What Every Traveler Should Know Before Boarding An EasyJet Budget Flight

Budget airlines are a way to make travel a lot more accessible without breaking the bank. Such airlines are found all over the world, offering flights between cities at barely believable prices. It might seem too good to be true, and unfortunately, it sometimes is. If you do not understand how budget airlines operate, you could easily end up paying a fortune equivalent to a regular full-price ticket on another airline.

One of Europe's leading budget airlines is EasyJet, a British-based company offering affordable flights to multiple destinations across Europe and North Africa, along with occasional connections to the Middle East. The base price always looks low, but to enjoy these cheap options, you need to ensure you book a budget flight without all the additional costs. When you fly with EasyJet, the standard ticket does not include any checked-in luggage and has strict restrictions regarding any and all cabin bags. You are only allowed to bring one cabin bag on board, a bag that should be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you (the maximum dimensions are 45x36x20 cm). That super low price only covers the privilege of being on the plane — any additional preferences will come with an extra charge.

Like most budget airlines, EasyJet takes its cabin bag sizes very seriously. In most airports, you'll find a baggage gauge made to fit the dimensions and weight specified by the company. If you exceed the weight or amount of pieces, your bag will have to be checked in for an additional $50 fee (if you're still at the check-in counter) or $63 if you've somehow made it to the gate without it being noticed. If you aren't sure whether your bag will make the cut, it is better to pay for hold luggage or an extra cabin bag while booking the ticket. Better to be sure than slapped with a dent in the budget before you've even boarded the plane.

If you're traveling in a group (or even as a couple or family), don't expect to be seated together for free. If you want to sit next to each other on the plane, you'll need to pay extra for assigned seats or £20 to be seated together as a group. Otherwise, random seat selection is the norm, and it will be left to the mercies of fate whether you'll be seated together or someone will be kind enough to agree on switching seats (an increasingly common bugbear for flight attendants in the modern age). Assigned seats can cost anywhere from $1.20 to $16, depending on the seat and amount of legroom. Keep in mind that hidden fees can also show out of nowhere if you're booking with a third party, so it is recommended to book through the app or website to get the accurate price with no additional hidden costs. 

The extra fees just keep on coming. With many budget airlines, in-flight food and drinks are only available for a fee, and the prices aren't always as budget-friendly as the flight. To avoid paying a fortune for a mediocre sandwich and small can of soda, remember to bring snacks in advance, make your own sandwiches at home, and use a refillable water bottle that you can fill up at the airport once you've passed security checks.

And then there is the relatively minor question of whether or not to board the plane in the first group. Is priority boarding really worth it? If you're looking to reduce the cost as much as possible, it's best to arrive early at the gate and skip priority boarding fees altogether. After all, the plane isn't going to randomly leave without you. However, keep in mind that priority boarding also includes an extra cabin bag. Boarding the plane first also gives you a better chance of snagging a space for your cabin bag.

While EasyJet's Flexi tickets come at an additional cost, these can make your travel experience a lot smoother if you're unsure of your plans or worried you might have to cancel or change — that is better than letting your flight go to waste altogether. Do not expect your seats to be super comfortable on a budget airline, so always come prepared with a neck pillow to add comfort to your flight. Still, the basic price is pretty low, right?