Travel and Weight Interesting Observations

A couple of interesting observations regarding air travel. I had two flights; easyJet to Liverpool and on to Riga via Ryanair so needed my baggage to be within the Ryanair weight limits; hold bag 15kg and hand luggage 10kg.

First of all, I wouldn't rely on Ryanair allowing up to 1kg for error!  I flew back to Alicante from Stansted with my step-daughter recently, and we had weighed our cases before leaving.  When they weighed them at the airport (first time it has happened to me!), both our cases were about 1kg heavier than in the house and only just inside the limit.  OK.  We had both bought a sandwich and snack in Boots, but surely that wouldn't weigh 1kg?!  I have heard people say that Ryanair lean the other way, which may have happened with us.  My advice is to keep your hand luggage well within the limits.

Secondly, maybe you were just lucky with your passport?  I wouldn't like someone to think that a change in passport number doesn't matter and, unlike you, be turned away!

Sue

I don't know whether it has changed in the last couple of years, but usually your old passport is returned to you, along with your new one, and should bear a stamp inside saying that it has been extended/replaced by the new passport and will have the new number written.  I would also think that, if it's a new biometric passport, it will contain the information in the chip - not sure though.

Hi

If the weight of your luggage is queried ask them for the calibration certificateof the scales that usually causes a panick and then ask them to check the weight at another desk, there is usually a discrepancy between desks. This "weight discrepancy" should not occur between desks if the scales have all been calibrated at the same time. All supermarket,shops etc who sell produce by weight require by law to have their scales callibrated at regular intervals and the certificate produced should show a + - error recorded at the time. The check in desk scales will be covered by this law

Billy

Ryanair will actually allow cases up to 15.9kg without additional charge - I asked a helpful Ryanair check-in person last year and she confirmed that this was their policy.

Have since travelled with cases weighing between 15.5 - 15.9kg and not yet been charged, so this appears to be correct.  

I've also travveled with a case of 15.5kg and not been charged. I do try and stay within the limits though - and I must admit try and avoid ryanair anyway. Some times I can't resist their prices though.