UK airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways are expected to increase baggage fees and charge more for overweight luggage as the Middle East war fuel crisis puts pressure on their finances, according to experts.
Baggage Fees Set to Rise
Carriers already generate substantial revenue from charging passengers for oversized bags, with some airline staff receiving incentives to meet per-flight targets. However, as increasing fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict impact airlines and jeopardise holidays, the cost of baggage and the likelihood of being charged for overweight items are expected to rise.
Alen Baibekov, CEO of Economy Bookings, stated: "There will continue to be large increases in baggage charges going forward. There are a number of factors putting downward pressure on airline profitability including increasing fuel costs, higher aircraft maintenance costs, increasing costs at airports and increased price competition among carriers."
He added that increasing the price of baggage is probable because this cost is not initially advertised to consumers, who typically search for the lowest flight fares when planning trips. "Because most consumers primarily compare the cost of air travel based on the 'headline' ticket price rather than all of the other things that go with the ticket, many airlines have started charging additional items for the true cost of the trip like baggage," Baibekov explained. "Charging for excess baggage is something that airlines can do easily. Excess baggage creates tangible costs for airlines. It takes up more space and may cause delays when it comes to unloading, checking-in and boarding. In addition, if there is excess baggage it may require more labour hours to handle."
Low-cost carriers are particularly aggressive with excess baggage fees as this is becoming more of a standard in their business model. Budget carriers including Ryanair and easyJet are known to be strict with their carry-on restrictions, with fees often starting at around £5 for a larger cabin bag and then increasing to up to £70 if enforced to check them in at the gate, according to reports.
Revenue from Oversized Baggage
Oversized baggage fees are a significant part of how airlines make profit. In 2023, airlines worldwide made a combined total of £24.3 billion from oversized baggage fees according to IdeaWorks, and it is anticipated that this figure has only increased.
Ryanair is known to be one of the strictest airlines, frequently charging passengers heavy fees at the boarding gate. These currently start at £12 per kilogram for overweight luggage, with a fee of between £40 and £60 for bigger bags weighing 20kg at the airport. Last year it was revealed that Ryanair staff receive bonuses for catching out passengers with oversized baggage. A leaked payslip showed a 'gate bag bonus' section with roughly £1.30 for every overweight bag reported. Michael O'Leary was set to increase these rewards from £1.29 to £2.16 per bag from November 2025.
EasyJet are also strict with baggage fees, charging the same extra £12 per kilogram for overweight bags. The airline also charges a flat fee of £48 for cases to be stowed in the hold.
On longer flights, British Airways has a generous baggage allowance, but also enforces a flat fee for overweight bags. A flat fee of £65 is charged at the airport for overweight bags, and anything weighing over 32kg will not be accepted as checked baggage.
