Ryanair hits turbulence on the ground over cabin bag changes

RYANAIR may change its new baggage policy after a surge in the number of air passengers checking in their bags at the gate.

The revelation comes as the carrier revealed that it makes €5million a day in fees from additional charges after the baggage rules were controversially changed in January.

It had been hoped that the changes would reduce delays caused by passengers struggling to fit wheelie bags into overhead lockers.

Under the new rules, passengers can turn up to the gate with two carry-on bags but unless they’ve paid a €5 ‘priority boarding’ fee, the larger of the bags is transferred to the hold – at no extra cost. But Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, has said the scheme allowing passengers to check in baggage that previously would have been taken into the cabin is causing trouble.

He claimed that now each flight must accommodate upwards of 100 extra checked-in bags – which currently carries no additional fee.

Speaking to investors during a video presentation, Mr O’Leary said: ‘[The new baggage policy] is creating a handling issue, particularly at peak periods: bank holiday weekends, summer peak periods.’

‘There are many flights where we’re now having to put 100, 120 gate bags free of charge into the hold.’

Previously chief financial officer Neil Sorahan said the changes had brought about improvements.

‘It’s actually going very well, it’s been very well received by our guests – something that they actually wanted,’ he said.

At the time of the initial announcement in January, it was estimated the policy would set Ryanair back up to €50million a year in lower checked-in bag fees.

Recently the airline announced that, from June 13, it will slash its free-ofcharge check-in time from four days to just 48 hours.