The carrier is pitching the move as a push to improve on-time performance, but easyJet‘s new hand baggage policy looks an awful lot like an ancillary revenue push. While all travelers are still permitted a free cabin bag the allowance will shrink for travel from 10 February 2021, now limited to a smaller, under-seat carry-on.
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. – Robert Carey, Chief Commercial & Customer Officer for easyJet
Buy up for a bigger bag
The new policy allows for a second, larger carry-on bag that can be stored in the overhead bins, but only for passengers that pay a bit extra.
Passengers who pay for the Up front or extra legroom seating products will be permitted the second, larger bag on board. Additionally, travelers on FLEXI fares or easyJet Plus cardholders can also carry on the larger bag, though the airline makes clear this is “subject to available locker space.”
The easyJet Plus card affords members the ability to select Up front or Extra Legroom seats at the time of booking, while FLEXI fares can get Up front free of charge.
And if this induces a few more passengers to buy the easyJet Plus card, becoming more loyal to the carrier in general, then that’s an added bonus for the company.
For those already holding tickets for travel after the 10 February cutoff the carrier will be offered a complimentary checked bag to account for the new policy, or they can pay the up-charge to secure the extra allowance on board.
Never miss another post: Sign up for email alerts and get only the content you want direct to your inbox.
