Martin Lewis’s MSE reveals genius tricks to avoid easyJet’s ‘hidden’ extra charges

MARTIN Lewis’s MoneySavingExpert has revealed a host of brilliant hacks to make flying with EasyJet cheaper.

The British multinational airline is already cheaper than most, but there are a number of ways travelers can further reduce their costs.

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When it comes to luggage, booking tickets, checking in, boarding and flying, these are the tips and tricks that money-conscious EasyJet travelers should keep in mind.

Luggage

Passengers who have booked a standard seat are allowed to bring a small bag, approximately the size of a backpack, into the cabin.

These small bags should be 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm.

But there is also the option to take a second larger bag of 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm on board for a fee from € 5.99 – up to an undefined maximum amount.

Paying for this option also ensures that passengers receive priority ‘expedited boarding’.

If you choose not to pay extra, you must adhere to EasyJet’s strict hand luggage limit of just one bag, although you are also allowed to bring a shopping bag.

EasyJet’s terms and conditions state that passengers can bring on board “one standard bag of goods purchased at the airport” in addition to their hand luggage.

Some passengers have reported getting away with stuffing items that don’t fit in their carry-on luggage into a duty-free tote bag or similar.

Others have carried their baggage overloaded – their heavy coats, large bootsor chunky sweaters – instead of packing them.

If your luggage doesn’t fit in your free carry-on, you can get a second carry-on – and more room to stretch your legs.

People booking seats with extra legroom are entitled to bring an extra small bag into the cabin.

Prices for front row seats start at £7.99 each way, so you can get both an extra bag and spacious seats for the price of one.

Another hack to consider is taking squishable carry-on luggage, for example weekend bags, that can defy the size limits.

And be smart about the way you approach packing: with the right methods, you can bring in more than you might think.

If you need to spend money to check luggage, make sure you pay in advance or you could be charged up to £100 per return flight.

Booking

If you can get tickets as soon as they launch, you’ll probably get the cheapest deal possible.

They are released in different tranches throughout the year, so keep an eye on EasyJet’s seat release schedule.

Tickets have already been released for travel through November 30 this year; the date when tickets go on sale for travel after November 30 is yet to be confirmed.

Keep in mind that you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere. Always compare and never assume that EasyJet is the cheapest.

If you can find the same flight as the one you booked for less, you’ll get the difference back in the form of a voucher, which you can use within six months, as long as the lower price wasn’t a retail price.

But you must have booked directly through EasyJet to claim it.

This refund trick is only offered by EasyJet to those who are members or join EasyJet Plus or Flight Club.

Please note that paying for a single flight over £100 by credit card (fully refundable, so there is no interest) will give you Section 75 protection, which means the card company is jointly and severally liable if something goes wrong.

And don’t pay for EasyJet’s extras, such as car hire, hotels and travel insurance, without checking prices elsewhere first.

Checking in

You can check in 30 days in advance and get a better seat on your flight at no extra cost.

To choose your own seat you have to pay, but you are more likely to get a better seat the earlier you check in.

Board and fly

Try to get to the gate, queue up and board early to get some overhead storage space for your luggage as space in EasyJet cabins is limited.

When you’re in the air, you won’t want to buy snacks or meals, if you can avoid it, as they can be quite expensive. Why not pack a picnic a mile high instead?

Please note that you may be entitled to compensation of approximately €100 to €500 if your flight is delayed by more than three hours or if your flight is cancelled.