EasyJet's chief executive has strongly criticised a proposed European Union regulation that would mandate free carry-on luggage for all passengers, warning it would lead to higher ticket prices and operational chaos. The airline boss described the plan as a 'lunatic idea' that politicians are pushing without understanding the industry.
Current Baggage Rules
At present, passengers flying on basic fares with easyJet and Ryanair are restricted to one small personal item, with any additional luggage incurring extra fees. Following changes to EU regulations last year, Ryanair increased the maximum dimensions of its personal bags to 40 x 30 x 20cm, a 20% boost from the previous 40 x 20 x 25cm. EasyJet's personal bag specifications already met these requirements, so no adjustment was needed.
Proposed EU Changes
Further EU regulatory shifts could allow travellers to bring both a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm (combined dimensions) and a personal bag without additional charges. In February, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to grant all passengers the right to carry a small case in addition to the current free under-seat bag. The proposal would permit one personal item (handbag, rucksack, or laptop) and one small piece of hand luggage with a maximum combined size of 100cm and weight up to seven kilograms.
The reforms require approval from the European Council before becoming law. If enacted, they would apply to all travellers flying to or from an EU airport on an EU-based airline, directly affecting the majority of short-haul flights departing from the UK.
EasyJet's Response
While passengers might view this as a positive development, easyJet has condemned the proposals. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis insisted that granting all passengers the right to extra free carry-on luggage would be 'crazy' and 'terrible for the consumer'. He accused politicians of 'completely not understanding their subject and getting involved with things they shouldn't'.
'There just isn't the space in the cabin, so that's another lunatic idea,' Jarvis said. 'We would go back to the days of having to offload cabin bags and put them in the hold – it was one of the number one causes of delayed boarding in the old days.'
Baggage fees account for a significant portion of easyJet's more than £2.5bn in annual ancillary revenue. Jarvis warned that if the rules change, these costs 'would have to be passed on' through increased fares for all passengers.
