Ryanair is changing the rules for existing and all future bookings by ending its policy of allowing non-priority passengers to carry two items of hand luggage on board.
The no-frills Irish airline said it had made the decision because many if its flights are being delayed due a lack of space in its fleet’s overhead lockers.
Ryanair fleet planes have an average of 189 seats and a capacity for only 90 suitcases in their overhead lockers.
In 2013, when the company allowed a second piece of luggage in the cabin, Ryanair flights were 82% full, now the average is 97% with 12.7 million passengers transported in August alone, a new company record.
As from November 1st, passengers will only be able to carry a small bag onboard, such as a handbag, with wheelie-type bags being put in the hold free of charge.
Priority boarding customers, having paid their €5 to jump the boarding queue, will continue to be allowed to keep both bags with them on the flight.
On the plus side, Ryanair announced it is increasing its check-in bag allowance from 15kg to 20kg, and reducing the fee for a 20kg bag from £35 to £25.
The airline's chief marketing chap, Kenny Jacobs, said he hoped the changes will eliminate the current flight delays caused by not having sufficient overhead locker space.
Jacobs said that "these bag policy changes will cost Ryanair over €50 million per year in reduced checked bag fees.
Asked about the hassle of having to wait for bags after a flight, Ryanair's spokesman made the extraordinary claimed that "90% of the time, your bag will already be waiting at the carousel when it arrives."
