New luggage rules set to make it even more expensive for holidaymakers

One of the biggest changes to airline travel under the new safety measures is checking-in hand luggage, and airlines are currently still charging for this. 

Travel restrictions across Europe are starting to be lifted, and while the advice in the UK remains to avoid non-essential international travel, many British holidaymakers are looking into the possibility of trips abroad. 

When we do start boarding planes again, there are going to be some big changes in the airport and on the aircraft.

One of the biggest changes includes having to check-in hand luggage. The guidance states: “You are strongly encouraged to check-in baggage to the aircraft hold and minimise any hand baggage.”

Airlines currently charge additional fees for adding luggage to the hold and it is unclear as of yet if this will be waived.

British Airways is charging £25 for putting a 23kg bag in the hold for passengers on their cheapest flight from Heathrow to Glasgow. Meanwhile, easyJet is charging £23.99 for a 15kg bag on a flight from Gatwick to Glasgow.

Under the new rules, airlines have been encouraged to extensively clean the aircraft and increase the availability of handwashing and hand sanitiser.

Other changes include having only wrapped snacks and drinks available and having to request access to the toilet on Ryanair, while easyJet has announced it will be offering no food to passengers and they must all wear masks. 

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: “They demonstrate how airlines can apply targeted and multi-layered measures to ensure air travel is safe for customers and crew.

“The guidelines pave the way for the introduction of air bridges, and there is no reason we shouldn’t be getting clarity from Government on when and how these will be established over the coming days.”

Only essential travel is currently allowed under the advice of the Foreign Office.