A recent Ryanair passenger was charged £50 (€60) for exceeding their baggage allowance due to a water bottle. The incident highlights the airline's strict luggage policies and frequent additional fees charged at the boarding gate.
If you've ever taken to the skies with Ryanair, you'll be familiar with the routine - bargain flights, stringent luggage regulations and the constant worry of being stung at the gate. As one of Ireland's most renowned companies, the airline has transformed budget travel, offering European flights for less than the cost of a night on the town. However, as many travellers have found out, these wallet-friendly fares can rapidly inflate due to Ryanair's infamous additional charges.
We all know someone who has been caught out by Ryanair's baggage policy, whether it's an unsuspecting friend hit with a hefty fee at the boarding gate or a relative frantically repacking their suitcase in the middle of the airport. With the current cost of living crisis, more people are trying to cram everything into their free 'small bag' allowance to dodge costly extras wherever they can. But the risk is ensuring that bag adheres to Ryanair's strict 40 x 20 x 25cm dimensions - or face the dreaded yellow sticker of shame and an unexpected charge. This was precisely the predicament Mirror journalist Ruby Flanagan found herself in during a recent journey through Dublin Airport. Unlike most passengers penalised for oversized luggage, Ruby's fee wasn't due to an extra bag, an overfilled backpack or a suitcase that wouldn't fit in the sizer. The £50 (€60) charge was attributed to something even more absurd - a water bottle. What ensued was a perplexing and exasperating ordeal that left her questioning the extent of Ryanair's rules, reports the Irish Mirror. Below, Ruby shares her experience. I recently found myself €60 out of pocket due to an unexpected run-in with Ryanair's baggage policy. Surprisingly, the fee wasn't for an oversized bag as is often the case, but for carrying a water bottle. The Irish carrier is famed for its bargain flight fares for international travel, yet it's equally notorious for imposing exorbitant additional fees. These charges frequently target passengers who are deemed to have exceeded their luggage allowance at the boarding gate, and I unfortunately fell prey to this on my latest jaunt to Dublin. A swift glance at social media platforms reveals the widespread frustration over baggage fees and the sheer number of travellers affected by them. I had taken a brief break to catch up with pals in the Irish capital and decided that for such a short stay, a backpack would suffice. I purchased a 'non-priority' ticket, which entitled me to bring one 'small' bag—measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25cm—that could fit under the seat in front. The total cost for a round trip was a mere £35.86 (€43), which seemed like a steal. Last year, I snagged a backpack from Amazon that perfectly matched the airline's baggage size requirements and it's been my trusty travel companion on numerous journeys without any hitches. Confidently, I planned to use it once more. On Saturday, February 1, at the crack of dawn, 5.30am, I breezed through Stansted Airport as the Ryanair gate staff scanned my boarding pass without a glitch. With my backpack secured and water bottle hitched to the top handle, I made my way to the flight, oblivious to the ordeal that awaited me just three days later. Returning from Dublin with a throat so sore I sounded like a lifelong smoker, I arrived at the gate for my flight back to Stansted at 12.05pm. The gate had closed at 11.30am, but with just an aisle seat and my backpack, I lingered until about 20 past before heading through. Passport and boarding pass in hand, I was stopped in my tracks by a tap on the shoulder. 'You need to put your bag in here,' instructed a Ryanair employee, gesturing towards the sizing box. Complying, I managed to fit the bag with a gentle push. As I slung it back over my shoulder, the staff member sternly indicated my water bottle, now strapped across my body, and declared: 'That will need to go in the bag.' In a raspy voice, I queried if such a step was really necessary, given that it hadn't been required on my incoming flight. The crew member explained firmly that all extras must be stashed inside my bag when boarding the flight and directed me back to the departure area. Feeling increasingly flustered, I clumsily tried to cram the 750ml metal water bottle into my already bulging luggage. I was but one among several passengers stopped by the Ryanair staff, all of us scrambling to reorganise our belongings. After rearranging contents and pushing the bottle in, my bag sported an awkward bulge as the zip strained to remain sealed. Reapproaching the gate, I had to rescan my boarding pass only to be halted once more by a staff member who bluntly stated, 'That bag is too big. You'll need to go over there and pay to get on the flight.' Baffled, I questioned why the water bottle couldn't just travel in my hand as before. I was starting to feel quite the troublesome flye
RYANAIR BAGGAGE FEES AIRLINE POLICY WATER BOTTLE TRAVEL EXPENSES AIRPORT
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ryanair charged me £50 for an item not in my hand luggageRyanair is known for its cheap flights, but also for its strict baggage rules and hefty charges for those who break them - with one passenger sharing their own frustrating experience
Read more »
Robin Hood Energy Liquidation Leaves £50 Million UnpaidThe failed energy firm, established by Nottingham City Council, has officially been liquidated, with over £50 million in debts remaining unpaid. The case highlights the council's financial challenges and the consequences of supporting a failing venture.
Read more »
Forgotten Bolton Terraced House is HQ for £50 Billion Fake BusinessesA seemingly unassuming terraced house in Bolton, England, is registered as the headquarters of multiple companies claiming to be major global corporations worth billions. However, an investigation reveals these companies are likely fraudulent and pose a risk to unsuspecting victims.
Read more »
Have a stress-free Valentine's Day with date night meal boxes under £50If you're looking for a quick and easy Valentine's Day meal then this meal box is the perfect addition to your date night, with a three course meal for two for under £50
Read more »
LookFantastic's 'With Love' Valentine's Edit: A £195 Beauty Bundle for £50Get ready to treat yourself (or your bestie!) to LookFantastic's stunning 'With Love' Valentine's Edit, a limited-edition beauty bundle packed with six luxurious products from top brands, valued at £195, all for just £50. This incredible deal includes bath and body oils, face masks, moisturizer, blush, mascara, and a perfume mist, offering a head-to-toe pampering experience. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to indulge in some self-care.
Read more »
'Romantic' Swarovski bracelet under £50 is perfect Valentine's Day giftValentine's Day shoppers can save on a luxury Swarovski gift thanks to a deal that offers customers an impressive discount
Read more »