December 3, 2020 / easyJet (U2) announced a radical change to its cabin bag policy, which will be more similar to the one implemented by rival low-cost carrier Ryanair. The new policy means that only customers who have booked an Up front or Extra legroom seat will be able to bring onboard a cabin bag (max 56x45x25cm), which will travel in the overhead locker. easyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare customers will also continue to have an additional cabin bag included in their booking, subject to space onboard.

There are between 42 and 63 Up front and Extra legroom seats available to book onboard each flight depending on the aircraft type. The airline motivated the move as the tool to reduce queue times during boarding and other associated delays which occur due to putting excess cabin bags in the hold.

The new policy will be applied on all flights on and after 10 February 2021. Customers who have already made bookings for travel from 10 February and have not booked an Up front or Extra legroom seat will be able to bring on board a small under seat cabin bag. In addition to this we will be offering them easyJet’s Hands Free product free of charge should they wish to still bring an overhead cabin bag in addition.

“Punctuality is important to our customers and we know that if they have their bags placed into the hold at the gate due to the limited space onboard this can cause flight delays, and it can be frustrating for them too. Our new policy will improve boarding and punctuality for everyone, as well as give our customers certainty of what they will have with them onboard” Robert Carey, Chief Commercial & Customer Officer for easyJet said. (Photo Wikimedia Commons / Alan Wilson)