In recent years, three major UK budget airlines have significantly reduced the size of the cabin baggage passengers can carry for free. RyanAir, easyJet, and WizzAir have all implemented tighter restrictions.
A recent BBC One investigation by *Rip Off Britain* revealed that RyanAir has made the most drastic changes, cutting their bag size allowance by a staggering 55% since 2018.
Back then, passengers could bring a bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but now they’re limited to a much smaller size of 40 x 20 x 25 cm.
This makes RyanAir’s cabin baggage allowance the smallest among the airlines investigated.
WizzAir follows closely behind, having reduced their free cabin bag size by 52% over the past six years. Previously, customers could bring a bag of 55 x 40 x 23 cm onboard.
Now, the limit is 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Despite these changes, WizzAir offers an option for those who need more space: purchasing WIZZ Priority allows passengers to bring a larger trolley bag up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
easyJet’s Policy Adjustments
EasyJet has also scaled back their free hand luggage allowance, though not as drastically. The previous allowance was 56 x 45 x 25 cm, which has now been reduced to 45 x 36 x 20 cm.
While this is still relatively generous compared to the others, it reflects a trend toward tighter baggage policies.
Airline Responses and Options
When contacted, WizzAir stated that their baggage policy has remained consistent for the past six years.
The airline emphasizes that their aim is to keep fares low while allowing passengers to pay for additional services if needed.
Passengers with a basic fare are allowed one free piece of hand luggage fitting under the seat, while those needing more space can purchase priority boarding for a larger bag.
EasyJet similarly offers options to add more baggage, with fees varying based on when the baggage is booked.
They highlight their policy as one of the most generous in the industry, providing choices that let passengers pay only for what they need.
Price Comparisons and Hidden Costs
According to experts at *Which?*, British Airways often outperforms budget airlines on overall cost when add-ons are considered.
Their analysis found that the low headline fares advertised by Ryanair and WizzAir often don’t reflect the final price once additional fees for baggage and seat selection are included.
British Airways frequently turns out to be cheaper on certain routes once these extras are factored in.
*Which?* discovered that baggage and seat selection fees can constitute up to 49% of the total ticket price with WizzAir, 27% with easyJet, and 20% with Ryanair.
Rory Boland from *Which?* commented that while budget airlines seem like the cheapest option, additional fees can make other airlines more cost-effective, especially for families or travelers needing extra luggage.
Ryanair dismissed the findings as “fake news,” while easyJet defended their policy, emphasizing that customers only pay for extras they choose.
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