European Union lawmakers overwhelmingly backed a decade-long proposal this week that will require airlines to pay passengers financial compensation for a three-hour delay and allow them to carry a small amount of hand luggage for free.
While consumer groups have greeted the outcome backed by EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, which includes clearer obligations for airlines to compensate and assist passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines criticised the ballot, saying the law will only make flying more expensive both for airlines and passengers.
Kenton Jarvis, the chief executive of easyJet, has cautioned that the European Union’s initiative to permit passengers to bring larger cabin bags on board at no extra cost could result in a 25% increase in ticket prices. Jarvis criticised the proposal, describing it as “madness,” and argued that it would not only make flying more expensive for travelers but also create confusion during boarding, as aircraft do not have enough overhead space for every passenger’s luggage.
Currently, easyJet planes can only accommodate cabin bags for about two-thirds of those on board. If the EU’s new rules are implemented, many passengers would have their bags removed at the gate and placed in the hold, Jarvis explained. He warned that this process would cause flight delays and force travellers to wait for their luggage after landing.
Jarvis further stated that if airlines are no longer allowed to charge separately for cabin bags, the expense will be included in the base fare, impacting all passengers—including those who travel light and do not bring extra bags. “This would mean everyone pays for services they may not use. At present, only those who want to bring a cabin bag pay for it, while others stick to the free under-seat allowance,” he said.
He went on to criticise lawmakers, saying, “This is a clear example of politicians interfering in matters they don’t fully understand. It’s misguided legislation that will ultimately harm consumers.” Ancillary sales, with baggage fees as the largest component, make up a quarter of easyJet’s revenue. Jarvis noted that if these fees are eliminated, the costs would simply be transferred to ticket prices.
As a result, the average one-way fare could rise from £64 to £80.