EasyJet Warned Over ‘Misleading’ £5.99 Cabin Bag Fee
EasyJet has recently faced scrutiny regarding its £5.99 cabin bag fee. The airline has been instructed to cease its claims that passengers can bring a cabin bag for this price. Here’s what you need to know:
– Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Findings: EasyJet could not substantiate its claim that carry-on baggage is available from £5.99. The ASA determined that the language used implied that customers could regularly purchase a cabin bag at that price.
– Consumer Group Involvement: The ASA’s inquiry was prompted by a complaint from the consumer group Which?, highlighting how airlines frequently promote low base fares but impose additional charges.
– EasyJet’s Stance: The airline emphasized its commitment to transparency. A company representative stated, “We aim to provide clear information on pricing,” and acknowledged that adjustments have been made to ensure the webpage reflects accurate fees.
– Clarification of Pricing: EasyJet argued that the £5.99 fee is a starting price for adding cabin bags and is applicable on select routes. However, the ASA expected evidence that large cabin bags could be consistently booked at this amount, which EasyJet failed to provide.
– ASA’s Ruling: The ASA asserted that customers might reasonably interpret from £5.99 to mean large cabin bags would be available at that price across numerous routes. Consequently, they deemed the claim misleading and instructed EasyJet to refrain from such wording in the future.
– Updated Messaging: In response to the ruling, EasyJet has revised its website to clarify: “Fees vary with demand, route, flight date, and time of booking. You’ll see the exact price at the time of purchase.” This change aims to better inform customers regarding baggage fees, which are contingent upon various factors.
The Impact of Baggage Charges
Travel expert Simon Calder highlighted that passengers using budget airlines like EasyJet may encounter unforeseen baggage fees. Here are some crucial points to consider:
– Potential Cost Increases: Adding a standard cabin or checked bag can inflate travel costs by as much as 165%.
– High Fees: Which?’s research indicates that typical cabin bag prices on EasyJet flights average five times the advertised £5.99 fee.
– A Broader Concern: Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, remarked on the prevailing issue of airlines advertising low fares while imposing high baggage fees. He suggested that travelers consider airlines that offer inclusive cabin baggage policies to potentially save money.
– Regulatory Changes on the Horizon: In light of ongoing concerns, the European Union voted to mandate that airlines allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag of up to 7kg free of charge. However, this regulation awaits ratification by member states before implementation.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over EasyJet’s £5.99 cabin bag fee underscores the larger issue of transparency within the airline industry. As travel becomes more accessible, it’s vital for passengers to be aware of hidden costs associated with budget airlines. Choosing airlines that maintain straightforward pricing policies could lead to a more economical and less confusing travel experience.