EasyJet's "Cheapest" Cabin Bag: A Myth Down Under?

The Cabin Bag Conundrum: Are Budget Airline Advertised Prices a Myth?

For many savvy travellers, the thrill of snagging a bargain flight is quickly followed by a dose of reality: the cost of luggage. What seems like a rock-bottom fare can quickly inflate once you factor in the price of a cabin bag or checked baggage. Budget airlines often trumpet eye-catching prices for these additions, with promises like easyJet offering carry-on luggage from as little as £5.99, Ryanair advertising from £12, and Wizz Air from €10 (approximately £8.70). But how often can these advertised deals actually be found?

New research, conducted by consumer champion Which?, has delved into almost 1,500 cabin bag prices across three major budget airlines to uncover the truth behind these enticing offers. The analysis meticulously examined eight different routes for each airline, targeting popular holiday destinations and spanning both peak and off-peak travel dates. The overarching conclusion? Finding those advertised cabin bag deals is akin to "finding a needle in a haystack."

The Reality of Cabin Bag Pricing

The research revealed a stark contrast between advertised prices and what travellers are likely to pay. For Ryanair and Wizz Air, the cheapest advertised bag deals were rarely available. However, the situation was even more challenging for easyJet.

• easyJet: Across 520 flights scrutinised, Which? was unable to find a single instance of the advertised £5.99 cabin bag price. The average price encountered was a significant £30 – a staggering five times the advertised lowest price. The lowest price Which? could find for a cabin bag on easyJet was £23.49. When challenged by Which?, easyJet declined to provide an example of a flight where a cabin bag could be purchased for £5.99. This led to Which? reporting their findings to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which has since launched an investigation. An easyJet spokesperson maintained that they offer a range of prices, including cabin bags from £5.99 on some flights, and that their pricing is transparent, allowing customers to pay only for what they need and helping to keep fares low. They also highlighted their high passenger numbers and increasing customer satisfaction.

• Ryanair: The research found Ryanair's advertised £12 deal on a mere two out of 634 flights examined, representing just 0.3 per cent of the flights studied. The average cost for a cabin bag on Ryanair flights worked out to be £20.50. Ryanair, however, dismissed the Which? research as "total rubbish," arguing that the sample size was statistically insignificant. They pointed out that even within the study's sample, the average price of £20.50 suggested that more Priority Boarding options were sold at a higher price than the £12 advertised. Ryanair insists its Priority Boarding services are transparent, optional, and that pricing varies based on route and day due to demand.

• Wizz Air: The €10 cabin bag offer from Wizz Air was also a rare find, appearing on just two out of 338 flights checked, equating to 0.6 per cent. The average cabin bag charge on Wizz Air flights averaged £28.93. Notably, Which? did not find any flights charging the top advertised price of €163 (£142) – a price that has since been reduced to €130 (£114). A Wizz Air spokesperson echoed Ryanair's concerns about the representativeness of the sample size, stating that a sample of 350 flights is not reflective of their full network. They explained that bag prices fluctuate based on route, season, and demand, making a price range the only feasible option. Wizz Air asserts that their pricing is transparent and compliant with consumer protection laws, with every ticket including a free under-seat bag. They believe their model, where customers pay for additional luggage as needed, is fairer and more sustainable, and they encourage passengers to book larger cabin baggage in advance for better prices.

The Cost of Carry-On: More Than Just a Few Pounds?

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, commented on the findings, stating that millions of passengers needing a cabin bag will likely pay significantly more than advertised. In some cases, the cost of a cabin bag can even exceed the price of the flight itself. Which? advocates for greater transparency from airlines regarding additional costs, arguing that the initial ticket price often doesn't reflect the true expense of bringing luggage.

The debate highlights a recurring issue for budget travellers: the discrepancy between advertised low fares and the actual cost of ancillary services. While airlines argue that flexible pricing and optional add-ons allow them to keep base fares competitive, consumer groups contend that misleading advertising practices can lead to unexpected expenses and frustration for travellers.

As the ASA investigation into easyJet's advertising continues, and with airlines defending their pricing strategies, travellers are left to navigate a complex landscape of baggage fees. The key takeaway for passengers is to meticulously research baggage allowances and costs for their specific flight and airline well in advance of booking, to avoid any unwelcome surprises at the airport.