Latest news with #easyJet
Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Times
EU wants free hand luggage. Here's how it could hit flight prices
With his wheelie bag in tow, Peter Bellew strode towards the gate at Munich airport to board his easyJet flight, bound for Gatwick, in the spring of this year. 'You'll need to pay to bring that onboard, Sir,' said a member of the dispatch team, pointing to the cabin luggage. The remark elicited a wry smile as the passenger handed over his credit card. Little did the airport employee realise it, but as easyJet's chief operating officer from 2019 to 2022, Bellew was the very man who introduced such fees in the first place. Baggage charges are big business for budget airlines such as easyJet. Last year, the Luton-based carrier raked in £2.5 billion in 'ancillary revenues' — just over a quarter of its overall takings. But if the EU gets its way, this vital income stream may come to an end. • I'm sick of squabbles about overhead lockers. This is how to behave Politicians in Brussels are pressing ahead with reforms to give passengers the right to travel with a cabin bag weighing up to 7kg free of charge, in addition to a smaller item that can fit under the seat. Other changes include giving under-12s, or those travelling with disabled passengers, the right to pick a seat next to their accompanying traveller, also free of charge. Last Tuesday, MEPs on the European parliament's transport and tourism committee passed the changes, voting 38-2 in favour. The European parliament now has three months to consider the new laws, after which they will be adopted, if politicians do nothing. Alternatively, they can be adopted, rejected, or amendments proposed. On the face of it, this seems good news for consumers. A cabin bag can cost from £6 to £60 on Ryanair, depending on the flight and when you buy your ticket. At easyJet, the charge is £5.99 to £48, and on Wizz Air it varies from as little as £13 to as much as £140. These fees would, in effect, be outlawed if Brussels legislators get their way — although the EU is proposing that they apply to wheelie bags with dimensions that add up to no more than 100cm, which is smaller than the maximum size allowed by all three budget carriers. For airlines, the reforms could be devastating. Cabin baggage fees have grown to become a big part of the add-ons charged by low-cost carriers — often to the chagrin of their customers. At Wizz, ancillary income represents nearly half — about 45 per cent — of total revenues. Ancillaries at Ryanair equate to 34 per cent of the top line, and 26 per cent at easyJet. The three airlines are now raking in £8.5 billion from add-ons annually. This was not always the case, however. In 1999, Ryanair customers were spending an average of €7.48 on ancillaries, compared with €23.57 (£20.15) nowadays — a threefold increase. Publicly available figures for Wizz go back to 2014: per-passenger spending on add-ons has risen from €25.40 then to €37.08 now. Charging for bags at easyJet is a newer phenomenon, brought in by Bellew in 2021, with passengers spending an average of £27.39 on ancillaries. Airlines argue that these measures have allowed them to keep headline fares down. And the numbers appear to support this. Average per-passenger fare income on Ryanair was €52.52 in 1999 and is now €46.10. Wizz fares have also fallen, from €47.39 to €46.01 between 2014 and now. This is why airlines argue that the EU reforms will backfire on travellers. • How airline fees have turned baggage into billions 'It's actually going to be more damaging for consumers,' said Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air's chief corporate and ESG officer. 'Fares are going to be driven up because we're going to have to price fares to include the price of the luggage.' Robert Boyle, a former British Airways executive and now an independent analyst, agreed that the main effect of the EU's proposed changes would be to drive up headline fares. But he empathised with Brussels' ambition. 'It is hard not to have some sympathy from a passenger point of view,' he said. 'It is mostly a trick to generate a low headline price with almost everyone paying for the carry-on in practice — or, to put it another way, a bait-and-switch commercial strategy. 'A few people who are willing and able to travel without cabin bags will end up being forced to pay a higher price.' However, easyJet is not convinced. It reckons 40 per cent of its customers travel only using the under-seat bag, for instance. Meanwhile, IATA, the global airlines trade body, said 'consumer research tells us that the majority of travellers want to pay the lowest price possible'. Spiralling fares are just one potential consequence of the EU reforms. Another is that flight punctuality could deteriorate as turnarounds — the change-over period when a plane lands and is prepared for its next flight — are slowed down. 'Before wheelie bags were rationed, low-cost airlines suffered chaotic turnarounds,' said Andrew Lobbenberg, transport analyst at Barclays. 'Carry-on bags were being moved at the last minute, creating slow turnarounds, delays and dissatisfied passengers. 