I was left with exactly the same dilemma earlier this year. In the end I decided to risk it and purchase the Berghaus bag anyway. Happy to report I successfully used it as cabin baggage on a Ryanair flight with no problems. Happy travelling!

Chris Conlan, Manchester, United Kingdom

Being the meanest, sharpest airline in the business Ryanair will take a penny from you in any way they can. don't risk it. If you need any convincing, visit the passengers' feedback section at www.airlinequality.com

John Arnold, London,

Whether or not you are charged for excess luggage (or too large hand luggage) really depends on the person checking you in and what sort of mood that person is in.

Morry Green, London, UK

Don't call a premium number!!
Check out: saynoto0870.com for alternative numbers.
For Ryanair you can try: 00353 12497791. This is a number in Ireland, but if you have a cheap phone provider it will work out less expensive than a premium number.

Harry Brauer, Southend, UK

On a recent flight to France Ryanair changed the gate number at the last minute by the time I got there I was almost the last person in the long queue to board. My three and five year old children and myself were all sat separately for the flight. Who would of assisted them in an emergency!!

caroline pope, Blackbrn, UK

Flying to Nantes from Liverpool the usual security packing questions were not asked but the staff made a fuss about our hand luggage not squeezing into the bagometer. We chanced it and saved £40. It depends on the security staff on duty and their mood, Ryan Air admitted that themselves.

Georgia Nelson, Nantes, France

At a recent flight on Ryanair from East Midlands TO Krakow they visually checked all bags and any dubious ones were checked physically by Ryanair staff in the gauge.This was very stressful for some people and rather pointless as they had no time to check it in.No limit at Krakow on outbound.

paulreece, krakow,

I'm still waiting for a refund for a flight they cancelled on the 9th September. The email i recieved which went into my spam folder promised a refund within 7 working days. Still waiting!

Attempts to contact them refer you to a premium rate phone line!

Lisa wilkie, Kirkcaldy, fife

Yes , well it is better to keep that information to your self as they may start looking.If you are checking in online and they send you back, you will be charged the check in fee.Not just for you but everyone on your ticket. Is it legal that they charge a card fee per person per flight?

Sarah Doig, london,

On most of my recent Ryanair flights I have checked in online with handbaggage only. No-one down at the departure gates seems to care as long as the hand luggage looks as if it approximately the right shape and size.

Bergman Coffey, Belfast,