Passengers flying with Ryanair from a major UK airport were left in tears and feeling targeted after being slapped with hefty fines for their hand luggage, in what some have called a 'money-making scheme'. The incident has sparked fresh debate about the budget airline's strict baggage policies and the methods used to enforce them.
Gate Agents Enforce Strict Baggage Rules
The stressful episode unfolded at Birmingham Airport as travellers boarded a flight to Malaga, Spain. Among them was Gilly Bachelor, a 55-year-old travel agency owner from Brewood, Staffordshire. Despite paying extra for both the priority boarding and two cabin bags options, she was stopped at the gate.
Gilly alleges her suitcase was placed in the airline's bag sizer, where the wheels were found to be poking out, making it slightly too wide. She was subsequently fined an additional £75 to take the bag on board, on top of her £125 flight ticket. 'I've taken that bag on lots of flights with no problem, just not Ryanair,' she stated, adding that the experience left her feeling caught out despite being a frequent traveller.
'At Least 20 People Were Caught Out'
Gilly claims a staff member was meticulously checking every bag as passengers boarded, with a significant number being pulled aside. 'At least 20 people were caught out,' she reported. She also voiced a common suspicion among disgruntled passengers: 'I also heard that Ryanair staff receive an incentive for every bag they flag as oversized. I checked, and it's true, but it's only a small portion of the fine. Even so, it's clearly enough to keep staff vigilant.'
Another couple on a separate flight, Lisa Sheasby, 58, and her husband Fabio Lima, 49, faced a £150 charge for two suitcases. Lisa claimed they were specifically 'targeted in a money-making exercise'. She told reporters that despite using a branded suitcase designed to meet Ryanair's measurements, she was forced to pay £75 at the gate. 'At least 15 people were also targeted, some left crying and distressed,' she said.
Airline Defends Its Position
In response to the couple's complaint, Ryanair issued a firm statement defending its actions. It clarified that the passengers had booked Regular Fare tickets for their flight from Birmingham to Verona on 28 December, which permits one small personal bag and a 10kg cabin bag onboard.
'As their cabin bags exceeded the permitted size, they were correctly required to pay a standard gate baggage fee (£75) by the gate agent at Birmingham Airport,' the airline stated, asserting that the rules were applied correctly.
A Word of Caution for Travellers
Reflecting on the ordeal, Gilly Bachelor, who flew home with easyJet without issue, offered clear advice to other flyers. 'My advice is to check the size rules carefully and invest in a compliant bag,' she cautioned. 'It's much less stressful than being caught at the gate and paying a fine.' She acknowledged that while Ryanair faces a lot of criticism, their baggage rules are clear and easy to follow, placing the onus on passengers to adhere to them precisely to avoid unexpected costs and distress at the boarding gate.
