Hand luggage: How easyJet, Ryanair & Jet2 allowances compare - one is THREE times smaller
HAND luggage comes with numerous restrictions on allowance these days, with budget airlines in particularly clamping down on size and weight. A survey has revealed how cabin baggage for easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 really compares.
Baggage allowance: Tips on what to take in carry on luggage
Hand luggage requires minimalist packing nowadays as many major budget airlines continue to restrict their cabin baggage allowance. EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 are three of the most popular low cost carriers with British holidaymakers. How do their hand luggage allowances compare? A consumer survey for Channel 5's Shop Smart, Save Money examined the differences between bags allowed on board for free for the three airlines. Ryanair was found to have the most restricted hand luggage allowance in the survey.
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Flights: How hand luggage on easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 compares - one is three times smaller
Jet2 passengers have a whopping three times more than Ryanair to take into the cabin for free as they can take a second smaller bag at no extra cost.
EasyJet did, in fact, have the same size suitcase as Jet2 but did not permit a second handbag.
Ryanair
Ryanair decreased their hand luggage allowance in November 2018. According to the Ryanair website: “All passengers are entitled to bring one small personal bag on board.”
It “must fit under the seat in front of you (40cm x 20cm x 25cm). Examples include a handbag, laptop bag and small backpack.”
This means the overall volume permitted for free has dropped by almost two-thirds from 58 litres to 20 litres.
Experts on the Channel 5 show said the dimensions for a hand luggage bag are so small that even the lightest packers might have difficulty fitting everything they'd need for a long weekend away.
Ryanair customers can pay £6 to £12 to fly if they want to fly a larger bag.
However, with restrictions of 55cm x 40 cm x 20 cm, the dimensions are still smaller than what easyJet or Jet2 allow on board for free.
A benefit of flying with Ryanair, though, is that if you arrive at the gate and your bag is over the allowance, you are only charged £25, compared to Jet2’s price of £45 for extra luggage and easyJet’s £50.
Jet2
Jet2 passengers can currently carry a suitcase up to 10kg in weight into the cabin for free.
It must measure no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including the wheels and the handle.
This is the average size for travellers and is bigger than Ryanair, Thomas Cook and TUI.
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What is Ryanair's new hand luggage policy?
The airline also allows a second smaller bag, such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport duty-free bag with them onboard as well. Buggies are allowed on for free if travelling with a child.
The small bag must fit under seats or in the overhead compartments although this is at Jet2's discretion.
EasyJet
One cabin bag is admitted per person on board, with easyJet aircraft only allowing for 70 cabin bags in total.
EasyJet’s representatives will check the size of cabin bags before a passenger boards the plane.
The maximum size allowance is 56x45x25cm (including handles and wheels).
They should be able to fit comfortably into the plane’s overhead lockers, or under the seat in front.
If they are bigger than the maximum size, they will be checked into the hold for an additional charge.
In the latest easyJet news, the airline has become the third carrier this week to declare losses. The airline has posted a loss before tax of £272m in its half-year results, compared to a loss of £68m the same time last year. The plunging profits are being blamed on Brexit and increased fuel costs - factors that have hit many airlines in recent months.
