You know that feeling when you’re meticulously measuring your suitcase, trying to squeeze in every last souvenir? It’s a common struggle, but for Benjamin Till, it led to an emotional breakdown at London Gatwick Airport. Determined to avoid baggage fees on his trip to Pisa, he carefully selected a suitcase that fit within EasyJet’s free underseat bag allowance. Or so he thought. At the gate, he was told his bag was too big, even after removing the wheels. His protest led to a humiliating ordeal – unpacking his belongings into a bin bag in front of everyone.
“I actually burst into tears because it was so humiliating,” he said.
Till’s story isn’t unique. Many travelers are frustrated by confusing and inconsistent baggage rules, especially with budget airlines. These companies often charge hefty fees to upgrade bags or even just stow an oversized carry-on in the hold.
This confusion has finally sparked action at the European Union level. EU transport ministers have proposed standardized sizing for free underseat baggage on all EU airlines, which could become law if approved by the European Parliament.
The proposed rules would guarantee passengers one free personal item measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles). This would apply to airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet, even when flying between the UK and the EU.
While this move aims to bring clarity to a long-standing issue, some consumer groups argue it doesn’t go far enough. They believe airlines should be prohibited from charging for reasonably sized hand luggage, citing a previous EU court ruling that stated hand baggage shouldn’t be subject to extra fees.
So, is this the end of the baggage battle? Stay tuned. The fight for fair and consistent carry-on rules is far from over.
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