Loubna and Saad are leaving the EasyJet counter at terminal 2B of Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle on this Thursday afternoon with radiant faces. The couple has just checked in for the 4:30 pm flight to Venice, Italy. For this “weekend getaway without the kids,” as Loubna joyfully puts it, the two will be traveling light. They only bring a small carry-on bag each (45 x 36 x 20 cm), the only one included in the price of their ticket, a little over 120 euros for both. “I checked, a cabin bag is about 30 euros per person per way, so the same price as the tickets. Soon, the bags will cost more than the ticket!” exclaims Saad, an entrepreneur.
The two residents of Arnouville (Val-d’Oise) are therefore traveling with the bare minimum. “We’ll be back on Sunday. For two days, we don’t need to bring the entire wardrobe,” reassures Loubna. She even bought a bag at Primark for the occasion. “I kept the tag with the dimensions in case someone bothers me just before boarding,” she admits. “I don’t want to get fined at the last minute.” However, she hesitates to place her slightly bulging shoulder bag with belongings inside in the measuring device a few meters away, meant to check that it does not exceed the maximum dimensions. “Just in case, I don’t want to give them any ideas,” smiles Loubna.
As airlines continue to charge extra for checked baggage, more and more passengers are opting to travel with just a carry-on to save money. This trend has led to concerns that the cost of bringing luggage on a flight may soon exceed the price of the ticket itself. With budget airlines offering cheap fares but charging for additional services like baggage, travelers must carefully consider their options to avoid unexpected costs.
In addition to the financial aspect, traveling with only a carry-on can also be more convenient and efficient. Passengers can avoid long waits at baggage claim and the risk of lost or damaged luggage. By packing light and being mindful of airline regulations, travelers can streamline their journey and focus on enjoying their destination.
While the debate over baggage fees and airline pricing continues, Loubna and Saad are focused on their romantic weekend in Venice. As they head to their gate, they are grateful for the opportunity to travel together and create lasting memories, even if it means traveling light to save a few extra euros. In the end, it’s not the size of the bag that matters, but the experiences and adventures that await at the destination.