*****UPDATE: news is now emerging that Italy’s antitrust watchdog has blocked Ryanair’s and Wizz Air’s new hand baggage policies. To join in the discussion on our forum click here.*****
Today (November 1) sees changes take effect for the hand luggage allowances of two of Europe’s largest carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air.
As previously reported, Ryanair is limiting non-priority customers to one small piece of carry-on luggage, measuring a maximum of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.
Non-priority customers wishing to take a larger wheelie bag on their flight can now purchase a new 10kg limit for £8 at the time of booking (£10 when added after the time of booking), but note that this bag must be checked in at bag drop.
Priority customers will continue to be able to carry on two pieces of hand luggage – the small carry-on bag, and the larger 10kg bag.
Ryanair says that 60 per cent of its customers will not be affected by the changes, “since 30 per cent of customers already buy Priority Boarding and 30 per cent already travel with only one free (small) carry-on bag.
Meanwhile similar new Wizz Air restrictions also come into force today, with standard passengers entitled to take on board one small piece of luggage measuring no more than 40sm x 30cm x 20cm.
Priority customers can also carry on a trolley bag up to 55cm x 40cm x 23cm in size, and a new 10kg checked luggage allowance has been introduced costing from €7.
Wizz Air said that the new policy was aimed at decreasing baggage-related delays, adding that “The airline’s new clear and fair baggage policy is the policy of choices for our passengers as it allows Wizz customers to choose among more than 50 carry-on and checked in baggage variations based on their individual preferences”.
