Now they want to axe hand luggage
Ministers tell us to ditch carry-on bags to speed up boarding... but you’ll have to pay to put it in hold
HOLIDAYMAKERS face extra luggage costs after ministers advised air passengers to avoid flying with carry-on bags.
To limit the spread of coronavirus, the Department for Transport is urging passengers to check- in smaller bags such as backpacks and handbags so they are carried in the hold of the plane.
The measure has been recommended to speed up the boarding and disembarking process and to limit contact with overhead compartments which are frequently touched by passengers and crew.
However, the rule is likely to lead to extra costs for travellers as airlines generally charge additional fees for extra items of luggage. Checking in a 15kg bag for an easyJet flight from London Gatwick to Glasgow on Monday costs an additional £23.99, for example.
Similarly, British Airways is charging £25 for an extra bag in the hold on a flight from London Heathrow to Glasgow on Monday.
Ryanair charges up to £50 for an extra check-in bag, depending on the route and date of travel.
The Government also advises passengers to wear a face covering and to remain seated as much as possible during flights.
It says airlines should clean aircraft extensively and increase the availability of handwashing and hand sanitiser.
Following the new guidance, British Airways will begin serving meals in pre-packaged boxes to limit contact between passengers and crew.
Virgin Atlantic has also announced a similar ‘simplified’ food service for when long-haul flights resume in July.
EasyJet, which relaunches flights on Monday, has temporarily suspended all food and drink services.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘The Government’s advice currently remains to avoid all non- essential travel, but we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted.’
The move was praised by aviation bosses for providing muchneeded clarity over the future of air travel and follows similar guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, a branch of the United Nations. The blueprint, drawn up with the World Health Organisation and released earlier this month, represents the biggest shake-up of air travel security since the 9/11 terror attacks.
It suggests travellers carry ‘health certificates’ in countries where they are issued and undergo pre and post-flight temperature checks, with one-metre distancing between passengers and restrictions on duty-free sales.
It also recommends cabin crew are given personal protective equipment, including visors, gloves and medical masks.
But the guidance on hand luggage was criticised by Ryanair.
A spokesman said: ‘In attempting to minimise physical contact during the travel process, particularly on short-haul flights, Ryanair recommends passengers to minimise checked-in bags.’