Ryanair, the ‘low-cost’ airline, has announced it will start charging most passengers extra for luggage check-in during the peak season flights in June, July, August, September and during the Christmas holidays. It will be increasing the cost of taking luggage, a requirement for most people travelling on holiday) by the amount of €20-25 per bag for all on-line reservations from Thursday 15th December 2011, as released in a company statement. The airline will increase the cost of check-in customers who have purchased their tickets through Ryanairs website or by telephone to €60 from the current cost of €35. During low seasons, from October to May, the cost will remain unchanged at €15.

In addition to this increase, Ryanair will start charging passengers €60 to print their own boarding passes at the airport. This is an increase from the current €40. According to the company, these measures are intended to encourage passengers to travel with “light luggage”.