EasyJet Slams Proposed EU Rules on Extra Cabin Bags as 'Lunatic Idea'
European lawmakers have proposed a radical new rule that would allow all passengers to bring one free extra cabin bag on planes, sparking fierce opposition from budget airline EasyJet. The airline's CEO Kenton Jarvis has called the plan "crazy European legislation" that would be "terrible for consumers."
The proposal, which needs approval from the European Council before becoming law, would grant passengers a personal item, such as a handbag or backpack, as well as a piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg. The move would effectively double the number of free extra cabin bags allowed on planes.
Jarvis warned that implementing the new rule would lead to fare rises and flight delays, citing the need for airlines to offload excess baggage from their cabins due to space constraints. He argued that this practice was a major cause of delayed boarding in the past and would likely lead to more inconvenience for passengers.
EasyJet stands to lose around £2.5bn annually from bag charges, which made up a significant portion of the airline's ancillary revenue. Jarvis said that these fees would need to be passed on to all customers in the form of higher fares.
The airline has also expressed skepticism about other proposed changes aimed at strengthening passenger rights. The Advertising Standards Authority recently fined EasyJet for misleading claims about luggage prices, but the airline has since amended its website to reflect more accurate information.
EasyJet is exploring alternative revenue streams, such as offering Wi-Fi on flights. However, Jarvis acknowledged that the economics of this venture were currently unfavorable and would not be implemented until a better deal could be secured.
The proposed EU rule change is expected to have significant implications for short-haul flights from the UK, affecting the vast majority of EasyJet's passengers. As lawmakers continue to debate the proposal, it remains to be seen whether consumers will ultimately benefit from the new rules or face increased costs and disruptions.
European lawmakers have proposed a radical new rule that would allow all passengers to bring one free extra cabin bag on planes, sparking fierce opposition from budget airline EasyJet. The airline's CEO Kenton Jarvis has called the plan "crazy European legislation" that would be "terrible for consumers."
The proposal, which needs approval from the European Council before becoming law, would grant passengers a personal item, such as a handbag or backpack, as well as a piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg. The move would effectively double the number of free extra cabin bags allowed on planes.
Jarvis warned that implementing the new rule would lead to fare rises and flight delays, citing the need for airlines to offload excess baggage from their cabins due to space constraints. He argued that this practice was a major cause of delayed boarding in the past and would likely lead to more inconvenience for passengers.
EasyJet stands to lose around £2.5bn annually from bag charges, which made up a significant portion of the airline's ancillary revenue. Jarvis said that these fees would need to be passed on to all customers in the form of higher fares.
The airline has also expressed skepticism about other proposed changes aimed at strengthening passenger rights. The Advertising Standards Authority recently fined EasyJet for misleading claims about luggage prices, but the airline has since amended its website to reflect more accurate information.
EasyJet is exploring alternative revenue streams, such as offering Wi-Fi on flights. However, Jarvis acknowledged that the economics of this venture were currently unfavorable and would not be implemented until a better deal could be secured.
The proposed EU rule change is expected to have significant implications for short-haul flights from the UK, affecting the vast majority of EasyJet's passengers. As lawmakers continue to debate the proposal, it remains to be seen whether consumers will ultimately benefit from the new rules or face increased costs and disruptions.
. On one hand, having an extra cabin bag might make traveling more convenient for some people, especially those with lots of stuff 
. But on the other hand, EasyJet is trying to balance that convenience with keeping their prices affordable for all customers 
. If they're losing out on £2.5bn annually from bag charges, it's gotta be a big deal for them 
. Maybe there's a way to find a middle ground where the airline still gets to keep some of those costs down but also doesn't have to charge passengers extra for every little thing 
?
, but on the other hand, airlines like EasyJet are already struggling to stay afloat. If they have to pass on these extra fees to customers, it's likely gonna be a hit to our wallets 
... but at the same time, isn't it about time airlines prioritized passenger comfort over profits? 
I'm just gonna have to wait and see how this all plays out before making a decision 
.
its like they can't compete with the airlines that already have the option to bring more bags for free 
Not saying it's gonna be easy, but maybe we can find a compromise... like a smaller fee or something? 
, they're basically losing a major revenue stream and their business model is already super thin. But on the other hand, aren't we supposed to be prioritizing consumer rights and convenience? Like shouldn't we want to travel more freely without being nickel & dimed for every little thing 
I'm not sure what's more frustrating - the fact that EasyJet is opposing this rule or the fact that they're profiting off people having to pay extra for their luggage in the first place 
. Who doesn't love bringing extra luggage on planes? 
It's like, what's the point of even having handbags if you're not gonna bring 'em on the plane?! I know it's about "convenience" and all that, but let's be real, airlines are already making enough money off us. Do we really need to give them more freebie bags? 
.
. I mean, you gotta respect the regulators, right? 
They should focus on making flights more comfortable and less delayed instead of nickel-and-diming us to death 
. Give me break! 
.
they're basically saying that if europe gets its way, passengers will get more for their money which can only be a good thing! think about it, who doesn't love bringing an extra bag on holiday? 
and yeah, maybe there'll be some increased costs but how much of that will actually end up on the ticket prices? £2.5bn is a lot, but if easyjet's trying to make a profit then maybe they should think outside the box (or in this case, the cabin bag) 
I'm not sure if the benefits of this new rule outweigh the costs for consumers... still gotta keep an eye on this one 
. the EU needs to think carefully about how this rule change will impact consumers, not just big airlines like easyjet 
, but for me, it's just not worth the extra cost