A Ryanair passenger has gone viral after sharing three clever methods to circumvent the airline's strict baggage policies, claiming she can 'gaslight' staff into believing she only has one small bag. The video, posted by Dannika Harrison on social media, has sparked both praise and skepticism among viewers.
The Budget Airline's Strict Luggage Rules
Ryanair allows passengers only one complimentary small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. Larger cabin bags or checked suitcases incur additional fees, which can quickly inflate the cost of a cheap flight. The airline is known for rigorously enforcing these rules at check-in and boarding gates.
Harrison's video, captioned 'Ready to gaslight Ryanair that I definitely only have one small under-seat bag,' demonstrates her packing process. She jokes in the description: 'Ryanair, if you're seeing this, no, you aren't.'
Trick 1: The 'Tardis' Bag
Harrison relies on a spacious crossbody bag, similar to the viral Uniqlo crescent design, that holds far more than expected. After filling it to capacity, she uses the bag's straps to clip on bulky items like a baseball cap, maximizing space.
Trick 2: The Jacket Disguise
To conceal the bulging bag, she throws a jacket over it and zips it up, making the extra luggage invisible. She also stuffs clothes inside a travel neck pillow to sneak additional outfits on board.
Trick 3: The Decoy Carry-On
With her secret stash hidden under her coat, Harrison carries her standard free personal bag as usual, making it appear as her only piece of luggage. This decoy helps her avoid suspicion from airline staff.
Reactions and Effectiveness
While some viewers praised her ingenuity, others questioned whether the tricks would actually work, given Ryanair's vigilant staff. 'I tried this and got charged €50 at the gate,' one commenter claimed. Another noted that the airline's staff are trained to spot such tactics.
According to Ryanair's official policy, 'Any passenger who fails to comply with the baggage rules may be refused carriage or charged an excess baggage fee.' The airline did not comment on Harrison's video.
As budget travel continues to rise, such hacks highlight the ongoing battle between passengers seeking to save money and airlines enforcing ancillary revenue streams.
