The new Ryanair hand luggage policy starts next week

It's time.

The controversial changes to Ryanair's baggage policy are coming into effect from next week. The new policy means that pretty soon, most of us will have to do without bringing two bags as hand luggage on Ryanair flights. The airline has issued a reminder that from next Monday, 15 January, all non-Priority passengers with two bags at the boarding gate will have to put their bigger bags in the hold for free. It's not all bad news as Ryanair had made some other changes to soften this blow. Its check-in bag allowance has increased from 15kg to 20kg and checking in a bag will now cost €25, down from €35. The airline says the changes are necessary as "too many customers were availing of Ryanair’s improved two free carry-on bags service." The over-loading of planes with hand luggage has caused boarding and flight delays, it added. The changes should mean passengers will be able to board and get off planes more quickly, though they'll then have to wait for their luggage to be taken out of the hold. From next Monday on, only priority customers will be able to bring two pieces of hand luggage onto flights. If you really don't want to put your bags in the hold, it's probably worth considering. You can choose priority boarding at the time of booking for an extra €5 or add it to your booking for €6 up to half an hour before departure time on the Ryanair app.