Latest news with #JaneHawkes
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air bag rules coming for Spain and Greece
The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will change the law on what you take onto a plane - and how much you pay The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New bag rule set to come for anyone flying to Spain, Portugal or Greece
The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will cover companies including easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and TUI The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
EU plans baggage rule change for anyone flying to Spain, France, or Greece
EU plans baggage rule change for anyone flying to Spain, France, or Greece The new EU rule would cover anyone from the UK flying to and from countries like Italy and Portugal A woman checking the size of her carry-on luggage at the airport The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. Article continues below 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Article continues below Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Flight attendant reveals the dirtiest area of a plane - and it's not where you'd expect
Flights aren't often the most comfortable way to travel. Whether you're sitting next to a rude fellow passenger or squashed into an economy seat, there are many ways a plane journey can become a bit of a nightmare. But don't worry. A former British Airways flight attendant, Jane Hawkes, has revealed her best tips to have the most comfortable journey possible, and revealed which area of the plane is generally even dirtier than the toilets. The travel expert says: 'If you're travelling this summer, don't forget to pack hand sanitiser in your hand luggage. 'When travelling on a plane where possible avoid touching any area unless you've sanitised them. 'I recommend always carrying sanitiser and wipes in your hand luggage, as aircrafts are only ever deep-cleaned if they're taken in for maintenance.' Jane reveals that between journeys the plane is usually just given a 'superficial wipe over' and quick tidy up by crew. And the dirtiest areas? She says: 'The worst offending areas are tray tables, arm rests, seats and headrests, so always give them a wipe down before using.' In partnership with The Wedding Travel Company, former flight attendant Janealso revealed where the best seat on the plane is and passengers will get 'more leg room' in this coveted spot. 'The best seats are by the bulkhead, right at the front of the plane,' explains Jane. 'The interior walls separates the cabins from the galley, so you don't have anyone reclining their seat in front of you. 'These seats also have more leg room, and due to their location at the front of cabins, they can provide priority boarding and exit. 'Passengers in these seats will also be served first in that cabin, meaning you get to enjoy your food and drink too.' But being in the best seat on the aircraft might not even matter much if your fellow passengers don't behave. According to Jane, one of the worst etiquette mistakes travellers can make is putting their feet up on the seats. She explains: 'The worst thing any passenger can do is put their feet on the seats. It's unhygienic, unnecessary and impolite and shows a complete disregard for fellow passengers.' Another 'complete no-no'? Travellers who 'take off their shoes and socks' are breaking every etiquette rule in the book, says Jane. 'I've seen passengers walk barefoot around the cabin, yuck.' The former flight attendant also claims that those who use loud devices 'without headphones' are 'deeply annoying' while 'talking through safety announcements' is 'disrespectful to staff and other passengers'. And Jane's 'biggest bugbear?' Passengers who recline their plane seats without checking whether it's okay to do so. She explains: 'My biggest bugbear and no doubt one which many will agree with, the reclining of seats not just during the meal service but at any time during the flight without at least checking if it's ok with the passenger behind.'