'Turnarounds would [also] become more challenging as the aircraft do not have enough overhead bin space for all passengers to bring wheelie bags on board,' he added. Evidence from easyJet appears to corroborate this. Before the airline began charging for cabin bags in 2021, handling luggage that could not fit in overhead compartments because they were full was one of the main causes of delays. Since then, cabin baggage-related delays in offloading passengers are understood to have fallen by 94 per cent. There is also aviation's carbon footprint to consider. With all passengers empowered to bring two items of luggage on board, aircraft weights would rise, leading to additional fuel consumption and greater carbon emissions. • Hand luggage: Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways policies explained A final complexity is that Brussels' reforms, should they come into force, would not necessarily apply to all flights. The current proposals affect EU and non-EU registered airlines that fly out of the European bloc. But they would apply only to EU-registered aircraft flying into the EU. This means that the rules would not apply to domestic UK flights or to flights from the UK, for example, into the EU. Passengers would benefit from the free cabin bag rule on their return to Britain, however. It is ripe for confusion. The prospect of the changes — and the fallout from them — has raised the hackles of Willie Walsh, the former British Airways boss who now heads IATA. 'When regulators meddle in commercial or operational issues they don't understand, they usually get it wrong. If EU parliamentarians insist on regulating where regulation is not needed, they should be prepared to take responsibility for its negative consequences,' he said. The saving grace, as with so many EU reforms, is that progress on passenger air travel rights is likely to be glacially slow. The changes to baggage regulations are a late addition to a wider overhaul of passenger compensation — known as EU261 — that has been in the works since 2013. In addition, the move would contradict existing European laws that give airlines the freedom to set their own pricing. This, industry leaders say, leaves the door open to a protracted legal challenge. Furthermore, the proposals would need to be ratified by individual member states. The complexities around this were highlighted when Spain suspended its own proposals to outlaw cabin baggage fees late last Thursday. Experts are split as to why the EU proposals have not hit the share prices of major listed budget airlines. Lobbenberg said: 'The market has not reacted clearly to this issue, I think, because it is highly unclear what comes next. While consumer organisations are pushing hard to outlaw wheelie bag fees, the member states agreed to allow them.' But another senior industry executive said: 'I think that with all the geopolitical tensions, and associated increases in oil prices, these proposals have just been missed.' Whatever the reason, for now, airlines are monitoring the situation carefully — not to mention grumpily. 'What's next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket?' said Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of trade body Airlines for Europe.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
easyJet launches new flights from Scotland to stunning European summer getaway
The new twice-weekly services are perfect for a long weekend to the heart of France's fantastic wine country FRENCH FANCY easyJet launches new flights from Scotland to stunning European summer getaway Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASYJET has launched its first flights and package holidays from Scotland to a stunning European summer getaway. The country's largest airline is now offering holidaymakers the chance to head to Bordeaux in France. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Holidaymakers can now make their way to Bordeaux with easyJet Credit: Getty 4 The city is best known for its wine and vineyards Credit: Alamy 4 easyJet now offers new twice-weekly services to the French city from Edinburgh Credit: Alamy Scots can make their way to the French city from Edinburgh Airport. The first flight took off on June 26 and will operate every Thursday and Sunday throughout the summer. The new twice-weekly services are perfect for a long weekend to the heart of France's fantastic wine country. Travellers to Bordeaux can explore the historic city, famous for its beautiful stone façades and fine wines. The city also attracts visitors with its delicious food and lively cultural scene. Culture vultures can visit the Cité du Vin to learn about the history and production of wine, and experience the Bassins de Lumières, a unique art museum that uses light and sound to create immersive experiences. After exploring the city's museums, travellers can head to the city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and sample Bordeaux's many culinary delights and its world-class wines. Passengers can get their hands on seats available at and via the app from £35.99. Package holidays are now on offer to the new route, with a range of four and five star hotels available. Packages start from just £187 per person. Shopper urges others to nab £8 Morrisons case perfect for EasyJet flights and a breeze to take through the airport All city breaks to Bordeaux from Edinburgh include flights and hotel, covered by the tour operator's Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a refund guarantee, and best price guarantee. Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK Country Manager, said: "It's great to be launching our latest route from Edinburgh to Bordeaux, the ideal destination for those seeking the ultimate culinary break in France's wine country, or convenient access to the city centre for business. "easyJet is always looking to add more great value connectivity for our customers in Scotland and we look forward to welcoming even more customers onboard from Edinburgh this summer." Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation at Edinburgh Airport said: "We're raising a glass of France's finest to easyJet's new route to Bordeaux, adding yet another connection to mainland Europe for both our leisure and business travellers. "Making sure we have direct flights to and from destinations we know are in demand is important for any airport, and we're delighted to be adding some French flair to our departure board."
