Ryanair passengers are up in arms after claiming that baggage sizers at airports have suddenly become smaller, leaving them with unexpected fees at the gate.
Many travellers have taken to social media to share their frustration, posting photos of their bags fitting perfectly in previous trips but now being deemed 'too large' by Ryanair's measuring devices.
Is Ryanair playing games with baggage rules?
Several passengers suspect the budget airline may have quietly reduced the size of their baggage sizers to squeeze extra cash from unsuspecting travellers. One furious flyer tweeted: 'My bag hasn't changed, but suddenly it's too big? How does that work?'
The hidden costs of budget travel
Ryanair's strict cabin baggage policy allows one small bag (40x20x25cm) for free, with larger cabin bags requiring a fee. But passengers argue the measurements seem inconsistent across different airports.
- Some report their bags fitting at departure but not on return flights
- Others claim the sizers appear smaller than Ryanair's official dimensions
- Many have been hit with £25-£50 fees at the gate
What Ryanair says
The airline maintains its baggage policy hasn't changed and all sizers meet their specified dimensions. A spokesperson stated: 'Our cabin baggage policy is clearly communicated and consistently applied across all airports.'
How to avoid baggage fees
- Measure your bag carefully before flying
- Use a soft-sided bag that can be compressed
- Consider paying for priority boarding if you need extra space
- Check your bag's dimensions against Ryanair's latest policy
With summer travel season approaching, this controversy serves as a reminder that budget airlines often make their profits through add-ons rather than ticket prices alone.
