Ryanair baggage policy: Airline introduces new restrictions on cabin luggage

Ryanair will no longer allow passengers to take a small suitcase on its planes for free, with new charges for 10kg case being introduced.

From November, customers will still be allowed to take one "small personal bag" into the cabin, as long as it fits under the seat in front.

But they will have to pay £6 if they also want to take a 10kg bag, such as a pull-along suitcase, on board with them.

The airline said it was making the change as planes were being delayed as passengers brought too much hand luggage.

Rivals easyJet, Wizz and Norwegian Air Shuttle currently all allow a medium-sized piece of hand luggage for free on short-haul flights.

Ryanair said it does not expect to make additional revenue as checking in a 10kg bag under the new system is significantly cheaper than the current cost of checking in a bag.

It also said it was increasing the size allowed for all bags.

Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair's chief marketing officer, told the BBC that the new policy "will speed up boarding and cut flight delays" by encouraging people to travel light or to check-in a medium-sized bag.