The boss Ryanair Michael O'Leary admitted in an interview with Fly4free that “new backpacks are still under the armchair, which is ok for us”, although the real logistics challenge turns out to be the exchange of the so -called Sizers – metal luggage measuring frames that will be re -marked within a few weeks.
The company's decision is part of the battle for two years for hand luggage fees. As much as 80 percent Passengers had to pay extra on some cruises for exceeding the existing limits, which generated additional revenues, but also a wave of complaints and lawsuits.
Pressure of regulators and courts
In November 202, the Spanish Ministry of Consumers imposed a record penalty of 179 million euros on five cheap lines, including Ryanair, For charging fees, among others for hand luggage.
A month ago, the court in Salamanka ordered the carrier to return 147 euros (multiplied five times, because it was five flights) to the passenger, considering the fee unfounded.
There are more and more similar decisions, and consumer organizations, such as Beuc, run a campaign to harmonize the principles throughout the EU.
European Parliament is working on a package of passenger rights, which in its current sound would guarantee travelers the possibility of bringing at least one personal item 40 x 30 x 15 cm Without additional fees.
MEPs refer to the judgment of the EU Court of 2014, in which it was found that “reasonable” hand luggage cannot be subject to an additional payment.
Legislative pressure prompted the largest cheap carrier in Europe to adapt the new dimensions before – before the recipes come into force.
Changing Ryanair eliminates the current advantage of competitors. Wizz Air has been allowed for years for free bags of 40 x 30 x 20 cm, and Easyjet allows even higher packages (45 cm), although at a narrower width.
For an Irish company However, this means losing some of the revenues from fees for too large bags and a one -time cost of swap replacement In over 250 airports, estimated by industry analysts for several million euros.
Passengers' benefits and perspective for Poland
Polish customers Ryanair, a dominant player at Modlin, Krakow or Wrocław airports, will benefit twice. They will avoid subsidies (up to 60 euros one way), and an additional 4 liter of capacity will fit a thicker sweater or second laptop.
Importantly, the carrier maintains strict weight limits (rigorously enforced for boarding in Poland), so passengers They should be careful after all.
When the new sizers appear physically in the ports – and according to Ryanair it will take about a month – the line will consider the process to be completed, and its lawyers are preparing for subsequent hearings in Spain and possible corrections in the price list of additional services.
Regardless of the result of disputes, the decision of the Irish carrier sets the market standard and increases pressure to the rest of the industry to adapt to EU ambitions. With a free bag under the chair all over Europe.
