Passengers flying with easyJet will no longer be guaranteed that their hand luggage will be placed in the cabin. Carry-on could be put instead into the hold even if they are within the size limit.
Bags within the size regulations put in the hold will incur no additional charge, but it means the owners will have to queue at the baggage carousel on arrival.
The new rules permit one cabin bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including wheels and handles, but even this may be put into the hold on busy flights. One bag of duty-free purchases will also be allowed.
Checks will be made to see that no additional bags are carried.
Anyone caught with hand luggage bigger than this size face a charge of £30 at the bag drop to place it in the hold or £45 at the gate.
Those who pay extra – such as for flexible fares, more legroom, “Up Front” seats and easyJet Plus cardholders - may bring a second cabin bag of up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm.
These customers get priority boarding and so have the best chance of keeping their bags in the cabin.
Up Front seats cost about £9.99 each, while easyJet Plus membership starts at £170 a year.
Ryanair’s allowance is one piece in the cabin up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and one smaller handbag or laptop. The piece may be placed in the hold when the flight is full.
British Airways reduced its second piece of carry-on to 40 x 30 x 15cm while retailing the main piece size at 56 x 45 x 25cm. This comes into effect from 18 August.
