Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has said the airline still expects to cut ticket prices over the winter but plans to increase charges for passengers checking in luggage. He was speaking after Ryanair announced new routes from Dublin and Cork to France.
Mr O'Leary said baggage charges would go up again next year, 'probably some time in advance of the summer'. He added that prices would continue to rise until only about 50% of passengers were checking in luggage.
Passengers who pre-book baggage that they want to check in to the hold via Ryanair's web site currently pay €6 for the first bag and €12 for each additional item. Those who do not book checked baggage online pay the full rate of €12 on every item.
Ryanair is hoping to keep down costs by encouraging people to travel with hand luggage only. Mr O'Leary said the company's projection for a decline in ticket prices during the European winter months was unchanged from previous guidance.
The three new Dublin services announced today, which start next April, are to Brest, Rodez and Tours. The new Cork route is to Carcassonne. This will operate three times weekly from the end of May until the first week in September.
