New ‘luggage rage’ causing problems for passengers on flights – and how to avoid it
A NEW term called “luggage rage” has been causing chaos for airline passengers – here’s how to avoid it
Airlines are beginning to increase prices for checked luggage and are cracking down on carry-ons, according to Elliot Report.
This has led to outrage from passengers, who have dubbed it “luggage rage”, as they struggle to downsize or are forced to pay extra for their baggage.
As a result, reports of passengers having luggage tantrums have begun to spread, with no real solution in sight.
One passenger was asked to pay a whopping £50 after crew members claimed her carry-on was too big for the flight.
Unable to pay, she angrily unpacked her bag and tossed her personal belongings.
New airline rules have led companies to focus their efforts on generating more revenue from cabin luggage.
This means passengers will face higher check-in fees for their bags and smaller spaces for their carry-ons.
Some travellers have had to rip wheels off their suitcases and cut handles or straps of their backpacks to avoid paying extra.
This infuriates passengers, who are forced to rearrange their luggage in front of fellow travellers, hence the term “luggage rage.”
Jay Ternavan, founder of Jayway Travel, said: “The aircraft cabin is a stressful and vulnerable place to be and pushes people to angry outbursts more often than is the case in other places.”
To avoid becoming the latest passenger to experience “luggage rage,” travellers should check the rules of the airline they’re flying with before packing.
Airlines in Southeast Asia and Australia are notoriously strict with luggage size, Elliot Report added.
One passenger was asked to pay an extra £40 by an Australian airline because their bag was over the limit by less than a pound.
Another tip for travellers is to avoid over-packing to prevent giving the airline a chance to impose a fee.
Instead, passengers should aim to fit all their luggage into a small, regulation-size carry-on while being careful not to overdo it.
Kimberly Davis, travel advisor, said: “Look, if you haven’t figured out by now that your oversized carry-on isn’t going to fit over your seat, I don’t know where you’ve been for the last decade.”
Finally, to avoid having a meltdown over luggage travellers should steer clear of airlines known for trying to squeeze the most out of their passengers.
Airlines that advertise themselves as “ultra-low fare” or “discount” carrier are likely to cause a large amount of “luggage rage” amongst its customers.
However, Thomas Plante, a Californian psychologists, claims the easiest way to avoid “luggage rage” is to change your mindset.
“Lower your expectations,” he added.
It comes after travellers with hand luggage breathed a sigh of relief after European airlines revealed that they hoped to unify bag dimensions.
And passengers have been left fuming after being forced to check in their hand luggage – only to find the overhead lockers empty anyway.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Jet2
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg