BAGGAGE BANDITS
Fury at new Ryanair charges
RYANAIR sparked uproar yesterday after it started to charge passengers for carryon suitcases.
Holidaymakers will now have to fork out extra to bring all but the smallest bags on board aircraft.
Only those paying £6 for priority boarding will be able to take a small case weighing up to 10kg into the cabin.
This is the second time this year the budget airline has changed its rules, which came into force yesterday. Sophie Griffiths, editor of Travel Trade Gazette, warned that some passengers may learn of the new restrictions only when they get to the boarding gate.
She said: “I’m not sure everyone will be aware of the changes – it could result in massive confusion.”
The news was blasted on social media. One user called it “absolute robbery” and a “transparent cash grab”.
Another asked: “How can you call yourself a low-cost airline?” The changes have already caused trouble at Stansted Airport, where scores of passengers were forced to wait due to confusion over their bags.
But Ryanair yesterday insisted it would be flexible with customers while they became familiar with the new rules.
A spokesman said: “We have briefed our gate agents to take a reasonable approach.”
The campany said the changes would help to reduce boarding times and delays to flights.