A couple from Cheshire were left fuming after Ryanair charged them €140 (£119) for their cabin bags, despite having purchased bags advertised as 'Ryanair approved'. David C and his wife were flying from Palma de Mallorca to Manchester when they were told their Coolife suitcases, which measure 55x40x20cm and are marketed as compliant with the airline's size restrictions, were too large.
According to David, a gate agent at Palma Airport asked them to place one of the bags in a metal measuring frame and then declared it oversized. The couple were told they would have to pay €70 per bag or risk not being allowed to board. David described the staff member's comments as 'stressful and totally unnecessary', adding that they felt intimidated and had no choice but to pay.
The couple had previously used the same bags without issue at Manchester Airport at the start of their holiday. David noted that another passenger with an extendable suitcase was able to board after removing some clothes and holding them, while a crew member argued with a different couple over similar luggage. Once on the plane, passengers were informed there were no trolleys onboard, meaning no food, drinks, or water were available during the flight.
A Ryanair spokesperson defended the charge, stating that the passengers had booked a priority fare allowing a small personal bag and a 10kg cabin bag, but their bags exceeded the permitted size. The airline said the fee was correctly applied by a third-party gate agent to place the oversized bags in the hold.
David expressed frustration at the inconsistency and said he would avoid Ryanair in the future, warning other passengers to 'book elsewhere if they can'. The bag in question, a Coolife Cabin Suitcase, is widely sold on Amazon with many reviews claiming it meets Ryanair's size requirements.
