LifestyleTourist's clever trick to avoid Ryanair's extra luggage fee

Tourist's clever trick to avoid Ryanair's extra luggage fee

The tourist didn't want to pay extra for luggage, so he found another way.
The tourist didn't want to pay extra for luggage, so he found another way.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

7:27 AM EDT, May 26, 2024

Airlines have very clear rules regarding carrying hand luggage. In many cases, however, passengers board with larger backpacks or, for example, with two pieces of luggage, and the staff turns a blind eye. Sometimes, the opposite happens—although the suitcase is just a little bigger, we still have to pay extra. A tourist returning from Mallorca decided not to give in.

The maximum dimensions of hand luggage are listed both on the carrier's website and at the airport—in special boxes where we can check if our suitcase is appropriate.

Extra fee for too large a suitcase

Tourists who fly frequently know that the exact dimensions are often not checked in practice. However, once in a while, we may encounter a meticulous inspection. Such bad luck befell a tourist who was returning from a vacation in Mallorca.

Before boarding the Ryanair plane, he was informed that his suitcase did not meet the requirements and that he had to pay an extra €70 (about $76), which is more than he paid for the flight itself, which cost €30.

A video that has surfaced online shows how he decided to resolve this situation. He did not intend to pay the airline or leave the suitcase in Mallorca, so he decided to tear off its wheels.

With the help of friends, he quickly got rid of them, and other passengers applauded him loudly. The video also shows him putting the luggage into the box to prove that it now fits. Other tourists are delighted.

Hand luggage on Ryanair

Ryanair passengers can bring one small personal bag, such as a handbag or backpack (16 in x 8 in x 10 in), included in the ticket price. The bag must fit under the seat in front of the traveler's chair.

You have to pay extra for larger hand luggage, which cannot exceed 22 in x 16 in x 8 in and must be stored in the overhead locker.