Navigating Baggage Fees: A Guide to Controlling Airline Luggage Charges
European Aviation authorities are facing mounting pressure to standardize baggage rules following a complaint by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) over fees imposed on hand luggage by major carriers.
The complaint, which targets seven airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling, alleges that these carriers are exploiting customers by charging for hand luggage that is considered "reasonable" in size, in violation of an EU court ruling. Ryanair, for its part, has welcomed the complaint, stating that it expects it to demonstrate compliance with the court order.
The heart of the matter appears to concern the definition of a "reasonable"-sized bag, as the European Commission is already examining baggage policies within the EU bloc, with the goal of potentially standardizing them across the region. The BEUC hopes that this review will result in clearer guidelines regarding the size of hand luggage that should be included in the basic ticket price.
Passengers traveling this summer are unlikely to see immediate relief from the current baggage fees, as the complaint and broader investigation may take some time to resolve. In the meantime, they will need to carefully familiarize themselves with their airline's specific rules and charges to avoid costly surprises.
When it comes to bags included in the ticket price, the EU court ruling states that airlines cannot charge for a "reasonable"-sized bag. However, Ryanair and Aer Lingus both have different interpretations of what constitutes a reasonable size.
Ryanair permits a small bag on the plane, measuring up to 40x20x25cm, which is roughly the size of a small-to-medium handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. Aer Lingus, on the other hand, allows a slightly smaller "small personal item" measuring no more than 33x20x25cm, in addition to a second bag that can weigh up to 10kg and measure up to 55x40x24cm, provided it is checked in at the airport. Those wishing to carry it onto the plane will have to pay an additional €10.
If a carry-on bag is deemed too large at the boarding gate, it may be placed in the hold for a cost of €35 with Aer Lingus, and up to €60 with Ryanair. Passengers who have already paid for a larger carry-on bag will still need to adhere to the airline's size and weight restrictions, as exceeding them can result in additional fees of up to €75 for Ryanair or €45 for Aer Lingus.
To avoid unnecessary costs, travelers are advised to measure their bags, check airline rules, and invest in a handheld luggage scale. It's also worth booking bags as early as possible, as rates tend to increase as travel dates approach.
In light of the ongoing dispute and varying baggage policies among European airlines, it's crucial for passengers to be well-informed and take a proactive approach to ensure a smooth travel experience. By adhering to the rules and being mindful of additional costs, travelers can make their trips less stressful and more budget-friendly.
While navigating European air travel, it's essential to be aware of the varying baggage policies among different airlines, such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus, which have different interpretations of what constitutes a "reasonable"-sized bag. To avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth journey, travelers should measure their bags, familiarize themselves with airline rules, and invest in a handheld luggage scale, considering booking bags in advance as rates can increase closer to travel dates.
