Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary.

Although Ryanair and easyJet are making changes to their prospective hand luggage policies, the ETRC can confirm that passengers will still be allowed to take one bag of airport shopping on board for free, regardless of the hand luggage allowance passengers have opted for.

In the last week, both UK-based low-cost carriers announced changes to their hand luggage policy. Ryanair announced yesterday (06 September) that from 1 November, non-priority passengers will only be allowed to carry one small bag onboard the aircraft – i.e. which can fit under the seat in front – and have their wheelie bags or backpacks taken at the aircraft and put in the hold at no extra cost.

Priority passengers will still be allowed to bring two pieces of hand baggage onboard, having purchased Priority Boarding for €/£5 at the time of booking or for €/£6 when purchased later and up to one hour prior to scheduled departure.

€4 CHARGE FOR CABIN BAGGAGE

Ryanair’s decision follows easyJet’s announcement last week of their new ‘Hands Free’ policy proposing to charge passengers £/€4 to check their cabin baggage in the hold before going through security, and only travel with one small hand bag.

Both airlines have since confirmed that there will be no change to the rules for airport shopping – passengers will still be allowed to bring one bag of airport shopping onboard free of charge.

ETRC welcomes the clarification from both airlines and urges retailers and airports to communicate this information to their passengers over the next weeks to avoid customer confusion.

“We welcome that Ryanair and easyJet have both recognised that airport shopping is a key element of the passenger experience,” commented ETRC President, Sarah Branquinho (pictured left).

“To limit any uncertainty arising from changes in baggage allowances, we encourage our airport and retail partners to inform and reassure passengers that they are allowed to bring one bag of airport shopping on Ryanair and easyJet flights.”