This airline will CHARGE you to use the overhead lockers

For the record, I am NOT one of those travellers that wheels a massive suitcase onto the plane as “cabin baggage” and then attempts to shove it into the overhead lockers just to save a few bucks. 

But apparently loads of people are. And one British airline is over it.

From February 2021, easyJet will charge travellers to place a bag in the overhead lockers.

Under the airline’s new baggage policy passengers can bring ONE bag free of charge on board. But it must fit under the seat in front and be no larger than 45x36x20cm.

Shrinking bags

For years, easyJet passengers have been allowed one bag on board free of charge. It could be 56x45x25 and it could be stored in the overhead locker.

The new rules half the on-board baggage allowance from about 63 litres to 32 litres.

According to easyJet, the smaller bag allowance is still large enough for passengers to “bring all the essentials for their journey or enough for a short trip”.

It’s also worth noting that the airline does not have a weight limit on the bags. So you can stuff all your heaviest items into the onboard luggage.

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The exceptions

Of course there are exceptions. And of course, they come with extra money spent. 

If you book an Up front or Extra Legroom seat you can bring your small cabin bag plus a larger second bag on board.

If you are an easyJet plus member or you pay more for a flexible fare, you can also have an extra bag in the overhead compartment.

Growing trend

EasyJet isn’t the only airline to start charging for cabin baggage.

Ryanair only allows passengers a small bag on board and anyone who wants a larger bag must opt out of priority boarding or pay extra.

Wizz Air also allows only one small bag on board and passengers who want more have to add WIZZ priority to their booking, meaning they will pay more for their flights. 

EasyJet said they made the change in order to manage the overhead locker space on the aircraft. It should also reduce queue times and other delays caused by those people who spend 10 minutes stuffing excess bags into the compartments.

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