How to Save Money on EasyJet Flights: 15 Essential Tips

As one of the biggest airlines in the UK, EasyJet is a popular choice for travelers. But did you know that there are ways to save even more money on your flights? From paying for a second larger bag to booking as soon as seats are released, we’ve got 15 essential tips to help you cut costs and make the most of your EasyJet experience.

Image: EasyJet plane taking off

1. Pay for a second larger bag

With a standard EasyJet seat, you can only bring a small bag into the cabin. But for just £5.99 extra, you can take a second larger bag on board and also benefit from speedy boarding. It’s a small price to pay for the convenience.

2. Use a carrier bag to boost your hand luggage

There’s a loophole to get around the one bag limit of the standard seat for free: one post-security shopping bag. According to Money Saving Expert, some passengers have been able to stuff the odd item that won’t fit in their hand luggage into it, or even a handbag. Others have successfully boarded with a carrier bag they brought with them specially.

3. Defy the size limit restrictions with squishable hand luggage

Holdalls can be a good option to carry all you need whilst also fitting into the overhead lockers even when they’re mostly full of hard-sided wheelie cases. They are also easier to cram into the bins all hand luggage must fit into if asked to prove it’s the right size. Staff might also let a holdall through even if it’s slightly bigger than the rules for cabin luggage allow.

Image: Holdall bag

4. Book as soon as EasyJet launches its seats

The price of EasyJet seats are dependent on demand, and the lowest demand point is almost always the very moment the seats are released. According to Money Saving Expert, being online bright and early is the key to bagging a bargain. Martin Lewis added, “This has been a very successful technique for many people, and indeed if you want certainty of a cheap price it’s worth doing. Do benchmark what a good price on that route is beforehand, just so you can check if it’s worth it.”

5. Make the most of the price promise with EasyJet schemes

In 2017, EasyJet scrapped the price promise guarantee that if you find the same flight for less after booking, you’ll get the difference back as a credit voucher. However, the scheme is still open to EasyJet Plus and Flight Club members, and the refund trick can still be done by becoming a member after booking your flight.

Image: EasyJet Plus

6. Check in 30 days in advance to guarantee better seats with no extra fees

Unlike other airlines, EasyJet allows passengers to check in 30 days before their flight and allocates a seat for free. Therefore, the earlier you check in, the better chance you’ll have of being allocated a better seat.

7. Board earlier to make sure you and your luggage stay together

Like most airlines, storage space in EasyJet cabins is at a premium, and if you board late, you risk the overhead lockers near you being full and having to place your bag at the other end of the plane. To avoid the hassle of this scenario, Money Saving Expert recommend getting to the gate and queue as soon as you can.

8. Pay the right way for extra protection

A flight over £100 will be covered by the Section 75 protection if it has been paid with a credit card. This means the card company’s jointly liable if anything goes wrong. Note, however, in the case of a return journey, each individual single flight will need be £100 or more to get the extra protection.

9. Compare prices before booking extras like car hire, hotels and travel insurance with EasyJet

Martin Lewis recommends getting travel insurance as soon as you book your flight, however, be aware that it is usually far costlier to buy it through an airline or holiday agent than by doing a comparison and finding your own policy.

10. Pack right, and you might be able to take more than you think

It’s important to remember that EasyJet includes the whole bag (including wheels, handles and so on) in the size limit dimensions. Use a cheap, lightweight, soft case which will be easier to get in and out of the cabin lockers and leave space in the case for any extra souvenirs you might bring on the way back from your trip.

11. Always decide how much luggage you’ll need and book checked bags in advance

Hand luggage is the best way to keep costs down, however, if you feel like you will benefit from a checked baggage, it’s best to always pay in advance to check luggage in and avoid charges of £100 per return flight.

12. Wear your luggage

A very valuable asset to reduce your luggage load is yourself. The more you carry on you, the less you need to squeeze into your cabin bag. Try wearing any heavy coats, big boots or chunky jumpers you are taking with you to save up space in your case.

13. Avoid sky-high food prices by packing a picnic

Airport food can be very expensive. You are allowed to bring food for a mid-air picnic, so why not make the most out of it instead? It could save you a fortune compared to flight prices and even prices in the shops after security.

14. Always compare flights before assuming EasyJet is the cheapest

Whilst EasyJet has a reputation as a low-cost carrier, you may find a better deal elsewhere. It’s important to compare before settling with booking directly with EasyJet.

15. You could be owed £100s in compensation if your flight was delayed in the last six years

If your flight was delayed by over three hours in the past six years, you could be entitled to anywhere between around £100 to £500 in compensation if the delay was the airline’s fault.

By following these 15 essential tips, you can save money on your EasyJet flights and make the most of your travel experience.

Image: EasyJet logo