Ryanair‘s low-cost airline tickets are one of its main lures, with the airline currently selling seats on select routes from £16.99 this summer. However, the cost can begin to amount if you want to take more than a cabin bag.
While some airlines include larger cabin bags as part of the price of a seat, when it comes to Ryanair there are strict luggage rules and a free bag is limited to 40 x 20 x 25cm – roughly the size of a laptop bag or handbag.
You can upgrade your cabin luggage with a Priority ticket to include a small cabin bag and a larger 10kg hand baggage item measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm. While this might suffice for those who are going on a short trip or who are masters of packing light, for longer trips, buying a hold luggage item may be your only option.
The price of adding on a hold suitcase will vary depending on the route you are taking and how soon in advance you pay for the suitcase.
Bags added onto a booking online before arrival at the airport are always cheaper than when purchased at the check-in desk.
A 10kg check-in bag will cost between £11.99 and £29.99 when purchased in advance or between £23.99 and £35.99 when done at the airport.
Similarly, a 20kg check-in bag will cost between £18.99 and £59.99 when done in advance or between £44.99 and £59.99 when done at the check-in desk.
However, experts from Skyscanner say this cost can be cut in half if you are travelling with a partner, family or friends.
If you opt for a 20kg bag costing £18.99, it’s far cheaper for you and another member of your travel party to split your luggage between one suitcase than to purchase two 10kg hold bags each.
They said: “Travelling with a partner or friend? Share the cost by sharing a hold bag.” For an £18.99 bag, this would mean you pay just £9.50 each.
However, the experts noted that prices will vary “depending on the specific route and travel date you choose.”
They also urged the importance of checking the weight of your luggage at the airport before jetting off. “In case you exceed the weight limit and need to bring additional baggage, the excess baggage fee is £9 to 11 for each extra kilogram,” they said.
“You pay this fee when you purchase the excess baggage online during the check-in process.
“Higher bag fees may apply in certain situations, such as when checked bags are purchased through a Ryanair call centre, at airport ticket desks, during peak periods or on specific routes.”