Ryanair Passenger Charged £50 for Water Bottle in Gate Dispute
Ruby Flanagan, a passenger on a Ryanair flight to Dublin, was shocked to find herself charged a €60 (£49.95) fee by the airline for carrying a water bottle. Known for its low ticket prices and extra charges, Ryanair’s baggage policy caught Ruby off guard during her journey. Opting for a “non-priority” £35.86 return ticket which allowed for a small bag under the seat, Ruby had her trusted backpack with her. However, on her return journey from Dublin, she was stopped by a Ryanair staff member at the gate for carrying the water bottle outside her bag.
Despite the fact that her bag complied with Ryanair’s size requirements and fit under the seat without any issues, Ruby was informed that she would need to pay extra to board the flight. She questioned why she couldn’t carry the water bottle in her hand, as she had done on her outbound journey, but was told it needed to fit in her bag due to policy restrictions. This led to a frustrating ordeal as other passengers also faced similar challenges, with some attempting to argue their case without success.
Ultimately, with the flight gate closing in 15 minutes, Ruby felt compelled to pay the £50 charge to board the flight and avoid missing it. This decision left her feeling shaken and frustrated as she rushed to her seat just before departure. Reflecting on the experience, she realised it would have been more cost-effective to discard the water bottle and purchase a new one upon landing for £25.
After lodging a complaint with Ryanair about the incident, she received a response reiterating the airline’s baggage policy without offering a resolution to her concerns. Disappointed by the lack of clarity, Ruby decided to pursue the matter further by reaching out to Ryanair’s press team for clarification. She sought to understand the rationale behind the policy and whether exceptions were made for items like neck pillows, scarves, and umbrellas attached to bags.
Despite facing resistance from the airline, Ruby has remained persistent in seeking answers and clarification on Ryanair’s policies. While Ryanair defended the charge, stating that Ruby had violated their baggage rules by carrying an additional item outside her bag allowance, she remains determined to shed light on the incident and potentially make changes for future passengers facing similar situations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the hidden costs that passengers may encounter while flying with budget airlines like Ryanair. By sharing her experience, Ruby highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to airlines’ policies to avoid unexpected charges or disputes at the boarding gate. As she continues to seek clarity from Ryanair, her story underscores the need for transparency and consistency in airline regulations to ensure a smoother travel experience for all passengers.