A warning has been issued for anyone flying on budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet this summer, as one common mistake could leave you out of pocket.
Manchester Evening News writer Rachel Pugh couldn’t believe her luck when she bagged £50 return flights from Liverpool to Barcelona. As she was only taking a carry-on bag, she had checked the dimensions carefully and didn’t think she’d have any trouble boarding.
However, she’d failed to take into account one important step, and is urging others not to make the same mistake.
She wrote: « While my actual cabin case was within the correct dimensions, what I hadn’t realised, was that my wheels and handle were part of these. As such, I was fined to fly both there and back – and it’s fair to say it ate into the small holiday budget I’d allocated.
« I was upset, but knowing there was nothing I could do about it at the boarding gate, I was forced to cough up. Since then, I’ve never made the same mistake, and now I’m overly cautious about the bags I take on board budget airlines. »
Now, Rachel’s preferred cabin case for budget airlines is Antler’s Icon Stripe Cabin in Taupe, which isn’t cheap at £175, but has saved her a considerable amount of money in hand luggage fines.
She noted: « I’ve taken it on TUI, Ryanair and Jet2 flights, and have never had an issue. It also fits in plenty of outfits, shoes and accessories – and helps to satisfy my overpacking cravings. »
easyJet’s standard baggage policy allows all passengers to bring one small under seat bag on board free of charge, according to Birmingham Live. The bag must fit under the seat in front of you and can’t exceed 45x36x20cm, such as this Chelsea Overnight Bag from luxury suitcase brand Antler.
A secondary rule stipulates that this bag measurement must include any wheels and handles. easyJet uses baggage sizers at its check-in desks and airport gates and passengers may be asked to place their bag inside to prove that it fits.
If the main body of the bag fits but handles, wheels or straps are poking out and cannot be tucked away, passengers may still be charged. easyJet’s £48 Airport Bag Fee applies to any small hand luggage bag or large hand luggage bag that is found to be over that person’s paid-for allowance.
easyJet urged its passengers to ‘please check the dimensions’ before leaving for the airport and added: « If you think your luggage might be bigger than your allowance, please measure it and don’t forget to include any handles and wheels, and check it against your allowed size here. If it’s too big you can add additional baggage in your account before you check in.
« If you’re told at the check-in or bag drop desk that your luggage is too big you’ll need to pay a £48 fee. If our ground crew tell you at the gate that your luggage is too big, you’ll have to pay the fee at the gate. »
easyJet is now offering a fantastic deal for those looking to upgrade to a large cabin bag, allowing them to bring aboard a suitcase as big as 56x45x25cmfor instance, the immensely popular Antler Clifton Cabin Bag that’s currently slashed by £42 in the ongoing sales.
Jet2 isn’t lagging behind either, with an advisory note to customers to pack wisely if using wheeled hand luggage or bags with handles, ensuring the complete dimensions stay within 56x45x25cm. What’s more, Jet2 generously allows all passengers to carry this size of cabin baggage as a standard amenity.
The Jet2 policy clearly states: « You can take one piece of hand luggage onboard free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cmx45cmx25cm including wheels and handles. »
Bargain hunters should also scout Amazon for the stellar five-star Lossga For Ryanair Cabin Bag 40x20x25, now only £16.89, reduced from £19.98. And there’s also the Amazon Basics Underseat Travel Suitcase featuring a Telescopic Handle and 2 In-line Skate Wheelsa steal at £59.92 from the original £79.98.
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