Ryanair has rolled out a stringent new cabin baggage policy, issuing a direct warning to UK passengers to avoid costly last-minute surprises at the gate. The budget airline is cracking down on non-compliant bags, with fees reaching a staggering £69.99 for those who fail to adhere to the updated rules.
The core of the new regulation is a strict one-bag policy for non-priority travellers. Passengers who have not purchased priority boarding are permitted only one small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, which must fit snugly under the seat in front of them.
How to Avoid Hefty Gate Fees
Passengers who arrive at the gate with a second, larger wheelie bag that does not fit the under-seat dimensions will face an instant penalty. The bag will be taken, placed in the aircraft hold, and the traveller will be charged a fee of £69.99 for the privilege—far exceeding the cost of adding priority boarding at the time of booking.
The airline insists this move is necessary to minimise delays and ensure smoother boarding for all customers. A Ryanair spokesperson stated, "These measures are designed to speed up the boarding process and eliminate baggage delays, which benefits everyone on board."
Priority Boarding: The Key to Extra Luggage
The solution for those needing more space is to purchase Priority Boarding. This upgrade, which is cheaper when bought online during the initial booking process, allows a passenger to bring two items into the cabin: one small personal item and a 10kg wheelie bag that must be stored in the overhead locker.
Ryanair's advice is clear: review your booking carefully before heading to the airport. Ensuring you have the correct baggage allowance purchased in advance is the only way to guarantee you won't be hit with an exorbitant fee at the gate, turning a budget flight into an unexpectedly expensive journey.
