In an anticipated move, Ryanair announced today that passengers will have to pay up to £10 per return flight per bag or item carried in the hold.

The airline aims to apportion the cost of baggage handling to those passengers actually using the service, enabling a fare reduction of 9% through introduction of the charge. Customers booking online can pay a reduced rate of £2.50 per bag each way if purchased at the same time as the flight.

The new charge will apply from 16th March 2006.

Similar Move to Flybe

In a similar move, low cost airline Flybe announced this month that baggage charges would be introduced on its flights from February. In addition to what the airlines concerned believe to be a fairer distribution of cost, they are hoping for improved aircraft turnaround times due to the need to handle fewer bags, and better plan for those that are carried.

Customers are able to take one piece of hand baggage on board up to 10kg in weight without incurring any additional charge. Those without hold baggage will also be able to take advantage of a web check in system, avoiding the need to check in on arrival at the airport.

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary commented:

"These changes will enable Ryanair to reduce our airport and handling costs across the network. We will require fewer and less expensive airport facilities such as airport check-in and baggage hall facilities. We will carry fewer bags making our aircraft lighter and improving our fuel consumption."