business model of low-cost flights. The airline's clear communication is key to a passenger's understanding. Ryanair's spokesperson emphasized that the fees are standard and that passengers are made aware of this. In conclusion, the incidents highlight the importance of carefully checking Ryanair's baggage rules and adhering strictly to its size and weight regulations to avoid costly extra charges. The airline emphasizes that it always clearly communicates its baggage policies to its passengers, to make sure that everything is transparent.