Airline Transavia is ‘investigating the possibility’ of charging passengers for taking hand luggage on board. “We are one of the few budget airlines that does not yet do this,” says a spokesperson.
Financial director Steven Zaat of Transavia – who also departs from Zaventem to popular destinations such as Tenerife and Marrakech – told a group of investors about the plan last Thursday, a company spokesperson confirmed after reporting by De Telegraaf. “It’s true that he talked about that. Charging for taking luggage into the cabin is a possibility that we are now investigating.”
Since hold luggage is no longer included as standard with a ticket, more and more travelers are only taking hand luggage with them when traveling. Especially for short trips, such as city trips. However, these pieces of hand luggage are becoming increasingly larger, meaning that the space in the cabin is no longer sufficient. Two years ago, Transavia introduced a paid reservation system for travelers who want to be assured of room for their suitcase or large backpack.
Only small luggage is allowed for free
Now the budget airline is looking at whether it can make money from even more cabin baggage. Only small luggage such as handbags would then be allowed on board for ‘free’. “Nothing has been decided yet,” says a spokesperson. He cannot therefore say anything about possible rates for cabin baggage.
The spokesperson does state that ‘Transavia is one of the few budget airlines where you do not yet have to pay for luggage in the cabin’. It is true that Transavia is certainly not the first company to charge extra money for this. For example, at Ryanair only bags that fit under a seat are allowed in for free. A surcharge applies for (roller) suitcases that must be placed in the luggage compartments. WizzAir and EasyJet also have similar rules.
Transavia plane at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. © MediaTV/Jippe Groenendijk
Higher profits for society
Charging passengers extra leads to higher profits. “The rates charged for seat reservations and checked baggage are not in proportion to the actual costs,” aviation economist Rogier Lieshout told De Telegraaf. “On the other hand, it is a favorable development for passengers who are not waiting for all that those extras. Previously they would pay for them, but no longer.”
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2023-12-17 21:39:12
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