Budget airline EasyJet has warned that European Union baggage regulations could impact fleet utilization efficiency by creating boarding delays that reduce aircraft productivity.
The legislative proposal under consideration would mandate free cabin baggage across European air travel. Parliamentary votes have advanced regulations requiring airlines to provide allowances for both personal items and larger carry-on bags.
The airline’s leadership emphasizes that efficient fleet utilization depends on minimizing ground time between flights. Extended boarding processes caused by excess cabin baggage reduce the number of flights aircraft can operate daily, diminishing productivity.
Reduced aircraft utilization translates to higher per-passenger costs that must ultimately be recovered through ticket prices. This represents another pathway through which the regulations could increase rather than decrease overall travel costs for consumers.
Beyond utilization concerns, the regulations threaten significant ancillary revenue. EasyJet generates more than £2.5 billion annually from optional services. The carrier reported quarterly losses of £93 million while seeing positive booking momentum.