Ryanair Passengers Charged £75 as Bag Wheels Protrude from Sizer, Fueling Fee Debate

The strict enforcement of Ryanair's cabin baggage policy has caused distress for multiple passengers at Birmingham Airport (BHX). Several travelers were reportedly charged a gate fee of £75 (€86) for carry-on bags. The issue centered on bags that failed to fit completely into the metal sizer, often due to slightly protruding wheels or handles.

Passenger Experience and Policy Enforcement

One passenger, Gilly Bachelor, a travel agency owner, was flying from Birmingham to Malaga, Spain. She had already paid for the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" option. Despite this, her suitcase was flagged at the boarding gate. She was told the bag was too wide because the wheels prevented it from fully sinking into the sizer. Ms. Bachelor was then required to pay the standard gate baggage fee of £75 to take the bag on board.

Another couple on a separate flight claimed they were charged £150 for two suitcases that did not comply with the size rules. Passengers reported feeling "crying and distressed" by the situation. Ms. Bachelor estimated that at least 20 people on her flight were pulled aside and fined.

Ryanair's official statement on a similar incident confirmed the charge was a standard gate baggage fee for bags exceeding the permitted size.

The Role of Ancillary Revenue

The incidents highlight the low-cost carrier's rigorous approach to its baggage rules. Ryanair is known for its strict enforcement of size limits. This is part of a broader strategy to boost low-cost carrier ancillary revenue.

• Ancillary revenue includes fees for services beyond the basic ticket price.
• For Ryanair, this stream reached €4.72 billion (£4 billion) in a recent financial year.
• This figure represents approximately one-quarter of the airline's total revenue.

Reports suggest that staff may receive incentives for flagging oversized bags. This practice is believed to contribute to the high level of vigilance at the boarding gate. The airline's business model relies on tight margins and generating extra revenue wherever possible.

Industry Context and Regulatory Challenge

Ryanair's baggage policy allows all passengers one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat. The larger 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) requires the purchase of Priority & 2 Cabin Bags. The gate fee for an oversized bag is typically £/€70 to £/€75.

The strict enforcement occurs amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny in Europe. The debate centers on whether carry-on luggage is an essential part of air travel. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry has previously fined several budget airlines, including Ryanair, for charging for hand luggage and seat reservations. A Spanish judge also ordered Ryanair to refund a passenger for hand luggage charges. However, EASA has not issued a continent-wide standard, allowing airlines freedom to set their own policies.

For passengers, the key takeaway remains careful preparation. Travelers should check the specific dimensions, ensuring all parts, including wheels, fit the sizer. This advice is critical for avoiding unexpected oversized cabin bag charge fees at the gate. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between LCC revenue goals and passenger expectations. The outcome of European legal challenges could impact all low-cost carriers in the region.