Introduction to easyJet: A Comprehensive Guide for Travellers
easyJet, headquartered at London Luton Airport, is one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, known for its extensive network, competitive pricing, and no-frills approach to air travel. Since its founding in 1995, easyJet has revolutionised short-haul flying, making it accessible and affordable for millions of passengers each year. With a modern fleet of Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, the airline serves over 160 airports in 35 countries, operating more than 1,000 routes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Route Network and Connectivity
easyJet’s network is one of the largest in Europe, with major bases at London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, as well as key European hubs such as Geneva, Milan Malpensa, and Berlin Brandenburg. The airline offers a strong mix of business and leisure destinations, connecting major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome, as well as popular holiday spots such as Alicante, Faro, and the Greek Islands.
Key Points:
• Extensive coverage of both primary and secondary airports.
• Frequent flights on high-demand routes, ideal for business and weekend getaways.
• Seasonal routes to sun and ski destinations.
Fares, Booking, and Flexibility
easyJet operates on a point-to-point model with a focus on simplicity and transparency. The basic fare includes a seat and one small under-seat cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm). Additional services, such as checked baggage, larger cabin bags, and seat selection, are available for a fee.
Fare Options:
• Standard Fare: Includes one small cabin bag. Additional items and services are à la carte.
• Inclusive Plus Fare: Offers unlimited free changes to dates and routes, one hold bag (23kg), seat selection (including Up Front or Extra Legroom), priority boarding, and a complimentary onboard snack and (non-alcoholic) drink. This was previously marketed as
FLEXI Fare. More details will be found in the dedicated topic found here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...-overview.html
• easyJet Plus: Annual membership providing benefits such as dedicated bag drop, extra cabin bag, speedy boarding, and fast-track security at select airports. More details will be found in the dedicated topic found here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...ral-guide.html
• FlightConnections by easyJet: You can only book single or return bookings with easyJet. If you want to book more than one route, you’ll need to do this by creating individual bookings on easyJet.com. If you’d like to book connecting flights, either to destinations across Europe or further across the world, you can do this via Connections by easyJet. More details will be found in the dedicated topic found here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...nnectsure.html
Booking Tips:
• Book early for the best prices; fares typically rise as the flight date approaches.
• Use the easyJet app for mobile check-in, digital boarding passes, and notifications.
• Manage bookings online, including adding extras or changing flights.
• Pre-book your carry-on and checked baggage needs to avoid higher charges at the airport.
• Buy Food and Drink Vouchers before travel to enjoy a discount for onboard purchases.
Seating Policy
easyJet operates an allocated seating system on all flights. Passengers can choose and reserve seats for a fee during booking or any time before check-in via the website or mobile app. If you do not select a seat, one will be automatically assigned at check-in. The system aims to seat groups on the same booking together, but this is subject to availability and not guaranteed—early check-in increases your chances of sitting together.
Up Front and
Extra Legroom Seats are available for an additional fee, offering priority boarding and more space.
Up Front Seats are free for easyJet Plus cardholders and passengers with
Inclusive Plus fares.
Extra Legroom Seats are free for easyJet Plus cardholders and offered at a discounted rate for
Inclusive Plus fares.
If you’ve not already checked-in you can add or change seats up until two hours before your flight departs by logging in to Manage Bookings. If you’ve already checked-in and want to change your seats you’ll need to contact Customer Service and they will make the changes for you.
Cabin Experience and Onboard Services
All easyJet flights operate a single-class cabin with three seating options: Standard, Up Front, and Extra Legroom. Seats are pre-assigned unless you pay to select your preference.
Onboard Amenities:
• No complimentary food or drink; a wide selection of snacks, sandwiches, hot meals, and beverages is available for purchase via the “Eat. Drink. Shop” service.
• Duty-free shopping is offered on most international flights. Alcohol Duty-free products are not available on flights between two EU/EEC countries.
• Contactless payments only—no cash accepted onboard.
• Passengers may bring their own food, but hot drinks and alcohol are subject to restrictions.
• Some aircraft offer WiFi (for a fee) and digital magazines via the easyJet app.
Food and Drink Vouchers
easyJet offers food and drink vouchers that passengers can purchase in advance, often at a discount (e.g., a £10 voucher for £8), to spend onboard their flights. These vouchers can be bought during online check-in or via the easyJet website and app. The vouchers are shown on your boarding pass or app for easy redemption onboard.
If you add vouchers after booking, you will receive them via email; otherwise, if purchased with your ticket, the voucher details are included on your boarding pass. The voucher can then be redeemed onboard by showing it to the crew.
Food and Drink Voucher rules:
• Validity: The voucher is only valid on the flight for which it was purchased or issued. It cannot be used on other flights or at the airport.
