easyJet passengers have been left fuming with the news that the airline is set to charge passengers who want to use the overhead lockers on its flights.
The airline has unveiled a new cabin bag policy this week in which passengers who book a standard seat will only be able to bring one small bag onboard free of charge - and it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
If you want to bring a bigger bag to put in the overhead locker, you'll need to pay extra for an Up front or Extra legroom seat.
According to the easyJet website, prices to add these seat choices can vary from £7.99-£34.99 (it depends on various factors including your flight time and route).
An Up front or Extra legroom seat allows you to bring you small cabin bag as well as a second larger bag (56x45x25cm) which can be stowed onboard.
Alternatively, passengers who want to bring a second bag can pay £7 each way per person for the airline's 'Hands Free' option which lets you check a larger cabin bag into the hold at Bag Drop. Those who already have a flight booked departing after February 10 will be offered the Hands Free package at no extra cost.
Under the new rules, passengers can bring a small bag measuring max 45x36x20cm including handles and wheels.
However, this nearly halves the allowance for holidaymakers in terms of volume. That's because currently you're allowed one free bag onboard easyJet flights which up to 56x45x25cm. The average 56x45x25cm bag has a volume of approximately 63 litres, while the new 45x36x20cm restriction is approximately 32 litres.
It's worth noting that under both policies easyJet doesn't have a weight limit for bags, although the airline does ask that passengers be able to lift and carry their own bag.
The new policy will apply to flights from February 10 2021.
There are no changes for easyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare customers who will continue to have an additional large cabin bag included in their booking - although if there is no space they may need to place these in the hold.
easyJet says the change comes in a bid to manage the limited overhead locker space on aircraft including delays caused by excess cabin bags being put in the hold.
The airline warns those hoping to chance it with a second bag that "if you bring a large cabin bag to the departure gate without the correct seat selection, it can’t go in the cabin and we’ll have to check it into the aircraft hold for a charge". The same goes for a bag that exceeds the maximum size available with your booking.
You can find out more on the easyJet website.
