Warning to anyone using EasyJet or Ryanair after holidaymaker fined twice for baggage

A warning has been issued for anyone flying on budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet this summer.

Manchester Evening News writer Rachel Pugh couldn't believe her luck when she bagged £50 return flights from Liverpool to Barcelona. As she was only taking a carry-on bag, she had checked the dimensions carefully and didn't think she'd have any trouble boarding.

However, she'd failed to take into account one important step, and is urging others not to make the same mistake.

She wrote: "While my actual cabin case was within the correct dimensions, what I hadn't realised, was that my wheels and handle were part of these. As such, I was fined to fly both there and back - and it's fair to say it ate into the small holiday budget I'd allocated."

The Antler Icon Stripe Cabin in Taupe, a steeper initial investment at £175, yet it has steered her clear of any punitive hand luggage charges on subsequent jaunts with TUI, Ryanair, and Jet2.

Not only has it been a safe bet airline-wise, but it also satiates her penchant for over-packing, accommodating an array of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Rachel's rueful reminiscence serves as a stark reminder.

She added: "I was upset, but knowing there was nothing I could do about it at the boarding gate, I was forced to cough up. Since then, I've never made the same mistake, and now I'm overly cautious about the bags I take on board budget airlines."

According to Birmingham Live, EasyJet's standard baggage policy allows all passengers to bring one small under seat bag on board free of charge. There's no weight limit, but the bag must fit under the seat in front of you and can't be any bigger than 45x36x20cm, like this Chelsea Overnight Bag from luxury suitcase brand Antler.

A secondary rule states that this bag measurement must include any wheels and handles. EasyJet uses baggage sizers at its check-in desks and airport gates and passengers may be asked to place their bag inside to prove that it fits.

If the main body of the bag fits but handles, wheels or straps are poking out and cannot be tucked away, passengers may still be charged. EasyJet's £48 Airport Bag Fee applies to any small hand luggage bag or large hand luggage bag that is found to be over that person's paid-for allowance.

EasyJet urged its passengers to 'please check the dimensions' before leaving for the airport and added: "If you think your luggage might be bigger than your allowance, please measure it and don't forget to include any handles and wheels, and check it against your allowed size here. If it's too big you can add additional baggage in your account before you check in."

"If you're told at the check-in or bag drop desk that your luggage is too big you'll need to pay a £48 fee. If our ground crew tell you at the gate that your luggage is too big, you'll have to pay the fee at the gate."

EasyJet's lavish offer permits passengers to lug a larger cabin bag, sizing up to a generous 56x45x25cm. Thrifty explorers can snag the swanky Clifton Cabin Bag by Antler, now a steal at £42 off in the brand's sale.

Jet-setters favouring cabin luggage with wheels and a handle won't be disappointed with Jet2's friendly policy, as the airline advises keeping within the dimensions of 56x45x25cm. Jet2 lavishes all flyers with this size allowance as standard, confirming in their policy: "You can take one piece of hand luggage onboard free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cmx45cmx25cm including wheels and handles."

Over at Amazon, the deal days are blazing!

The top-rated Lossga Ryanair Cabin Bag 40x20x25 has its price slashed to just £16.89 from a previous £19.98. And for those who fancy an underseat suitcase, Amazon Basics offers one with a Telescopic Handle and slick In-line Skate Wheels, now at a dazzling discount down to £59.92 from the initial £79.98.