Ryanair will CHARGE for hand luggage starting TODAY – this is everything you need to know

Today is the day Ryanairs new hand luggage policy comes into play.

Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief of money.co.uk, said: “”Todays the day that Ryanair customers were bracing for. You now have to pay for the privilege of taking anything over a small handbag onto a flight with you.

“Those who are trying to take a short weekend break with just hand luggage are likely to feel the sting as theyll be the ones forced to pay for luggage they wouldnt have been charged for previously.

“It will be interesting to see whether this change does decrease delays as Ryanair has suggested or if it will just line their pockets and our waiting time will be as long as ever.

“If youre flying short haul this is yet more reason to focus on price and proximity to your destination. Fly cheap and cheerful but always check what youre getting for your money – once all those extras have been added on check if flying with a budget airline is still worth it.

“Your consumer rights mean you shouldnt be treated like cattle whichever airline you fly with".

Ryanairs new hand luggage policy starts today (Thursday, November 1).

If you are flying with the low-cost airline in the near-future you will want to familiarise yourself with the new rules.

Ryanair are reducing the free cabin baggage allowance by two-thirds, so its important not to be caught-out.

The budget airline confused customers after changing the allowance in January, and now again in November.

Previously customers who bought a basic ticket were allowed to put a hand luggage-sized suitcase in the hold for free at the boarding gate.

However, with the new rules this is no longer the case, and you will have to pay a fee.

Ryanair will CHARGE for hand luggage starting TOMORROW – everything you need to know (Pic: GETTY)

What is the new hand luggage policy for Ryanair?

With the new hand luggage allowance, only those who have paid extra for Priority Boarding can bring two free carry-on bags.

Those who paid the basic fee can only bring a small carry-on bag, no bigger than a laptop bag.

From tomorrow non-priority customers who want to bring a slightly bigger wheelie bag (max 10kg) have to pay an additional £8 at the time of booking.

DIMENSIONS: The hand luggage dimensions have also changed (Pic: GETTY)

If purchased online up to 40 minutes before the flight it will cost £10.

Those who paid for Priority Boarding will get an extra carry-on bag, but this will cost £6 at the time of booking, or £8 if added after booking.

Keep in mind Ryanair will only allow 95 customers per flight to purchase Priority Boarding.

This larger hand-luggage has to be deposited at the airport bag drop, along with any other luggage.

You can still do this at the airport, but the 10kg hand luggage will cost £20 at the bag drop, or £25 at the boarding gate.

The small handbag or laptop bag can be placed under the seat infront of you, but must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.

The second bag can be no more than 10kg, and no bigger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

Any cases weighing more than 10kg will have to be checked in at the main desk for a fee of £25.

NEW RULES: The new hand luggage policy comes into effect tomorrow (Pic: GETTY)

Those who booked before August 31 to travel after tomorrow will have a free 10kg checked bag added onto their booking.

Ryanair are changing the luggage policy in order to speed up the boarding process.

Ryanairs chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said: “This new policy will speed up the boarding and cut flight delays.

“60% of customers will be unaffected by these changes and we expect that the other 40% will either choose to buy priority boarding or a 10kg check back, or will choose to travel with only one (free) small bag as 30% already do so today.”

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