As of: March 26, 2024, 3:22 p.m
By: Lennart Schwenck
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Flying involves numerous financial risks in times of mass tourism.
What travelers should definitely pay attention to and how hidden costs can be avoided.
Bremen – Over the years, air travel has developed from an exclusive luxury to a widespread transport option.
In Germany alone, the Federal Statistical Office has recorded 80 to 90 million passengers annually in recent years - with the exception of the Corona years.
The increasing number poses increasing challenges for airlines as they need to optimize their processes and reduce costs in order to maximize sales and profits.
Low-cost airlines in particular face the greatest challenges as they face rising energy and personnel costs.
These low-cost airlines fill the gap between traditional or more expensive airlines such as Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines and offer airline tickets at extremely attractive prices.
Against this background, many consumers are wondering how these low-cost airlines such as EasyJet, RyanAir and others manage to offer such low fares.
Cost trap in the air: low-cost airlines and their pricing policies for hand luggage
A particularly important player in the aviation industry are the so-called low-cost airlines.
They have filled a niche between established airlines such as Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines and offer airline tickets at prices that some often find too cheap.
The question is: How do companies like EasyJet, RyanAir and Co. manage to offer such cheap flights?
Part of their strategy is to keep costs down.
Often at the expense of service.
Online check-ins are often the only free option, while check-in fees can be high at the airport.
However, a key factor that allows these airlines to keep their ticket prices so low is carry-on luggage.
Hand luggage cost trap: What travelers should consider when flying © Imago Images
Airlines' flexible hand luggage policies: inconsistent baggage regulations and additional fees
According to a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in September 2014, carrying hand luggage must “always be free”.
However, there remains a loophole: There are no uniform regulations for the size and weight of hand luggage.
Instead, airlines set their own maximum dimensions and guidelines.
This means that they can charge additional fees if they exceed their own limits.
An example of this is Ryanair, where only a small piece of hand luggage the size of a laptop bag is free.
Larger pieces of hand luggage have to be paid online for between six and 36 euros, depending on the flight route.
At the airport counter, the fees can be even higher, namely between 20 and 38 euros per item.
And when boarding, if it is actually too late, the costs can even be up to 46 euros.
Given that flight ticket prices are often only 10 to 15 euros, these surcharges are considerable.
Current developments and EU Parliament resolution
Another challenge for passengers is the airlines' frequent changes to baggage regulations.
It is therefore advisable to always find out about the current regulations before departure.
Another tip for travelers is to choose lighter carry-on suitcases in order to have more weight available for the actual contents.
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The lack of uniform standards in luggage regulations is not only annoying for consumers, but has also caught the attention of the EU Parliament.
In September 2023, a “motion for a resolution on standard dimensions for hand luggage” was passed, which called on the EU Commission to present measures for implementation.
This could help ensure fairer and more transparent handling of carry-on baggage fees and protect consumers from unexpected costs.
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