Ryanair denies claims it's 'shrunk baggage sizers at the gates'

A number of passengers have raised concerns

Amidst online grumblings of passengers being fined for oversized bags, Ryanair has strongly denied claims of "secretly shrinking the sizers" at departure gates. The budget airline, known for its strict baggage rules, permits a single small bag that fits under the seat in front for no charge.

Those who wish to upgrade will have to pay to bring a larger cabin bag. With the cost-of-living crunch tightening wallets, passengers are seeking every opportunity to skim expenses, avoiding charges for larger cabin luggage when possible, reports the Irish Mirror.

Speaking in Cork on Wednesday (October 2), Ryanair's head of marketing Jade Kirwan addressed rumours circulating on social media that the airline had "suddenly" or "secretly" reduced the size of cabin bags allowed on board to impose an surcharge on passengers.

Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp

Speaking to CorkBeo, Jade said: "We haven't changed the rules on bags, changed the dimensions allowed or shrunk the sizers at departure gates. It hasn't happened, I've just checked into this again because we have seen all the chat on social media. The rules have not changed in ten years."

She also suggested that human error might account for why some passengers previously skirted around checks and are only now being scrutinised more carefully.

Jade added: "What may be happening, is that people that have got through a few times before because they were not closely checked have finally got that check. It's a system operated by humans so it can differ from flight to flight, airport to airport. But no, we haven't secretly replaced the bag sizers at the gates. Just look at them the next time you fly, they usually look like they've got a fair bit of use over a long time!" Ryanair continues to enforce its decade-long luggage policy.

According to Ryanair's website, a statement reads: "Extra/oversized Baggage will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee at the level set out in our Regulations. Ryanair accepts no responsibility for oversized or excess Baggage which is refused at the boarding gate and subsequently abandoned by you.