Budget carrier EasyJet is placing additional charges on passengers who want to use its overhead luggage lockers.
EasyJet announced changes to its luggage policy that will be implemented starting February 10, 2021, including additional charges for passengers who intends to use overhead luggage lockers.
Changes in luggage policy
Under the policy changes, which garnered criticism on social media, those who do not want to pay for the more expensive tickets will only be allowed to place a small carry-on bag under their seat.
According to the British airline, the changes are aimed at improving punctuality.
Current rules allow customers to carry a cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25 centimeters, enabling them to place small wheelie suitcases into overhead lockers.
However, under the new policy, they will only be able to fly with an additional bag of this measurements as hand luggage if they purchase a more expensive ticket such as an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat. These tickets are priced £7.99 higher than a standard fare or up to £29.99 higher on longer flights.
Passengers who will avail of a more expensive Flexi fare or are frequent flyer scheme members will still be able to take one small and one large item of hand luggage with them, depending on the free space on board.
Those with an existing booking for travel starting February 10 but do not want to pay extra will be allowed to check in a larger cabin bag in the aircraft hold for free.
Reactions to the policy changes
EasyJet's announcement received various criticism online, with some customers expressing dismay over the policy changes.
One customer called the airline's decision an "absolutely terrible move", saying: "Like Ryanair, [they are] monetizing every opportunity in a race to the bottom."
Another passenger claimed that EasyJet changed the conditions of their ticket after their purchase. The passenger tweeted: "I imagine there is some small letter in the terms to allow you to do it, but it is not right is it?"
On the other hand, some customers embraced the change, arguing that it would free up storage space.
EasyJet's chief commercial and customer officer Robert Carey pointed out: "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," he claimed.
Coronavirus' impact
Prior to the pandemic, Easyjet differentiated itself using its luggage allowance.
The British airline posted its first annual loss in its 25 years of operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
EasyJet reported an annual loss of £1.27 billion for the year ending September 30 due to the dramatic decline of revenues as the coronavirus pandemic continued to impact air travel globally.
In October, the airline warned that it expects a pre-tax loss of between £815 million to £845 million in the current financial year, which is worse than the £794 million loss in analysts’ forecasts. However, the actual numbers were much worse.
EasyJet also said that it expects to operate at just 25% of normal capacity into next year. This was despite the airline saying in a trading update that it had taken tough measures to cut costs.
EasyJet chief executive officer (CEO) Johan Lundgren said: "Aviation continues to face the most severe threat in its history and the UK government urgently needs to step up with a bespoke package of measures to ensure airlines are able to support economic recovery when it comes."
