Martin Lewis’ MSE reveals genius tricks to avoid easyJet’s ‘hidden’ extra fees & ‘manipulate’ the budget airline

MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has revealed a host of genius hacks to make flying with EasyJet less expensive.

The British multinational airline is already cheaper than most others – but there are a number of ways travellers can cut their costs further.

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When it comes to baggage, booking tickets, checking in, boarding, and flying, these are the tips and tricks that money-conscious EasyJet travellers should be aware of.

Baggage

Passengers who booked a standard seat are allowed to bring a small bag, roughly the size of a rucksack, into the cabin.

These small bags will need to be 45cm x 36cm x 20cm.

But there is also the option to pay to take a second larger bag, measuring 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, on board from £5.99 – up to an undefined maximum cost.

Paying for the option will also guarantee passengers get “speedy boarding” priority.

If you choose not to pay extra, you’ll need to adhere to EasyJet’s strict hand luggage limit of just one bag – although you’ll also be allowed a shopping bag.

EasyJet’s terms stipulate that passengers can bring onboard “one standard bag of goods bought at the airport” as well as their hand luggage.

Some passengers have reported getting away with stuffing items that haven’t fit in their hand luggage into a carrier bag from duty-free or similar.

Others have worn their luggage overflow – their heavy coats, big boots, or chunk jumpers – rather than packing them.

If your luggage won’t fit into your free cabin bag, you can get a second cabin bag – and more space to stretch your legs.

People who book extra-legroom seats are entitled to take an additional small bag into the cabin.

Prices for first-row seats start at £7.99 each way, so you could get both an extra bag and spacious seating for the price of one.

Another hack to consider is taking squishable hand luggage – holdalls, for example – that can defy size limit restrictions.

And be smart with the way you approach packing – the right methods could allow you to squeeze in more than you might think.

If you must fork out the money to check in baggage, be sure to pay in advance, otherwise you could be charged as much as £100 per return flight.

Booking

If you can pounce on tickets as soon as they’re launched, you’re likely to get the cheapest deal possible.

They are released in several tranches throughout the year – so keep an eye on EasyJet’s seat-release schedule.

Tickets have already been released for travel up until November 30 this year; the date for when tickets go on sale for travel beyond November 30 is yet to be confirmed.

Remember that you might be able to find a better deal elsewhere – always compare and never assume that EasyJet is cheapest.

If you’re able to find the same flight as the one you’ve booked for less, you will get the difference back as a credit voucher, to be used within six months, as long as the lower price wasn’t a sale price.

But you will need to have booked directly through EasyJet to claim it.

This refund trick is only offered by EasyJet to those who are members of – or join – EasyJet Plus or Flight Club.

Keep in mind that paying for a single flight over £100 on a credit card – fully repaid so there’s no interest – will give you Section 75 protection, meaning the card company will be jointly liable if anything goes wrong.

And avoid paying for any of the EasyJet extras such as car hire, hotels, and travel insurance without first checking prices offered elsewhere.

Checking in

You can check in 30 days in advance and get a better seat on your flight at no extra cost.

To choose your own seat, you’ll have to pay, but you’re more likely to get allocated a better seat the earlier you check in.

Boarding and flying

Try and get to the gate, queue and board early to snag some storage space above you for your baggage – as space is limited in EasyJet cabins.

One you’re in the air, you don’t want to be buying snacks or meals, if you can avoid it, as they can be quite expensive. Why not pack a mile-high picnic instead?

Note that you could be entitled to about £100 to £500 in compensation if your flight is delayed more than three hours, or your flight is cancelled.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk