IRELAND: Ryanair Cuts Bag Fees For 92% Of Customers

Ryanair has slashed baggage fees ahead of the summer holidays that will see passengers save as much as 50 per cent.

The Irish-based carrier has cut its checked-in bag fees for 92 per cent of its 116m customers, and has cut the number of luggage charge options from 108 to just six.

Passengers flying a domestic flight of two hours or less used to have to pay £30 to check in a 15kg bag and £40 for a bag weighing 20kg. But this has been cut to just £15 for a 15kg item, and £25 for 20kg worth of luggage.

The move is part of Ryanair's 'Always Getting Better Programme', with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary pushing forward plans to improve passenger experience through service, digital and inflight developments.

Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Jacobs, said: 'We're pleased to cut bag fees for 92 per cent of customers as part of our 'Always Getting Better' programme with a streamlined range of just six bag fee options, as we continue to listen to our customers and improve the Ryanair experience for the 116m people we'll carry this year.

'Over 92 per cent of our customers will enjoy reduced bag fees and will pay the same price for checking-in a bag whether bought at the time of the initial booking or added to the booking, regardless of seasonality.

'Furthermore, customers will also be able to add bags to their bookings via the Ryanair app up to 3 hours before their scheduled time of departure.'

Customers travelling to destinations under three hours away will see the 15kg luggage allowance cut from £30 to £25, while for a 20kg bag the price drops from £40 to £35.

However, for those passengers using the airline for flights longer than three hours, baggage prices will remain the same - £40 for 15kgs and £50 for 20kgs.

The 108 previous charges were based on when the baggage was added, the time of year the flight was booked, duration of route, and whether it was a first, second or third item. There are now just six different fee brackets.

Mr Jacobs added: 'These bag changes are in addition to our best-in-class cabin bag allowance, offering two free carry-on bags, and we'll continue to offer the biggest and best choice of destinations, with the most on-time flights and a fantastic onboard experience, as we grow our fleet, traffic and routes – and all on the lowest fares.'