Ryanair to charge for checked baggage but cut costs elsewhere

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

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European low-cost carrier Ryanair, known for a) its very low fares, and b) its cattle-car-style seats, is making news again with another move that affects our wallets. The carrier announced yesterday it will begin charging about $4 for each piece of baggage checked online beginning March 16, and twice that amount for each piece of baggage checked at the airport. To offset the new fee, the airline says it will reduce fares across-the-board by nine percent.

Translated, this means if you can travel light—with just a carry-on bag, for example—you’re in for further savings on the carrier’s already cheap short-haul European routes. If not, expect to pay higher fares than the person sitting next to you.

No matter how you look at the issue for consumers, the clear winner here is Ryanair. The carrier is unlikely to lose any customers over the move (its prices are still low even with the baggage fee), and if it’s successful in steering passengers to travel lighter and check in online, it will also significantly reduce its airport costs. Count me among those who think other airlines may soon follow suit.

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