An easyJet passenger was recently charged an additional £48 fee at the boarding gate due to a simple oversight involving the wheels of his suitcase. The incident occurred on a flight from Glasgow to London, highlighting a common mistake that many travellers make when measuring their cabin baggage.
The Mistake: Forgetting to Measure Wheels and Handles
As the passenger attempted to place his suitcase into easyJet's baggage sizer—a frame used to verify luggage dimensions—the bag would not fit properly. The problem? The wheels extended beyond the allowed size, causing the bag to exceed the limit by a small margin. Despite disputing the decision, the passenger was required to pay the fee before boarding.
Why This Matters for Travellers
This incident serves as a timely reminder, especially with the summer holidays approaching. Many travellers focus only on the main body of their suitcase, forgetting that wheels and handles are included in the maximum dimensions. To avoid unexpected charges, always measure your entire bag, including all protruding parts.
EasyJet's Response
In response to inquiries, easyJet stated: “EasyJet’s bag policy is well understood and all customers can bring one small under-seat bag for free. We provide clear information on bag allowances including dimensions when booking, via email before travel and on our boarding passes, and our ground handlers check bags to ensure they will fit in the cabin, and in fairness to customers who have paid to bring additional bags.”
Cabin Bag Allowance Explained
According to easyJet's policy, every passenger can bring one small under-seat cabin bag free of charge. The maximum dimensions for this bag are 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including any handles and wheels. The bag must weigh no more than 15 kg and fit under the seat in front of you.
For those who wish to bring a large cabin bag (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including handles and wheels), this can be booked for an additional fee. EasyJet Plus members or passengers with an Inclusive Plus fare can bring both a large and a small cabin bag as part of their benefits.
EasyJet advises that purchasing bags online is cheaper and helps avoid airport charges or the risk of having cabin luggage placed in the hold.
How to Avoid Fees
To prevent similar charges, easyJet recommends using its bag-sizing tool available in the iOS app. Passengers can open the app, navigate to their trip itinerary, and use the tool to check if their bag fits within the allowed dimensions. However, the airline notes that the tool should only be used as a guide, and measuring with a tape measure before travel is the most reliable method.
If your bag does not fit, you can change your seat or add hold luggage through the app or Manage Bookings section. Remember, charges apply if your cabin bag is too large or if you bring a large cabin bag without pre-booking.
