'Major airline' clarifies new rules amid 'commission' bag claims

The major airline, known for their cheap flight prices, has been clamping down on passengers who exceed the size limits for carry-on luggage - and some people say they've been hit with a $85 fee at the airport

Ryanair has addressed rumors that its employees receive commissions for luggage fees amid complaints from fliers about incurring a $85 penalty for having oversized carry-on bags at the airport. Recently, an expert has outlined a piece of hand luggage to avoid packing to escape airline fees.

Travelers on the low-cost carrier - who have been warned about the worst position to sleep in on board - are reporting that they're being charged $85 at the gate if their carry-on doesn't fit in the sizer, which requires bags to be within certain dimensions and free from bulging or extensions, coming as reports circulated about American Airlines announcing a baggage policy change, which could see flyers turned away.

Ryanair has told Virgin Media News that their luggage policy has been consistent for the last seven years. The company's Chief Managing Officer, Darragh Brady, elaborated: "Our staff have always been there to enforce the policy.

"It's not about commission, we don't pay our staff commission for bags. It's about protecting the amount of bags we can bring onboard. We can only take a limited amount of bags onboard, so our staff have to be very conscious of the bag sizes that people are taking.

"I reiterate that there's been no change in the Ryanair bag policy and if people travel with the right size bags, well you'll have a great flight with Ryanair."

Ryanair's official website details that carrying an oversized bag, larger than 55x40x20cm, will result in a check-in fee of $80-$85 at the gate, reports RSVP Live.

Also noted is that travelers who haven't added a bag to their booking can purchase a 20kg check-in bag for $68 at the airport's bag drop desk before reaching the gate.

Non-priority customers who haven't added a bag to their booking can purchase a 10kg check-in bag at the airport bag drop desk for $35-$45. However, non-priority customers who bring their 10kg check-in bag to the boarding gate will be charged a fee of $52-$68.

To avoid confusion or extra charges, passengers are advised to measure their personal and luggage items before coming to the airport as different airlines have varying size restrictions.

Here's a look at Ryanair's baggage policy:

Every fare includes one small personal item that can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need more baggage allowance, there are several options available.

1: Cabin Baggage:

Priority and 2 Cabin Bags: This allows you to carry a small personal bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you, and a 10kg bag (55x40x20cm) onboard, to be stored in the overhead locker. It also gives you the privilege to board the plane first using the Priority Boarding queue at the gate.

2: Checked Baggage:

10kg Check-in Bag: If you wish to check in a bag, you can add a 10kg Check-in Bag to your booking. Bags must be dropped at the airport check-in desk before security and will be placed in the aircraft hold.

20kg Check-in Bag: For those needing more luggage space, you have the option to add a 20kg Check-in Bag to your reservation. Travelers can buy up to 3 checked bags of 20kg each on their booking.

3: Infant Baggage:

We understand that traveling with an infant can be challenging, so we permit you to bring 2 pieces of baby equipment per child free of charge, aiming to make your trip as smooth as possible. There is no cabin bag allowance for an infant (aged 8 days to 23 months inclusive).

However, Ryanair does allow a baby bag up to 5kg (dimensions: 45x35x20cms) for infants traveling on an adult's lap.

You can find out more here.