Ryanair increases bag charges

PASSENGERS ON Ryanair are facing higher baggage charges, with the airline almost doubling some of its fees for peak travel periods.

Those who choose to book and pay for their checked bags through the Ryanair call centre or at the airport will see the fee rise significantly, with an additional €25 being levied, bringing the fee to €60 a bag. Passengers who book and pay for their checked bags when they book online will face a hike of €5, to €25.

The increased charges will apply to bookings made from December 15th, only for travel in what Ryanair deems peak periods – June, July, August, September and Christmas 2012.

Ryanair said it was trying to “incentivise” passengers to travel light and to pay online, adding that the fees were “avoidable”. It said that more than 70 per cent of its passengers would be unaffected by the higher charges. The fee for baggage for passengers travelling at off-peak times remains at €15 a bag booked on line.

The airline is also increasing the penalty for those who fail to print their own boarding card.

From January 15th, Ryanair will charge €60 to reissue the travel document, compared to the current rate of €40. Ryanair said that fewer than 10 people a day were being charged.

The National Consumer Agency has urged consumers to take note of all charges airlines impose as “these can really add up”.