EasyJet scraps free luggage allowance for thousands of passengers

EASYJET has scrapped the free luggage allowance policy for thousands of passengers.

Bosses at the budget airline have removed its check-in baggage allowance from city break packages in a shock to holidaymakers.

a group of people boarding an easyjet plane
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Easyjet has scrapped the free luggage allowance policy for thousands of passengers[/caption]
a man standing next to a sign that says easyjet
Alamy
Passengers will now have to pay extra to carry luggage on top of a small cabin bag[/caption]

Instead, passengers can now only take underseat cabin bags instead of checking according to the new luggage policy that came into effect on August 7.

Bosses say the move was to “make our packages even better with lower pricing”, TravelGossip reports.

Passengers previously had 23kgs in free luggage allowance to carry check-in bags.

It is understood the new change has only been made to EasyJet‘s city break packages – and other tour combos still include the free check-ion luggage policy.

In a statement, easyJet Holidays said: “We pride ourselves on delivering brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices, so we continuously listen to our customers and travel agent partners on what would make our packages even better. 

“Our customers have told us that 23kg for city breaks isn’t always necessary, which is why from 7 August 2024 our city break holidays will include flights and hotel accommodation as standard, and an option of adding large cabin bags and hold luggage for a fee. 

“The savings made through not attaching a bag to the booking will be applied to the overall holiday cost, and the optional large cabin bags and hold luggage extras are an opportunity for our travel agent partners to earn more commission on their booking.”

If passengers choose to pay for extra luggage, they can do so by visiting the Easyjet holiday website where large cabin bags are priced at £5.99 one way and a 23kg bag at £9.49 one way.

Hand luggage rules for UK airlines

We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.

Ryanair

One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm

EasyJet

One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm

Jet2

One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg

TUI

One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg

British Airways

One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg

Virgin Atlantic

One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg

It comes after Easyjet launched a brand new route from four major airports in the UK.

It’s good news for those based in Birmingham, London, Manchester and Liverpool as the popular budget airline is rapidly expanding its journeys.

In addition to five other winter routes, airline bosses at easyJet announced their new route will fly weekly to a popular holiday destination.

From November 13, passengers can travel from Birmingham Airport to Hurghada, a beach resort in Egypt.

Flights will operate every Wednesday throughout the winter, as reported by Birmingham Live.

They will also include package holiday deals.

If Egypt is not on the agenda this year, easyJet’s other new routes include Krakow, Reykjavik Innsbruck, Prague and Marrakech.

The additional routes are part of easyJet’s huge expansion at BHX.

Tom Screen, aviation director at Birmingham Airport, said: “easyJet and easyJet holidays have had an incredible start since launching the airline’s new base from Birmingham Airport only this March”

This new route to Hurghada takes the choice of destinations up to 33 for customers from their local airport, with a choice of flight only, or full package holidays, there is something for everyone.”

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager added: “We’re delighted to be launching another new service to Egypt from Birmingham, providing our customers in the Midlands with even more choices for a winter sun holiday as well as a range of fantastic value easyJet holidays’ stunning beach resorts and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

16 EasyJet tips and tricks

MoneySavingExpert, founded by Martin Lewis, has revealed 16 of its best tips and tricks to avoid paying extra fees when travelling with EasyJet.

See a full list of ways to save MORE at the budget airline:

  1. You can pay to bring a second larger bag on board from £5.99
  2. Increase your hand luggage allowance with a shopping bag
  3. Pay for a first-row seat and get extra legroom and an additional bag for the price of one
  4. Pack your on-flight belongings in a squishable holdall
  5. Book tickets when they’re released
  6. Become an EasyJet Plus or Flight Club member to take advantage of free refund trick
  7. Check-in 30 days in advance for a better seat at no extra cost
  8. Board earlier to ensure you snag space in locker above you
  9. Pay the right way, using a credit card, for protection
  10. Don’t rely on using EasyJet to book extras – including car hire, hotels, and travel insurance
  11. Be smart when packing – you might be able to fit more than you think in your bags
  12. Pay in advance for checked baggage
  13. Wear your luggage if necessary
  14. Pack food, rather than pay sky-high prices for sky-high food
  15. Always compare EasyJet prices with that of other airlines
  16. Check to see if you might be owed compensation for delayed flights