Ryanair is trying a family friendly approach and plans to introduce incentives for people travelling with children.
Its “family extra” package is to include free 5 kg baggage allowance for infants, milk warming and nappy changing facilities on board and a 50% reduced charge for allocating seats for youngsters. Infant fees have been cut to €20 from €30. Families will be allowed to check two pieces of infant equipment (such as buggies, booster seats and travel cots) into the hold.
The airline also announced a discounted priority boarding charge and a scheme for frequent flyers with Ryanair.
In February, fully allocated seating was introduced, which is likely to assist families wanting to sit together.
Since its profit warning last autumn, the carrier has moved to change its approach. A new and “simplified” website is in operation, some extra charges have been lowered, and fewer in-flight announcements are made.
Its rigid baggage rules have been modified to permit a second “small” bag to be taken on board, such as a “small ladies handbag or [a] small airport shopping bag”.
But as a consequence, now only the first 90 passengers are guaranteed to keep their luggage in the cabin as overhead locker space is tighter. The long queues for seats now have turned into long queues for overhead lockers.
The hand that gives can also take away. Ryanair has reduced its two-week online check-in to just seven days, inconveniencing passengers while abroad to find someplace where they can print out their boarding pass for the return portion. If not, the fine is €70.
However, the airline is expected to introduce a mobile boarding pass next month. This may change the problem.
