Current policy, that was launched in January, is causing handling issues, airline’s CEO says
Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair, is about to review their recently launched cabin baggage policy as the number of passengers checking their bags in at the gate keeps on rising.
The Ireland-based carrier changed the rules in January and currently, passengers can take two pieces of hand luggage onboard, with larger items placed into the hold at the boarding gate.
“We hope that all our customers will enjoy these new bag rules which are centred around lower checked bag fees and bigger bag allowances,” said Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer after announcing the launch of the policy.
According to the airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary the change is now causing disruption at the gate and that is why he has announced that the rules might be reviewed.
“It is creating a handling issue, particularly at peak periods,” he said at a Q&A, according to the Independent.
“There are many flights where we’re now having to put 100, 120 gate bags free of charge into the hold. If that continues to build it’s something we may have to look at again.”
However, before O’Leary’s statement, Ryanair’s chief financial officer, Neil Sorahan, said that the new rules were helpful.
“It’s actually going very well, it’s been very well received by our guests – something that they actually wanted,” he said.
“It has improved the boarding process and it’s having a positive impact on our on-time performance, which is something that we’re very focused on this year.”
Apart from the cabin baggage change, O’Leary also commented on the airline’s environmental policy stating that the carrier will be plastic free in five years. He also announced Ryanair‘s plans for dealing with Brexit.
“We remain cautious on Brexit. Yes, there’s a separation deal in place until December 2020, but we have to put in place protections for our shareholders and our business in the event of a hard Brexit.”
