Parents make toddlers drag cases to avoid fees, says Ryanair

Neil Sorahan believes holidaymakers are using their children, entitled from the age of two to travel free of charge with a 10kg suitcase, as well as a second small bag, to spread the load of their luggage and avoid checked and excess luggage fees.

Hugh Morris

Parents are making their toddlers drag suitcases past staff at airport gates to avoid paying baggage fees, Ryanair's chief financial officer has said.

Neil Sorahan believes holidaymakers are using their children, entitled from the age of two to travel free of charge with a 10kg suitcase, as well as a second small bag, to spread the load of their luggage and avoid checked and excess luggage fees.

Mr Sorahan said the airline could review its baggage allowance and fees after he agreed that some passengers were "taking the p***".

Ryanair began allowing customers to bring along an additional smaller cabin bag free of charge in October 2013 as part of an attempt to improve its image.

"I've seen two-year-olds wheeling a bag up to a plane as people try to take advantage," he said.

Sink

"We're very generous with our cabin baggage allowance; a 10kg case and a second small carry-on.

"If everyone does that, there's no issue. It's the people coming with the kitchen sink that could change the policy.

"The vast majority of people play by the rules but some don't. Unfortunately, some bring massive backpacks and things that don't fit under the seat. We've been a little bit lax ... we are victims of our own niceness."

A spokesperson for Ryanair confirmed Mr Sorahan's comments.