Ryanair raises peak time bag fees

Travellers flying with Ryanair are facing higher baggage charges, with the airline almost doubling some of its fees for peak travel periods.

Those who choose to book and pay for their checked bags through the call centre or at the airport will see the fee rise significantly, with an additional €25 to pay. That brings the fee to €60 per bag.

However, passengers who book and pay for their checked bags when they make a booking online will face a hike of only €5 to €25.

The increased charges will apply to bookings made from December 15th, and only for travel in what Ryanair deems peak periods - June, July, August and September 2012, as well as Christmas 2012.

Ryanair said it is trying to "incentivise" passengers to travel light, and to pay online, and says the fees are "avoidable". It claimed more than 70 per cent of its passengers will be unaffected by the higher charges.

The fee for off-peak travel remains €15 per bag booked online.

The no-frills airline is also increasing the penalty for those who fail to print their own boarding card. From January 15th, Ryanair will charge €60 to reissue the travel document.

The airline claims that less than 10 people per day are being charged the current penalty rate of €40 for printing the card at the airport.