€8 for hand luggage on Ryanair 'to speed up departures'

Ryanair has changed its hand luggage rules from today by introducing charges for passengers flying with a small suitcase.

It said the measure is necessary to reduce delays.

In January, Ryanair began a policy which saw passengers who had not bought priority boarding permitted to take a "personal bag" - such as a handbag - on board while a second, larger bag - such as a wheelie suitcase weighing up to 10kg - could be put in the hold free of charge.

But it said this resulted in up to 120 bags being tagged at boarding gates for each flight, meaning departures were disrupted.

Ryanair has now changed its rules by no longer allowing any luggage in the hold free of charge.

Passengers have to pay €8 to check in a 10kg bag.

The previous lowest price for checked luggage was €25 for up to 20kg, which remains an option for those with heavier cases.

The maximum size of "personal bags" allowed on board has been increased by 40%.

A statement on the airline's website read: "Main benefits of this new policy will be reduced flight delays and cheaper checked bag option. Pack more liquids into a 10kg checked wheelie bag. Walk to the boarding gate hands free."

Ryanair insists it does not expect to make more money from the new rules, as it will lose revenue from passengers with checked bags switching from the €25 fee to the €8 option.