Low-cost carrier Ryanair says it aims to test a new service allowing passengers to fly with unlimited baggage, as long as they can bring it to the aircraft departure gate.
The prospect of Ryanair passengers taking their own baggage to the aircraft was first reported in May last year (see online news May 12, 2009), but the carrier now appears to br seriously considering the idea. On page 7 of the airline’s latest in-flight magazine, a notice entitled “Ryanair cost-saving proposal” reads:
“Ryanair may soon allow passengers to bring umlimited baggage, as long as they can bring it to the aircraft departure gate. Passengers will be allowed to bring one piece of hand baggage (10kg) onto the aircraft. Baggage handlers will load their remaining bags directly into the hold of the aircraft and place them at the bottom of the aircraft stairs upon arrival for retrieval by passengers.”
The carrier says that the benefits of the service would include “no more lost bags”, and “no more waiting at bag drop areas or at baggage carousels”, adding that “this will allow greater eficiencies and cost savings, which will lead to lower fares for all passengers”.
Ryanair says that it aims to test the proposal on selected routes by winter 2010. For more information visit ryanair.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
