Airline passengers are being hit with £48 fines for hand luggage that ‘fits’ due to confusing restriction

HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting off with budget airlines this summer have been warned to check two things before heading to the airport.

Plenty of travellers fall victim to carriers’ strict luggage size policies, with fines handed out to those whose bags are over the limits.

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EasyJet has reminded passengers what is included in their hand luggage size[/caption]

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Handles and wheels are both included in the luggage limits[/caption]

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Hand luggage must fit underneath the seat in front[/caption]

The problem a lot of passengers encounter is that their handles or wheels end up catching them out, with a lot of people not realising they’re included in the airline’s maximum bag size.

Both must be taken into account when measuring bags and suitcases, in order for them to be accepted onto the aircraft, without any fines.

That means anyone whose bags don’t fit into the size checkers at the airport, or if the handles or wheels are poking out of the top, will end up having to fork out for the mistake.

With schools now broken up for the summer, airlines have reminded passengers that they need to follow these rules.

That includes easyJet, which has told its customers to check before they travel.

It said: “If you think your luggage might be bigger than your allowance, please measure it.

“Don’t forget to include any handles and wheels, and check it against your allowed size.

“If it’s too big you can add additional baggage in your account before you check in.”

Currently, the easyJet rules state that each customer is entitled to a small cabin bag, 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, with the airline’s website reminding passengers that wheels and handles are included in that.

It cannot exceed 15kg in weight and has to fit under the seat in front.

The easyJet website also states that the fine for any non-purchased bag brought to the departure gate that is over a customer’s small cabin bag allowance is £48.

Therefore it’s always worth measuring all cases, including wheels and handles to make sure they’re compliant with the sizing regulations.

EasyJet isn’t the only airline to warn holidaymakers about what is and isn’t included in their hand luggage allowances.

Jet2‘s website also clearly warns its passengers that wheels and handles are included in its size limit of 10kg in weight and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.

The website clearly states that this is “including wheels and handles”.

Jet2 passengers are also permitted to bring on a small personal bag that fits under the seat in front of them.

Anyone whose bags exceed these limits will need to check them into the aircraft hold, and may have to pay an additional charge.

That fee is £45 per item that has to be added to the hold on the day of flying.

Meanwhile, Sun Travel tested this viral hand luggage bag that prevents passengers from having to pay excess baggage fees.

And this other hand luggage only option is cheap and fits within airlines’ restrictions.

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Passengers face fines if their luggage doesn’t fit the airline’s size limits[/caption]