Priority cabin baggage?
Flying back to Blighty from the sunshine last week, EVERY item of cabin baggage was checked for size at the departure gate.
I haven't seen so much hammering, huffing and puffing since woodwork classes at my old school.
From what I could see before boarding, an enormous amount of adjustment and pocket-filling finally resulted in all the bags tested making it through.
So, is this a sign of some consistency at last?
I ask because I have seen it all in the past, from people getting on board with a case the size of a small African country to a passenger stopped and told he must put his airport-branded plastic bag containing a sandwich, newspaper and scarf into his trolley-dolley bag.
Perhaps Ryanair have decided apply their rules to everyone, on every flight.
Actually, that would be great, as we low-costers would know exactly where we stand.
Or did word come out from head office that there was a bonus available for staff for every item of over-sized hand baggage "seized" and put into the hold, making the flight just that bit more profitable? It wouldn't be the first time.
Or maybe it is just a sign that Ryanair's strategy of telling us how we should fly finally coming home to roost?
For on a busy flight, as most are during the heavily cutback low season, there just isn't enough overhead locker space for everyone to take cabin baggage only.
Sure, you can put it under the seat in front , but have you ever had to do that? It's agony.
So what is Ryanair's end game?
Well, how long until we have to pay a "Priority Cabin Baggage" charge of, say £5 per case each way, if you  want overhead storage? Sounds impossible - or is it?
Answers on a postcard, please.
See SPACED OUT MAN from May 2011 for a related post.