A few weeks ago, I boarded a flight from Glasgow to London, and while queuing, a fellow passenger was pulled aside and hit with an unexpected charge. And it could be a mistake many travellers simply don’t consider.
Clearly unhappy with the situation and disputing the decision, the member of staff asked him to place his suitcase into the easyJet’s baggage sizer – a frame used to confirm whether luggage meets the permitted dimensions.
When he attempted to slot the suitcase into the frame, it wouldn’t fit properly. The culprit? The wheels. This caused the bag to exceed the size limit ever so slightly and the bag failed to meet the requirements. The man was left with no choice but to pay an additional £48 fee before being allowed to board.
Why does this matter? This is a simple and timely reminder to always measure your entire bag, wheels and handle included, not just the main body of the case. It’s an easy oversight that catches many travellers off guard, and with the summer holidays fast approaching, the last thing anyone needs is a fee.
View 3 ImagesIt happened on an easyJet flight from Glasgow to London(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In response to our inquiry about this situation, easyJet said: “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.”
According to easyJet ‘s cabin bag policy, “everyone can bring one small under seat cabin bag per person on board for free.
“It can be a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels) and must be kept under the seat in front of you. Your bag can weigh up to 15kg, but we do ask that you’re able to lift and carry it yourself.”
It adds: “If you’d also like to bring a large cabin bag on board (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including any handles and wheels), you have the option to book a large cabin bag for your flight. Every customer who books a large cabin bag can also enjoy the benefit of Speedy Boarding.”
For easyJet Plus members or those with an Inclusive Plus fare, bringing both a large cabin bag and a small one is covered as part of membership or fare perks.
It notes: “Please note that the maximum number of cabin bags available per person is two; one small cabin bag for all customers and one large cabin bag for customers if it’s included with their fare or membership benefits or where they have paid to add one to their booking.”
easyJet advises that purchasing bags online works out cheaper and helps passengers avoid airport charges or the risk of having cabin luggage placed in the hold.
View 3 ImagesA snack while waiting to board(Image: Sophie Buchan)
One small cabin bag:
- Maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm (including any handles and wheels)
- Includes items like a small trolley case, handbag, rucksack and laptop bag, but please check dimensions
- Needs to fit under the seat in front of you
- Maximum weight 15kg. You need to be able to lift and carry the bag yourself
One large cabin bag:
- Maximum size 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including any handles and wheels)
- Includes items like a trolley case and larger rucksack, but please check dimensions
- Needs to fit in an overhead locker
- Maximum weight 15kg. You need to be able to lift and carry the bag yourself
- Includes Speedy Boarding (be one of the first to board)
The budget airline warns customers: “We check cabin bag sizes before you board. If your cabin bag is bigger than the maximum size allowed or if you bring a large cabin bag to the departure gate without the correct seat selection or without one pre-booked for your flight, it won’t be able to go in the cabin.
“We’ll have to check it into the aircraft hold and charges will apply. So it’s important to check your cabin bag allowance before you travel to avoid any unexpected charges.”
You can see their Fees and Charges page for full details. It adds that if you’re unsure whether your cabin bag will fit, try using its bag-sizing tool in the app (iOS only).
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- Open the app
- Click on your trip itinerary to find the bag sizing tool
- You can then use your mobile phone camera to size your cabin bag. If it fits inside the maximum cabin bag dimensions for the bag type you’ve selected, you’re good to go
It notes: “The bag sizing tool should only be used as a guide, the best way to know if your bag will fit is by measuring it with a tape measure (the old school way) before travel.”
If it doesn’t fit, you can change your seat or hold luggage quickly and easily through its app or within its section, Manage Bookings.