Irish low-cost airline, Ryanair is to review its baggage policy but one of its top men is irritated that customers have become adept at thwarting the airline’s money-grabbing policies.
The airline's chief money man explained that customers are abusing the system by making their toddlers drag suitcases onboard to escape baggage fees.
"We are very generous in our policy for cabin luggage, it is 10 kilogrammes per person plus an item of hand luggage. If we all do it, it's okay. But there are people carrying kitchen sinks, which can lead to a change in the rules," explained Neil Sorahan.
The Irish airline's chief financial officer said he already had seen "two-year-olds dragging suitcases to the aeroplane" and concluded that Ryanair "is a victim of its own niceness."
Two-year-olds are allowed a 10 kilogramme bag, while one-year-olds are allowed a five-kilogramme bag, so both age groups are being loaded up with parents’ packing to avoid having to pay for a suitcase in the hold.
The airline says that currently only one in six passengers pays for extra luggage to be carried in the hold and overall the company is facing downward pressure on fares with a 13% decline between 2016 and 2017. Future headline fare prices are predicted to fall 7% over the next 12 months with low-cost airlines planning to increase 'extras' to compensate.
Sorahan said the Irish airline may well look at its second bag allowance rules - these were introduced in a rare fit of generosity in 2013.
Customers often are irritated that seemingly low fares are swamped by having to pay for seats and for baggage, which often costs more than the flight. A 20 kilogramme suitcase will cost around £90 on a short-haul summer return flight and it is no secret that Ryanair made €443 million in profit over the past three months.
Sorahan said that “the vast majority of people play by the rules but some don’t. Unfortunately some bring massive backpacks and things that don’t fit under the seat. We’ve been a little bit lax or nice - we are victims of our own niceness.”
Comments
All you need is a valid address for pick up and collection. Saves all the hassle of checking in luggage waiting at the carousel, and stuffing luggage in a hire car. This is a genuine testimonial and I have no connection whatsoever with the company
On the other hand they should stick with the basic rule: 1 piece of Luggage (seizes limited) of max 10 kg allowed per paying person (!!!!). That's it and that's all .
In practice however "they allow everything going in the cabin" and that's fundamentally wrong. In conclusion: Ryanair has to pay for its own lack of control and lack of discipline. And that is also understandable... as their staff owns the super minimum salary...
Ryanair have been abusing their customers for years. 'Pots & kettles me thinks'
Given that the aircraft are always flying below capacity, if they want to carry luggage in the hold, simply charge a reasonable price for the service.
Why charge so much more for a second bag? Or a third? why not just a flat charge per kilo [or bag]?
To make the maximum profit, charge the lowest price you can, and people will use your service.
Ryanair of all companies should know that.