Found the Holy Grail of Cheap Travel Bags (And It's Not Where You'd Think)

By HOAR Team 6 June, 2025 5 mins read 101 Views

Listen, I've been burned by airline baggage fees more times than I care to admit.

Last month alone, I watched three people ahead of me at Gatwick get absolutely roasted by Ryanair staff for bags that were maybe – MAYBE – 2cm too big. The woman in front of me started crying when they slapped her with a £25 fee. It was brutal to watch.

But here's where it gets interesting. While everyone's been obsessing over Primark's £12 underseat bag (which, don't get me wrong, is decent), Robert Dyas has been quietly selling something even better for £7.99.

Listen to the Content

Why I Almost Missed This Gem

Robert Dyas isn't exactly the first place you think of for travel gear, right? I stumbled across their underseat cabin bag completely by accident while looking for a new kettle online. (Don't ask – mine exploded last Tuesday and I'm still finding pieces of plastic in weird places.)

The bag comes in black with red accents, and honestly? It looks way more expensive than eight quid. My mate Sarah saw it and immediately assumed I'd spent at least £30 on it.

Dimensions are spot-on for Ryanair's ridiculous requirements: H:25 x W:40 x D:5 cm. I've tested this thing on four flights now, and not once have I gotten the stink-eye from gate staff.

What Actually Makes It Worth Your Money

The 20L capacity is genuinely impressive. I managed to fit:

Three days worth of clothes, toiletries, my laptop charger, a book, snacks, and still had room for the duty-free chocolate I definitely didn't need but bought anyway. The front zip pocket is perfect for your passport and boarding pass – no more frantic digging while holding up the queue.

One customer review that made me laugh: "Managed to ram more into it than I envisaged." Same, mate. Same.

The adjustable shoulder strap actually stays put too, which is more than I can say for half the bags I've owned. And there's this clever sleeve on the back that slides over your suitcase handle if you're bringing checked luggage.

The Ryanair Reality Check

Here's the thing about Ryanair – they're not messing around anymore.

I watched a guy argue for ten minutes about his "small" backpack last week. Ten minutes! The staff just stood there with their little measuring cage thing, completely unmoved by his increasingly desperate explanations about how it "usually fits fine."

Poor guy ended up paying £35 to check it. For a backpack that probably cost him £20 originally.

This Robert Dyas bag slides under the seat like it was designed specifically for Ryanair's torture dimensions. Which, let's be honest, it probably was.

Why This Beats Primark's Version

Don't get me wrong – Primark's £12 bag is solid. But paying £4 less for something that's arguably better quality? That's a win in my book.

The polyester feels sturdier, the zips don't stick, and it comes with a one-year guarantee. When's the last time Primark offered you a guarantee on anything?

Plus, and this might sound weird, but it doesn't scream "budget travel bag" the way some cheaper options do. Sometimes you want to blend in a bit, you know?

One reviewer summed it up perfectly: "Very sturdy, great quality bag. Amazing price. Perfect for Ryanair's ridiculously stringent sizing policy."

Couldn't have said it better myself. Though I might have added a few more colorful adjectives about Ryanair's policies.

At £7.99, this thing pays for itself the first time you avoid those brutal gate fees. Trust me on this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

How does inflation affect the value of money?

Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

What are credit scores and why are they important?

Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.

What is the role of central banks in the economy?

Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

Statistics

In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.

External Links

How To

How To Manage Debt Wisely

Managing debt wisely involves understanding your financial obligations and creating a structured repayment plan. Begin by listing all debts from smallest to largest, including interest rates and minimum payments. Consider using the snowball method, where you focus on paying off the smallest debts first, which can provide motivation. Alternatively, the avalanche method prioritizes debts with the highest interest rates to minimize overall interest paid. Make consistent payments above the minimum on your chosen debts while maintaining regular payments on others. Additionally, consider consolidating high-interest debts into a single loan with a lower rate, which can simplify your payments and reduce interest costs.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/that-random-corner-shop-from-open-all-hours-yeah-it-just-sold-for-peanuts