Easyjet changes cabin bag policy

BUDGET airline easyJet is introducing a new hand luggage policy in a bid to ease over-crowded overhead lockers.

From July 2 passengers may be obliged to put certain sizes of hand baggage in the hold – free of charge – if crew feel space is running out on board.

The airline will still accept bags up to 56cm by 45cm by 25cm for cabin baggage but only bags of 50x40x20 (including handles and wheels) will be guaranteed to go in the cabin: either in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front.

EasyJet said that with its high load factor of 89% it was increasingly finding it difficult to get every passenger’s hand luggage in the cabin.

A spokesman said today that if as few as seven or eight people switched to using the smaller size bags then the space problem would be solved on the majority of flights.

He added that “EasyJet Plus cardholders, Flexi fare, easyJet Plus Upfront or easyJet Plus Extra Legroom customers will still be able to bring the maximum size bag, but will be asked to use easyJet Plus Speedy Boarding to board first and secure their overhead locker space.”

• Heathrow Airport is warning of delays today (Friday) after a British Airways jet was forced to make an emergency landing with, it is thought, an engine on fire. BA said the Oslo-bound Airbus A319 aircraft “landed safely and emergency slides were deployed. We are currently caring for our customers".