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Sweet success: Ryanair gives in and permits pastries on Spanish flights
The airline came under fire for trying to charge tourists extra to carry traditional Mallorca ensaimadas on board
Budget airline Ryanair, infamous the world over for its no-nonsense luggage policies, has conceded that passengers will be allowed to carry ensaimadas, traditional Mallorcan pastries, on board its flights at no extra cost.
Representatives of the airline met with the Balearic Islands Association of Bakers and Pastry Chefs and local Tourism Minister Iago Negueruela after Ryanair boarding gate staff reportedly tried to charge two tourists 45 euros each to bring the sweet treats on a flight from Palma de Mallorca. The holidaymakers hadn’t paid for any extra baggage and the attendants claimed the pastries exceeded their allowance.
At the meeting, where all of the delegates were pictured digging in to the delicious sweet bread, the Irish carrier assured that “it has never charged” for confectionery items. Rather, Ryanair claims the passengers had brought carry-on luggage to the gate, which they hadn’t paid for in advance. It was this excess baggage, and not the ensaimadas, that they were charged for, according to the airline.
Ryanair’s luggage policy changed a few years back and these days, customers can bring a handbag or small backpack that fits under the seat on board for free. Any other bags, like wheely cabin-size cases, must be paid for before the flight. But, in a nod to the artisan bakers of the Balearics, the company will allow even those paying the cheapest rate to bring "a normal number of ensaimadas," which it considers to be one or two.
The Association of Bakers and Pastry Chefs was initially up in arms because tourists can buy the pastries in the duty free and carry these on board, which director Pep Magraner felt was undermining local craftsmen.
Following the meeting though, he said that members were “satisfied” with Ryanair’s “clear and concise” response.
Image: Ministry for Tourism
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