EasyJet has launched a scathing attack on European Union proposals to enforce free additional cabin baggage for all passengers, with the airline's chief executive branding the plans a "lunatic idea" that would be "terrible for the consumer".
EU Parliament Backs Passenger Baggage Rights
The European parliament recently voted overwhelmingly to grant all air travellers the right to carry both a small cabin case and a free underseat item, such as a handbag or backpack. This legislation forms part of a broader bill designed to strengthen passenger rights across the continent.
Under the proposed changes, passengers would be permitted one personal item alongside a piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg with combined dimensions of 100cm. This represents a significant expansion from current allowances on many budget airlines.
EasyJet's Strong Opposition
Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's chief executive, expressed vehement opposition to the proposals, warning they would inevitably lead to increased fares for all passengers and potentially cause boarding delays.
"There just isn't the space in the cabin, so that's another lunatic idea," Jarvis stated. "We would go back to the days of having to offload cabin bags and put them in the hold - it was one of the number one causes of delayed boarding in the old days."
The easyJet boss criticised what he called "crazy European legislation", arguing that politicians were "completely not understanding their subject and getting involved with things they shouldn't".
Financial Implications for Airlines
Baggage charges represent a substantial revenue stream for budget carriers like easyJet. The airline revealed that bag fees contributed significantly to more than £2.5 billion in annual income from extras, known in the industry as ancillary revenue.
Jarvis warned that any reduction in this income would need to be compensated through fare increases across the board. "That would have to be passed on in fare rises for all passengers," he explained, emphasising the financial impact such legislation would have on airline operations.
Current Baggage Policies Under Scrutiny
The controversy comes as easyJet faces scrutiny over its current baggage pricing. The Advertising Standards Authority recently criticised the airline for claiming luggage costs could be as little as £5.99 without providing sufficient evidence that such prices were widely available.
Jarvis described the ruling as "irritating" but confirmed easyJet had amended wording on its website in response. Despite this, he maintained that easyJet's overall pricing represented "incredible value" for passengers.
Broader Industry Context
The proposed EU legislation would apply to all passengers travelling to or from EU airports using EU-based airlines, directly affecting the vast majority of short-haul flights from the UK. Jarvis indicated that any new rules would likely be applied consistently across easyJet's entire fleet, regardless of jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the airline continues to explore technological advancements, including discussions with Starlink about potential in-flight wifi services. However, Jarvis noted that "the economics of the deal don't work" at present, echoing similar conclusions reached by competitor Ryanair.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
EasyJet's comments emerged alongside financial results showing increased losses for the last quarter, with a pre-tax loss of £93 million representing a 50% increase from the same period the previous year. This occurred despite a 7% rise in passenger numbers.
Jarvis attributed part of these losses to investment in new bases at Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino airports, where regulatory agreements require initially operating unprofitable routes.
Looking ahead, the airline reported record January bookings for the coming year, with passengers increasingly travelling to destinations including Morocco, Tunisia, Cape Verde and Georgia, indicating a broadening of traditional holiday patterns.
