An easyJet traveler recounts her successful challenge against the airline for being penalized for carrying an oversized bag. Louise Machin expressed surprise and confusion when easyJet staff fined her €58 (£51) upon her return from Chania Airport in Crete, citing her suitcase as too large despite her careful pre-check of dimensions.
After reaching out to the bag manufacturer upon her return to verify compliance with easyJet’s rules, Machin received a refund. This incident is not an isolated case, as per consumer group Which?, which highlights discrepancies with official bag sizers at some airports leading to unwarranted fines for passengers.
Travelers using budget airlines have become accustomed to verifying bag sizes to avoid penalties, with airport devices reiterating regulations at check-in or boarding gates. Machin, a freelance film and TV sales director, faced the issue during an April trip to Crete for a walking holiday.
Despite complying with rules on her outbound journey, Machin encountered challenges during her return trip due to alleged discrepancies in the airport’s bag sizers. Despite asserting her case’s compliance and seeking proof, she was pressured to pay the fine to facilitate her travel home.
Upon confirmation from the bag manufacturer, Cabin Max, that her bag met easyJet’s requirements, Machin secured a refund from the airline. Cabin Max has faced similar complaints from airlines regarding sizer inaccuracies causing passenger penalties.
Which? also flagged cases of airlines wrongly penalizing passengers for minor size infractions, such as protruding handles or straps. The advocacy group advises affected travelers to appeal if confident in their bag’s compliance.
Despite easyJet’s assertion of no detected sizer issues at Chania Airport, the airline refunded Machin as a goodwill gesture. The airline emphasized standardized sizers across all airports and a commitment to addressing individual customer feedback to ensure a satisfactory experience.