Traveling by plane is far from just packing and taking the flight. Airlines, especially low -cost, impose strict rules on the size of hand luggage, and many passengers end up paying dearly for ignoring or ignoring these limitations. This is what happened to a British passenger who refused to accept the extra rate required by Ryanair, and had an unusual solution.
A company with inflexible rules
Ryanair is known for its tight policy with regard to luggage. Prior to boarding, employees often see if the bags comply with the required measures, and any item exceeding the boundaries can cost dozens of additional euros to the passenger.
In the case of British Natalie Sadler, the difference in bag size was minimal but enough to generate problems on the part of Ryanair. The company required a rate of 70 euros to allow the bag to transport the Leeds flight to the Mallorca palm.
A garbage bag and a lot of creativity
Faced with Ryanair’s requirement, the British refused to pay. He headed for a coffee at Leeds airport and asked for a trash bag. He removed the contents of the suitcase, put everything in the bag, and spotted it in order to respect the permitted dimensions. He took the bag to his shoulder and introduced himself again at the boarding door.
According to herself, quoted by the Daily Mail, the attitude surprised all those who were there. “I told them that, after the way the employee told me, I wouldn’t give my money at all. At all,” he said.
Applause and indignation
Natalie’s boldness eventually pulled applause from the other passengers. Despite losing his suitcase, he felt that he did justice on his own. “I’m a problem solving, and I decided. I was furious. I just had to laugh. As much as it bothered me, it’s a suitcase, no one died,” he concluded with humor.
The gesture has become viral and fueled the debate on low-cost airline practices, which many consider abusive, especially in such a limit cases.
New European legislation on the table
Coincidence or not, a few days before this episode, European Union transportation ministers approved a proposal that reviews passengers’ rights in European airspace.
This renovation, awaited for over ten years, brings significant changes, says the same source.
The proposal aims to widen compensation in case of flight disturbances, but there is a particular point that is generating controversy: the formalization of the possibility of charging for hand baggage that does not fit under the seat.
Not all countries agree
Portugal, Spain, Germany and Slovenia voted against the proposal. These countries dispute the legitimacy given to companies to charge for bags that go to the upper compartments, even if the space in the cabin allows it.
Despite the opposition, the measure has passed, and with this, companies gain legal backing to continue (or even aggravate) this type of practice. The right to free transport of a small personal item remains, but everything exceeding this volume may have a cost added.
Impact on the common passenger
In practice, this means that the typical cabin trolley can always be paid in many companies.
Free luggage will be limited to small backpacks or bags that fit under the seat. A detail that substantially changes the flight experience.
For those traveling frequently, this is a change that can significantly weigh on the budget. In addition, it increases the risk of situations such as Natalie’s lived.
Creativity against unexpected rates
According to, while the legislation does not stabilizes, some passengers continue to improvise. Cases like Natalie’s show that sometimes creativity is the only way out. The episode also raises questions about proportionality, customer communication and the role of companies in conflict management.
Whether by garbage bags or protests, passengers are increasingly attentive and less willing to accept certain impositions without question.
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