From 10 February, passengers not opting to pay extra will only be permitted to bring one small bag onboard that can fit under the seat in front. The bag must measure no more than 45x36x25cm.
For new bookings from 10 February, those wishing to take a standard cabin bag must pay extra for an Up front or extra legroom seat. They can then bring an additional large cabin bag (56x45x25), which must fit into the overhead locker.
The new cabin bag policy will also apply to easyJet holidays customers, although all easyJet holidays bookings will continue to include 23kg of hold luggage per person.
The airline said: “The limited overhead locker space on aircraft has meant that customers can’t always be certain they will have their cabin bag onboard with them and so for those who want certainty, booking an Up front or Extra legroom seat will provide this.
“The new policy will also reduce queue times during boarding and other associated delays which occur due to putting excess cabin bags in the hold and so the move will lead to improved punctuality for all customers.”
The carrier claimed there were “between 42 and 63 Up front and Extra legroom seats” on each flight depending on aircraft type, starting from £7.99.
“Purchasing this seat type will allow customers to bring onboard a large overhead cabin bag in addition to a small under seat cabin bag; this is in addition to other travel benefits included in booking these seat types, which include Speedy boarding and dedicated easyJet Plus Bag Drop for any hold luggage.”
Customers with existing bookings for travel from 10 February who have not booked an Up front or Extra legroom seat will offered easyJet’s Hands Free product free if they wish to bring a large overhead cabin bag in addition to their under seat bag.
Hands Free enables customers to check their large cabin bag into the hold at bag drop.
For all bookings made from today onwards for travel from 10 February 2021 the new policy will apply. Hands Free will still be offered, at £7 per bag or £16 for three-six bags for a group booking.
The airline will permit medical equipment and baby changing bags to be taken into the cabin as now.
Robert Carey, easyJet chief commercial and customer officer, said: “Punctuality is important to our customers and we know that if they have their bags placed into the hold at the gate due to the limited space onboard this can cause flight delays, and it can be frustrating for them too. Our new policy will improve boarding and punctuality for everyone, as well as give our customers certainty of what they will have with them onboard.
“For families, we’ll continue to provide a number of options to allow them to bring additional items free of charge, helping keep travel easy and affordable.”
