Airlines enforce stricter baggage inspections, compensating passengers for any inconvenience caused.
In the aviation industry, EasyJet has found itself at the centre of a heated debate, with concerns mounting over its hand luggage policies and a bonus system for airport staff. The European Union (EU) is resisting EasyJet's tight rules for hand luggage, with the EU Parliament considering making it mandatory for airlines to allow two free hand luggage items per passenger.
The bone of contention is EasyJet's policy that rewards airport staff for identifying passengers with oversized hand luggage. According to leaked internal communications, ground handling staff working at UK airports receive £1.20 per oversized "gate bag" caught, which is part of a £48 charge passengers face if their bag is too large and they haven't paid the appropriate fee. This incentive, introduced in November 2023, financially encourages airport staff to enforce EasyJet's luggage size regulations strictly.
Passengers are allowed to bring a small bag free of charge, currently 40 x 20 x 25cm, but if their cabin bag exceeds these dimensions without prior payment, they are subject to the gate charge and the bag may be taken at the gate, triggering the staff bonus.
The EU Parliament is also discussing changes to hand luggage policies for low-cost airlines, including EasyJet, with passengers caught with oversized hand luggage risking paying over 50 euros and having their items confiscated at the gate and stored in the hold for a fee.
The bonus payment system has raised concerns from former Swissport employees, who have expressed apprehensions about its impact on the staff. Swissport, a company that handles up to four million flights per year, has reported issues with the implementation of the bonus payment system.
Despite the controversy, EasyJet's spokesperson defends the reward system by stating that the baggage rules and options are clearly communicated to customers. However, the European consumer protection organization Beuc has filed an official complaint with the Commission against seven low-cost airlines, including EasyJet, for only allowing one small bag per passenger.
As the debate continues, the future of EasyJet's hand luggage policies remains uncertain, with the airline generating around 2.2 billion euros in baggage fees per year, but the number of passengers who have to pay the baggage fee is unknown. The EU's proposed changes, if implemented, could significantly impact EasyJet's revenue and operational procedures.
In light of the EU's potential changes to hand luggage policies for low-cost airlines, it might be prudent for EasyJet to consider revising its community policy regarding vocational training for airport staff, particularly with regards to the incentive system that encourages strict enforcement of luggage size regulations. Considering the aerospace industry's increasing emphasis on business ethics and customer satisfaction, such a revision could help mitigate the negative publicity and potential financial implications of the current policy.