• Redemption: The voucher is typically encoded on your boarding pass or shown via the easyJet app. You present this to the cabin crew when making purchases from the onboard Eat.Drink.Shop service.
• Usage: The voucher amount can be used towards meal deals (main, drink, snack) and other onboard purchases. If your purchase exceeds the voucher value, you pay the difference by card. If you spend less, the remaining balance is usually lost as the voucher must be used in full on that flight.
• Purchase: Vouchers can be bought during online check-in or added to your booking beforehand.
• No cash value: Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash or used outside the flight. They are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Tips: Always check your boarding pass or app carefully to confirm the voucher is present before boarding. When using the voucher, ask to see the payment terminal total to avoid overcharges.
Boarding Process:
• Boarding is usually via both front and rear doors to speed up turnaround, check your Boarding Pass to see which door you should use.
• Speedy Boarding is available for Inclusive Plus Fare, easyJet Plus, and those who purchase the service separately.
Baggage Policies
Cabin Baggage:
• Standard fare includes one small bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm).
• Larger cabin bags (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) are available for a fee or included with certain fare types and memberships.
• Strict enforcement at boarding gates; oversize bags incur charges.
Checked Baggage:
• Not included in the base fare; can be purchased in increments of 15kg, 23kg, or 32kg.
• Online pre-purchase is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
• Overweight bags are accepted subject to the payment of a per KG fee (£12per KG as of April 2025). Best to book in advance.
• If you haven’t pre booked Checked Bags you will be charged £50 per bag at the check-in desk.
easyJet allows every passenger to bring one small cabin bag on board free of charge. This bag must not exceed 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels) and should fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum weight allowed is 15 kg, and you must be able to lift and carry the bag yourself. No additional personal items (such as handbags or laptop bags) are permitted for free, so all essentials must fit within your single allowance. For those needing more space, a larger cabin bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max 15 kg) can be brought on board if you purchase the option, are an easyJet Plus cardholder, or have booked a Inclusive Plus fare. This larger bag is stored in the overhead locker.
easyJet regularly check hand luggage compliance at the gate. Bags that exceed the allowed size or weight limits, or additional bags beyond the free allowance, may be placed in the aircraft hold at the gate and will incur a fee of £48 per bag (as of April 2025). This applies to oversized small cabin bags (over 45 x 36 x 20 cm), oversized large cabin bags (over 56 x 45 x 25 cm), and any large cabin bags not pre-booked or without the correct fare entitlement. easyJet encourages passengers to check their bag dimensions before travel to avoid charges and delays. They also provide self-service baggage gauges at many airports to verify compliance. Enforcement can vary by airport and gate staff, but the policy is generally strictly applied to prioritise space for those who have booked the correct allowance in advance.
Loyalty and Frequent Traveller Programmes
easyJet Plus:
• Annual membership (£249 UK, €289 EU/Europe with discounts for partner and children) with benefits such as free seat selection, additional cabin bag, speedy boarding, and fast-track security. More details will be found in the dedicated topic found here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...ral-guide.html
Flight Club:
• Invitation-only loyalty scheme for very frequent flyers, offering exclusive benefits, flexible booking options, and dedicated customer support. More details will be found in the dedicated topic found here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...ight-club.html
Additional Services
easyJet Holidays:
• Combines flights with hotels and transfers for ATOL-protected package holidays.
Ancillary Services:
• Car hire, airport transfers, travel insurance, airport parking, and lounge access can be booked via the easyJet website or app.
• Fast Track Security and airport lounge access available (for a fee) at select airports.
Customer Service and Disruption Handling
• easyJet has invested in digital self-service tools, including flight status updates, disruption notifications, and refund processing via the app and website.
• Customer support is available via phone, live chat, and social media.
• Compensation and rebooking are handled in line with UK/EU261 (EC261) regulations in the event of delays or cancellations.
Environmental Initiatives
• easyJet is committed to reducing its environmental impact, with a modern, fuel-efficient fleet and carbon offsetting for all flights.
• The airline is investing in sustainable aviation fuel and exploring electric and hybrid aircraft for the future.
Practical Tips for Frequent easyJet Travellers
• Travel light: Save money and time by packing within the small cabin bag allowance.
• Join easyJet Plus: Frequent travellers will benefit from priority services and extra baggage.
• Monitor fares: Use fare alerts and book early for the lowest prices.
• Check airport terminals: easyJet often operates from both main
and secondary terminals.
• Stay informed: Download the app for real-time updates and boarding passes.
More easyJet Guides and Information
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...nnectsure.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...-overview.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...ral-guide.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/easy...ight-club.html