easyJet pushes through extra charges following security alert

No-frills carrier easyJet is to start charging passengers for checking in more than one bag for their flight, following the introduction of new security measures limiting the size of hand baggage.

The airline claimed the change was being made to try to relieve pressure on check-in staff and would encourage people to travel light.

The changes, which apply to bookings made from September 1, mean any passenger checking in more than one bag will be charged &#pound;5, if they pay on-line, and &#pound;10 if they pay at the airport, at the time of departure. The total weight limit per passenger will remain at 20kg, regardless of the number of bags checked in.

Passengers who book before September 1 will not be charged for checking in more than one bag.

There is no change to the current excess baggage charge of &#pound;5 per kilo for checked-in baggage above the 20kg allowance.

easyJet chief executive Andy Harrison said: --It is simply commonsense that people need to think a little more carefully about how much luggage they take and that is what these changes are designed to do. They will speed up check-in and security and make the airport experience better for everyone.”

easyJet is also reverting to its normal check-in opening time of two hours prior to departure, with immediate effect. The check-in desks will continue to close 40 minutes before departure and passengers with hand luggage only, who have checked-in on line, must be at the boarding gate 25 minutes prior to departure.

Meanwhile, the government has reportedly rejected suggestions that air passengers should pay a new ticket surcharge to cover the heightened cost of security at UK airports. Trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling told the BBC that the industry would continue to meet the costs.

Monday, August 21, 2006

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I agree

I am totally agree with Phillips.

By parmendra kumar, Friday, September 1, 2006
Lowcost airlines big boon for aviation industry

Low cost airlines have shown us over the last few years how the full service airlines were ripping us apart. Besides the charges the seat availability has increased considerably. Thanks to them flying has become a commodity and even students can afford to travel now. I am in total favour of travelling light. easyjet is not overcharging you if you travel light. Pulling a trolley with big pieces of luggage is not a pleasant sight by any angle. I hope this new regulation will encourage more people like me to fly more.

By PrashantNST Mendiratta, Monday, August 21, 2006
Stop Moaning about Charges

You simply forget the cost of air travel is a fraction that it was 10 years ago. Would you rather be ordered to travel when the airlines dictate you can travel and pay hundreds for a flight to European destinations? Grow up and be appreciative of what the likes of easyJet have brought to this country. Never has the average person been able to travel so much, so often and so cheaply.

By David Smith, Monday, August 21, 2006
Baggage Charges

They will be charging per gram next, is it not time that the "Lo-cost Carriers" actually turned out to be lowcost it is now more near scheduled carriers prices, if you want cheap flights you have to book within 5 mins of seats being released. It is all a con, easyJet seems to want to make more and more money. When I worked for them they were low cost, now they are ripping people off the same as Ryanair.

By Martin Owens, Monday, August 21, 2006
Not about money making

I don't think that is what this is, this is about limiting baggage to one bag, is this not more about having people bring only 1 bag than making money?

By Mark McFerran, Monday, August 21, 2006
Travel Light

Customers should be encouraged to travel light, but then they can always take the train or the car.

By Gary Phillips, Monday, August 21, 2006
Never miss a trick

The airlines never miss a trick to squeeze a few extra pence or pounds out of us clients.

By nikos costas, Monday, August 21, 2006
Myopic baggage policy changes flight choices

People searching for economy flights now have to factor in excess baggage charges. It is pure and simple greed on the part of carriers to charge by weight as they know damn well that the *averaged* weight of all checked baggage is close to their profile with the heavy weights balanced out by the light weights. Cheap flights aren't what they appear to be - just like my body shape when I board an aircraft carrying all my heavy stuff in my baggy jacket. Many will always choose a flight that has convenience over a cheap one with penalties.

By Jon Hewson, Saturday, August 19, 2006