A BUDGET European airline is ditching its free hand luggage, forcing customers to pay more for their bags.
Until now, passengers were entitled to a 10kg suitcase, along with a personal bag, regardless of the fare they were booking.
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However, Air Malta is set to change its rules, meaning those booking the cheapest fares will now only be permitted to bring a small personal bag into the cabin.
The airline links Malta to the UK, flying in and out of London Heathrow, but is set to be replaced by a new airline, KM Malta, next year.
When that airline launches, it will also fly to and from London Gatwick.
The new rules will come into force with the new carrier, which will begin operating in March.
Four economy fares will be offered to passengers, with only the two higher priced options (economy plus and economy flex) offering free hand luggage.
Meanwhile, those who have booked the two cheaper fares (economy basic and economy value) will only be able to bring a 2kg bag on board.
Economy value passengers will have the additional option of checking in a 10kg bag, but they won’t be permitted to have it with them in the cabin.
The airline announced the terms of the new fares via their Facebook page.
In a post they said: “Introducing our Economy Fares!
“We understand that every traveller is unique, and that is why we’re excited to offer a range of Economy fare options to cater to these needs.”
However, the announcement didn’t go down well with passengers, with plenty leaving angry comments.
One wrote: “Quite ridiculous. So going for a long weekend with just carry on luggage is practically gone.”
Another said: “What’s this pathetic 2kg bag?! Its a scam. Who can travel with just 2kgs! It’s just there to show a cheaper price and then be forced into buying add ons.”
A third added: “Still cannot understand why they did this.”
People can already book flights on the new airline, with its website launching on Monday, December 4.
Since then it has already received more than 122,000 bookings in its first week for its summer 2024 flights.
Its schedule will operate from March 31 until October 26, with the airline serving 17 airports across 15 European cities.
As well as London, KM Malta will also fly to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Catania, Dusseldorf, Lyon, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Prague, Rome, Vienna and Zurich.
Meanwhile Ryanair is launching new flights from this small UK airport.
And this major UK airport has announced £250m worth of renovation plans.
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