Jet2 customers have been cautioned to give their hand luggage a thorough check before heading to the airport. The airline is tightening its grip, warning that any carry-on not adhering to its specific guidelines could see passengers forking out an additional £12 at the check-in desk.
Going into effect from this year, Jet2’s baggage allowance permits travellers to board with one free piece of carry-on, so long as it weighs no more than 10kg and stays within the 56cm x 45cm x 25cm size limit. Wheels and handles are included in these measurements.
In addition to your main piece of luggage, you’re permitted to bring along a small personal item, like a laptop case or handbag, provided it tucks neatly under the seat ahead of you. Overstep these rules – by bringing a second item too large, or a primary bag that’s overly bulky – and you’ll encounter the sting of unexpected fees at the airport.
If you’re plotting to dodge these regulations, be aware. Jet2 has stated plainly on its website that non-compliant bags will simply be transferred to the aircraft hold.
For those who need extra luggage capacity, options do exist to increase the limit to up to three checked bags per person (excluding infants), each up to 22kg. However, it’s important to be mindful of bulging baggage, which comes with its own set of financial penalties, reports the Mirror.
Jet2 imposes a charge of £12 for every kilo of excess weight in checked baggage beyond the allotted amount. The company reportedly explains: “Any baggage that exceeds your total weight allowance will be carried subject to availability and at our discretion. You may also need to pay an excess baggage fee, which is £12 per kg.”
Travellers might want to think twice before packing that extra pair of shoes, as airlines are clamping down on baggage weight. A case weighing just 3kg too much could incur a hefty £36 fee.
The spokesperson added: “When pre-booking your bags, the charge per bag is variable depending on your destination, and on whether you make your booking through our website, call centre or at the airport. If you want to check in an additional item at the airport on the day of departure, you’ll need to pay a fee of £45 per item, plus any applicable excess baggage fees.
“We generally accept payment for additional baggage fees at the airport in local currency, or by a credit card or debit card. If you are planning to travel with excess baggage, please allow extra time to complete the check-in process.
“If you do find yourself in the sticky situation where you’re having to check a bag into the hold that you were hoping to have in the cabin, then make sure you keep all of your valuables and travel essentials on you.”
A Jet2 spokesperson also previously told the Mirror: “All hand luggage is carried in the cabin at our discretion, and we reserve the right to check it into the aircraft hold for operational or capacity reasons. If this happens, make sure you take all valuable items (including travel documents, money, medication, keys, spare lithium batteries, and any electronic items containing lithium batteries) and carry these with you in the cabin.
“Oh, and of course when packing your bags, make sure you’re not bringing any of the items that are banned in hand luggage – and take note that Jet2 doesn’t allow you to drink any alcohol bought at the airport (or before) during the flight!”