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EasyJet’s boss has criticised EU proposals that would give passengers free additional cabin baggage. He warned the move could increase fares for travelers in Spain and throughout Europe and lead to widespread delays.
The airline’s chief executive Kenton Jarvis said the plan was a ‘lunatic idea’, adding that politicians did not understand how aircraft cabins actually work.
Last week the European Parliament approved plans to give all passengers a free underseat case plus a cabin bag weighing up 7kg.
All EU-based carriers and flights into or out of EU airports would be covered by the proposal.
This would include the majority of routes that expats use to travel between Spain, UK and northern Europe.
Jarvis stated that aircraft do not allow enough room for all passengers to bring cabin cases on board. In fact, only about 65% of passengers can take cabin bags with them.
The rest of the items would have to go in the hold.
Jarvis said, “That was the most common cause of delayed boarding back in the day.”
He warned that the change would “return air travel to its past”.
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EasyJet’s CEO also stated that all fares would go up if the free use of cabin bags was made mandatory.
Bag fees currently make up a large share of EasyJet’s ancillary income, which topped £2.5 billion last year.
He said that the money raised would be used to increase ticket prices.
Jarvis claimed that even with luggage fees added, current fares represent a good value.
He made his remarks as airlines from across Europe reacted to the proposed changes.
Low-cost airlines rely on quick boarding to keep their flights on time while keeping costs low.
Before the plans can become law, they still require approval by the European Council and ongoing discussions among EU institutions.
EasyJet has also disclosed that losses will increase in 2025 as a result of the opening of new routes in Italy.
The airline has said that bookings for summer are at record highs.
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