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
easyJet customers 'may be entitled' to £350 or more if they've flown recently
easyJet customers could be owed £350 or even more in some cases. Anyone who has ever been told their flight is delayed will know all too well how frustrating it is. But if you've experienced a flight delay in recent years, you could well be owed a cash sum. On its website, easyJet explains that "you may be entitled" to compensation of up to £520 if your flight was so delayed that you arrived at least three hours later than the original scheduled arrival time. I love the clouds so much @easyJet :) — Roxxane✈️ (@Roxxane315444) June 22, 2025 The compensation you're entitled to is £220, or 250 euros, for flights of 1500 km or less; £350, or 400 euros, for flights within Europe of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km, and £520, or 600 euros, for "all other flights of 3500km or more". Recommended reading: New and advanced 'ultra' speed camera that can see inside cars rolled out in UK Warning issued as millions of Brits risk losing over £500 from bank accounts I blind tasted supermarket sausages and the results were delightful and horrific easyJet says the compensation amount will be halved if the airline: "Is able to offer you re-routing on an alternative flight to your final destination that was scheduled to arrive no more than two hours after your original flight arrival time, in respect of flights of 1500 km or less; no more than three hours after your original flight arrival time for all flights between 1500 and 3500km provided you are flying in Europe; or no more than four hours after your original flight arrival time for any other flights." The most popular routes on easyJet typically fall within the 1,500-3,500km range, so compensation would most likely be at the £350 per person mark. You can claim compensation for delayed flights within the past six years, or within five years in Scotland.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Fairytale European city that is like ‘going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK
Plus, 11 other easyJet routes you can travel on this summer DREAM LAND Fairytale European city that is like 'going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A EUROPEAN city most people associate with Christmas is getting new UK flights this year. Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region and sits on the French-German border. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 easyJet is introducing new flights to Strasbourg Credit: Alamy 5 The Petite France quarter is known for its beautiful houses and canals Credit: Alamy And in November, easyJet will be flying to Strasbourg from Manchester. Despite the UK getting hot this week, the city is known for its bustling Christmas market. Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas" with the market, also known as Christkindelsmärik, is scheduled to run from November 27 to December 27. Flight tickets have been released already with tickets on sale in November from £48.99 (one-way). From November 28, the new service will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays. This is part of easyJet's expansion of 22 new routes from UK airports for the winter season. For anyone keen to jet off before then, easyJet already offers flights from the UK to Strasbourg flying from London Heathrow from £38.99 - and it's one hour and 35 minutes away. And the city is equally just as beautiful to explore during the summertime with average highs of 26C. The area of Strasbourg that attracts most of the tourists is Petite France where you'll find the charming houses, cobbled streets and canals. One visitor said: "It's breathtaking, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Escape Winter: Fly to Gran Canaria with EasyJet 5 easyJet flights from Manchester align with the Christmas market Credit: Alamy 5 Strasbourg also houses what's believed to be the world's oldest wine barrel Credit: Alamy "It's like stepping back in time several centuries." Another added that it's a place that makes you "feel like you're in a fairytale." Not that you can taste it, but Strasbourg is home to what's believed to be the world's oldest barrel of wine. It's housed in the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital, a 14th-century cellar beneath the modern city hospital. The wine has been tasted only three times in its history, in the years 1576, 1718, and 1944. It's not drinkable any longer though as it dates back to 1472. While that barrel remains untouched, the cellar still produces wine, around 140,000 bottles each year. Not to mention there's lots of wine bars and pubs throughout the city, it's known