EasyJet Faces Scrutiny Over Cabin Bag Fee Advertising

EasyJet is defending its advertising practices after a complaint to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) challenged the presentation of its cabin bag fee. The dispute centers on the airline's promotion of a £5.99 charge for an under-seat cabin bag, which a customer argued was misleading because the fee is unavoidable for anyone bringing that type of luggage on board.

The airline's response, seen by Vacation Affairs, hinges on a technical point. EasyJet stated that because it does not offer any cabin bag option priced below £5.99, the advertised fee cannot be considered deceptive. The implication is that the fare and the bag fee are effectively a bundled cost, presented separately.

This complaint arrives as the travel industry navigates a complex regulatory environment under the second Trump administration, which has taken a generally deregulatory stance. Consumer advocates, however, continue to press for clarity in pricing. The ASA's ruling, expected soon, will signal how such mandatory add-on fees can be marketed to the public. For now, travelers booking with EasyJet should factor the £5.99 charge as a standard part of the cost for bringing carry-on luggage, regardless of how it appears in initial advertisements.