Anger as Ryanair raises fees by 100%

RYANAIR yesterday triggered fresh anger over baggage charges after announcing increases of up to 100% in fees — with the pledge of more to come.

Airline bosses imposed the rises on all bookings from yesterday, saying they are trying to encourage passengers to travel with hand luggage, which is still free.

But passengers who check in luggage will now pay €9 per bag per flight — up 33% from €6 — with the fee for using a check-in desk rising 25% to €4.

Customers who turn up at the airport without paying the baggage fee online will have to pay €18 per checked-in bag — up 100% from €9 and the €4 desk charge.

Ryanair spokesman Peter Sherrard said: “These will not be the last increases in Ryanair’s checked-in baggage or airport check-in fees, which will continue to increase over time.”

The airline is increasing the fees to persuade passengers to avail of services that save Ryanair money: free online check-in and allowing customers to carry on board their own luggage.

“This will in turn allow us to reduce the number of airport check-in desks that we rent and [reduce] the handling staff we employ, so that we can continue to pass on these savings,” he said.

Mr Sherrard said average fares per passenger have remained static at €44 despite a series of baggage fee rises.

Consumer groups reacted angrily to the rises while financial analysts claimed Ryanair was increasing fees to offset the higher cost of aviation fuel.

Ryanair has denied this.

The Consumers’ Association of Ireland said passengers who needed to take luggage abroad — such as holidaymaking families — would be hit hard by the increases.

“Travelling light may be possible for people making short trips but how can a family going away for two weeks bring all they need in hand luggage?” said association chairman James Doorley.

“I just wish Ryanair were honest and admitted that this decision is primarily about raising extra revenue for Ryanair.”

He said the Government’s National Consumer Agency should force airlines to include baggage charges in their advertised prices.

Yesterday, Dublin’s Goodbody Stockbrokers said Ryanair’s decision was about reducing costs at a time when oil prices are rising.

* consumerassociation.ie

* ryanair.ie