Ryanair reacts to claims it has shrunk hand luggage allowance amid rule changes

Ryanair has been forced to quash rumours it is shrinking baggage dimensions. The move comes as it is rolling out new policies and practices in the coming months.

Rumours on social media have built up so much around what the firm is doing that they have been forced to investigate. Some customers felt the airline might have altered the size of bag sizers at gates. Such a move, due to strict luggage fees, could cost passengers up to £60 if their bags don’t make the cut.

Yet they have cleared the air and said this is just not right at all. Addressing these concerns, Ryanair’s marketing chief, Jade Kirwan, addressed our colleagues at Cork Beo.

She stated: “It hasn’t happened, I’ve just checked into this again because we have seen all the chat on social media. The rules have not changed in ten years. 

“What may be happening, is that people that have gotten through a few times before because they were not closely checked have finally gotten that check.”

Jade jokingly added that passengers can check this themselves: “Just look at them the next time you fly, they usually look like they’ve gotten a fair bit of use over a long time!”

In the meantime, Ryanair’s current policy allows a small bag to glide on board for free if it keeps within the snug dimensions of 40x20x25cm and tucks neatly under the seat in front of them. 

For those eager to bring heftier luggage, Ryanair presents options at booking including for £30 for a larger cabin bag spot, or £25 to check in a 10kg bag.

While the capacity remains untouched, Ryanair has shaken up its fee to lineup with charges for gate-checked luggage.

People who add in their extra luggage at booking stages may see fares flutter between £6 and £36, but making this decision at the gate decision can now set you back as much as £60, climbing from the previous peak of £38 reported by Birmingham Live.

A representative soothed concerns by mentioning bags weighing up to 10kg can still settle into checked bliss at the desk for just £35.99, keeping in mind new figures bed down only on those keen to bypass baggage claim or aspiring for last-minute gate check-ins.

Among the significant changes anticipated in the coming months is a complete transition to online and app-based boarding. The CEO Michael O’Leary announced at a press event in Dublin that they plan to go fully digital from next spring. This would mean the end of ticket desks, as the businessman declared: “Nothing will be done on paper any more.”