The investigation Altroconsumo denounces supplements up to 100 euros and confused and different rules for all companies. Ryanair and Easyjet give a bonus to the employees who “discover out -of -measure trolley” and the EU evaluates a new standard for free baggage
Start light but return with a salty account. It happens to one traveler out of two when it comes to hand luggage by plane. An investigation by Altroconsumo notes this. Low cost flight and the trolley or gate backpack does not pass and the supplement is triggered: up to 100 euros for an out -of -measure bag. And now the controls could “worsen”, considering the “bonuses” that companies such as Ryanair and Easyjet give to the employees who find too large bags. Each company makes its way and orienting yourself is increasingly difficult. Consequence? The pockets of travelers are affected
The investigation of other hand luggage: hidden costs and rules that confuse passengers
According to the investigation of Altroconsumo, 54% of Italian passengers lived an experience negative with hand luggage over the past 24 months. 38% had to embark in the hold a trolley compliant due to lack of space on board, 19% paid a supplement for a personal bag considered “second object” and 9% underwent penalties for passing or size, with 2% that has definitively lost the suitcase. Almost one in two passenger found themselves paying supplements that he was not aware of, with average costs of around 45 euros for a service that was believed to be included in the ticket. The most critical figure? A third of the supplements is requested at the last minute, when it is no longer possible to find alternatives, While costs on costs is often disguised in the online purchase steps, leading the traveler to click “accept” without full awareness. Only 28% of respondents know how to start a complaint in case of unjustified charges.
Ryanair, Easyjet, Vueling and Wizz Air: different rules for the various companies
Low cost flights? Company you go, rule you find. Different rules and so for those traveling without luggage in the hold they become a batch of the lot. Ryanair allows only one free baggage (40x20x25 cm), while the cabin trolley requires the purchase of the priority and must not exceed 55x40x20 cm and 10 kg. Easyjet It allows only one baggage to be placed under the seat (45x36x20 cm), while for a trolley in the cabin you need to buy the dedicated option (56x45x25 cm). Wizz Air Apply similar limits (40x30x20 cm for free, 55x40x23 cm for the second baggage with Wizz Priority), and is particularly severe in the controls. Vueling It allows free baggage of 40x30x20 cm, while the second baggage must be purchased as extra or with higher rates. Organizational needs, say the companies, but Three out of four travelers are convinced that the rules on baggage are a tool for making cashrather than to really manage the space on board. The dysomogeneity of the rules creates a climate of uncertainty that translates into extra revenue for companies, often to the controls of the Gate.
The bonuses for those who find too big luggage: the hunt for the trolley out of measurement
The luggage theme also enters the staff incentive systems. Ryanair recognizes a bonus of approximately 1.50 euros for each out of measured baggage identifiedwhich can reach up to 80 euros per month for each employee, with supplements for passengers who can reach 75 euros. CEO Michael O’Leary confirmed that the incentive serves to guarantee compliance with the rules and that “it could increase in the coming months”. Also Easyjet Adopt similar systems: according to what the Swissport employees operate for Easyjet in British airports receive 1,20 pounds for each luggage stopped in the gatepushing the workers, with salaries of about 13 euros per hour, to a “trolley hunt” that transforms boarding into a moment of anxiety for many travelers.
The EU hypothesis on free hand luggage: opportunities and risks
Meanwhile, the European Parliament discusses the review of Regulation 261/2004, aiming to strengthen the rights of passengers in case of delays and cancellations, but also to standardize free hand luggage. The proposal provides for a single free personal object with standard dimensions (sum of the three dimensions equal to 100 cm), with the aim of standardizing the rules and stopping incorrect practices. But consumer associations warn: the risk is that the expected dimensions are too small, damaging passengers and further increasing the costs for those who have to add a traditional trolley. And above all they ask for equal rules for everyone, so as not to confuse passengers. And the low cost airlines speak of “inevitable” increases in ticket costs in case of obligation to free hand luggage.
