Easyjet has announced that it will restrict its free hand baggage allowance to “improve boarding and punctuality”.
The new policy will be applied to passengers travelling from February 10, 2021, with customers flying on standard fares having to pay an extra fee for an overhead cabin bag.
Currently, passengers are allowed to store cabin bags measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm in an overhead locker. From February 10, 2021, passengers will only be allowed to bring onboard one small bag measuring up to 45 x 36 x 20cm, provided that it fits under the seat in front of them. There will continue to be no weight limit for any cabin baggage.
Customers who have booked an ‘up front’ or ‘extra legroom’ seat can bring an additional large cabin bag onboard, with the cost of an upgrade starting at £7.99 one-way. There are between 42 and 63 of these seats available to book on each flight depending on the aircraft type.
Easyjet Plus cardholders and Flexi fare customers will also be allowed to take two bags onboard, provided that there is enough space on the aircraft.
The airline cites the limited overhead locker space as a reason for the change in policy, and claims that it will “reduce queue times during boarding and other associated delays which occur due to putting excess cabin bags in the hold”.
Passengers that already have a booking for travel on or after February 10 will be offered the airline’s Hands Free product, whereby they can check in a large cabin bag free-of-charge and also bring a small under-seat bag onboard. Should passengers wish to carry a large bag onboard, they will need to upgrade their tickets.
Robert Carey, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer for Easyjet, said:
“Punctuality is important to our customers and we know that if they have their bags placed into the hold at the gate due to the limited space onboard this can cause flight delays, and it can be frustrating for them too. Our new policy will improve boarding and punctuality for everyone, as well as give our customers certainty of what they will have with them onboard.
“For families, we’ll continue to provide a number of options to allow them to bring additional items free of charge, helping keep travel easy and affordable for families when they fly with us.”