for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Popular spots for wine include L'Alsace à Boire which sells local wines along with charcuterie boards. Or Le Purgatoire which has been praised for its extensive wine list. Here are 11 more easyJet routes from UK airports including Greek islands and African beach resorts. Plus, easyJet has launched new flight route to 'underrated' Italian seaside city with stunning golden beaches and historic sites. One Travel Writer visited Strasbourg The Sun's Health Feature Editor Alice Fuller recently visited the city - here are her thoughts. "The vibrant French city is a powerful political centre (home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights) yet it still has a quaint countryside village feel. "With half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and a 1,000-year-old cathedral stood alongside lively bars, modern museums and shimmering glass consulates, it's a seamless mix of mediaeval and futuristic. Strolling the narrow streets, I marvel at colourful toytown cottages that look like they're straight out of a Grimm's fairytale next to sprawling French chateaux."
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Fairytale European city that is like ‘going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK
A EUROPEAN city most people associate with Christmas is getting new UK flights this year. Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region and sits on the French-German border. 5 easyJet is introducing new flights to Strasbourg Credit: Alamy 5 The Petite France quarter is known for its beautiful houses and canals Credit: Alamy And in November, easyJet will be flying to Strasbourg from Manchester. Despite the UK getting hot this week, the city is known for its bustling Christmas market. Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas" with the market, also known as Christkindelsmärik, is scheduled to run from November 27 to December 27. Flight tickets have been released already with tickets on sale in November from £48.99 (one-way). Read More on City Breaks From November 28, the new service will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays. This is part of easyJet's expansion of 22 new routes from UK airports for the winter season. For anyone keen to jet off before then, easyJet already offers flights from the UK to Strasbourg flying from London Heathrow from £38.99 - and it's one hour and 35 minutes away. And the city is equally just as beautiful to explore during the summertime with average highs of 26C. Most read in City breaks The area of Strasbourg that attracts most of the tourists is Petite France where you'll find the charming houses, cobbled streets and canals. One visitor said: "It's breathtaking, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Escape Winter: Fly to Gran Canaria with EasyJet 5 easyJet flights from Manchester align with the Christmas market Credit: Alamy 5 Strasbourg also houses what's believed to be the world's oldest wine barrel Credit: Alamy "It's like stepping back in time several centuries." Another added that it's a place that makes you "feel like you're in a fairytale." Not that you can taste it, but Strasbourg is home to what's believed to be the world's oldest barrel of wine. It's housed in the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital, a 14th-century cellar beneath the modern city hospital . The wine has been tasted only three times in its history, in the years 1576, 1718, and 1944. It's not drinkable any longer though as it dates back to 1472. While that barrel remains untouched, the cellar still produces wine, around 140,000 bottles each year. Not to mention there's lots of wine bars and pubs throughout the city, it's known for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer . Popular spots for wine include L'Alsace à Boire which sells local wines along with charcuterie boards. Or Le Purgatoire which has been praised for its extensive wine list. Here are Plus, easyJet has launched One Travel Writer visited Strasbourg The Sun's Health Feature Editor Alice Fuller recently visited the city - here are her thoughts. "The vibrant French city is a powerful political centre (home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights) yet it still has a quaint countryside village feel. "With half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and a 1,000-year-old cathedral stood alongside lively bars, modern museums and shimmering glass consulates, it's a seamless mix of mediaeval and futuristic. Strolling the narrow streets, I marvel at colourful toytown cottages that look like they're straight out of a Grimm's fairytale next to sprawling French chateaux." 5 Strasbourg has classic timber houses and very old wine Credit: Alamy
