Budget carrier easyJet faced scrutiny this week for allegedly misrepresenting the cost of its carry-on baggage allowance to consumers.
The business model for many airlines relies on enticing customers with low base fares, while generating revenue through additional charges for services like baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding.
These ancillary fees represent a significant revenue stream for airlines, contributing billions to their annual earnings.
Passengers sometimes find these fees unavoidable, especially when traveling with children. However, strategies exist to mitigate these costs.
Laura Anne Sargeant, a travel blogger known as Travelling Page Turner, notes that while deals on carry-on baggage are sometimes available, they rarely match the £5.99 price advertised by easyJet.
“It’s usually closer to £20,” she says.
The UK’s advertising regulator has instructed easyJet to cease advertising this price, citing a lack of evidence that customers can actually obtain a bag for that cost.
Consumer advocacy group Which? found that the lowest advertised prices for carry-on baggage from budget airlines are rarely available. In their research, Ryanair’s lowest advertised price (£12) was only accessible twice out of 634 flights checked, while Wizz Air’s lowest price of €10 was available twice in 338 flights.
To avoid carry-on luggage fees, Laura Anne advises adopting a “ruthless” approach to packing.
“I’ll use the hotel body wash,” she says, “I never take a hairdryer.”
When traveling with a companion, sharing a suitcase can also reduce individual costs.
Wendie Smith, a frequent solo traveler from Bristol, is preparing for a two-week trip to Southeast Asia with only a backpack to avoid checked baggage fees.
“It’s a soft backpack so it squeezes into their little cages a bit better than a solid one,” Wendie said. “And it unzips like a suitcase.”
Her most valuable tip?
“Dry robes have massive pockets,” she says.
Dry robes, designed for outdoor swimmers, are oversized coats with ample pocket space for carrying extra items and fitting over multiple layers of clothing.
“They can’t tell you what to wear on a plane,” Wendie notes.
Travel influencer Chelsea Dickenson also recommends loading pockets with heavier items to reduce suitcase weight.
“Airlines may weigh your bag, they don’t weigh you!”
Vests with numerous pockets are also available, marketed as a “hack” that airlines disapprove of.
If you do opt to bring a bag, booking it as early as possible is advisable.
“Prices can increase closer to departure,” Chelsea says, “and adding luggage at the airport or gate is almost always the most expensive option.”
Chelsea also cautions travelers to familiarize themselves with the specific baggage rules of each airline.
Measure your bag and check the airline’s website for precise limits. Don’t just go with what your bag claims to be.
“A bag labelled ‘cabin size’ does not guarantee it meets the airline’s rules. Wheels, handles and rigid shells can push bags over the limit.”
Luggage companies have responded to this issue.
“Companies have got savvy to this and created a whole range of bags where the wheels come off,” Chelsea said.
“Wheel your case through the airport but when it comes to boarding, simply take the wheels off, pop them in your pocket and know that you’re sorted.”
During the booking process, it may appear that reserving a seat requires an additional fee.
However, if you are not particular about your seat assignment and are willing to sit apart from your travel companions, you can allow the airline to assign you a seat free of charge.
Laura Anne also considers priority boarding to be “a bit of a con”.
Many passengers worry that foregoing priority boarding will result in insufficient overhead bin space for their luggage, leading to additional fees for checked baggage.
However, Laura Anne states that in such cases, passengers will not be charged. While they may experience a longer wait for their luggage upon arrival, they will avoid additional fees.
The booking process also includes offers for supplementary services.
Laura Anne suggests that while booking accommodation or transfers through the airline may occasionally offer value, insurance rarely does.
“Occasionally you’ll find a [cheap] hotel or car hire … but definitely no to insurance.”
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