In a significant shift, Brussels Airlines is revamping its fare structure by eliminating free overhead cabin baggage for its cheapest tickets on short and medium-haul flights. This change will come into effect with the introduction of the new Economy Basic fare, where passengers will only be allowed a small personal item that fits under the seat, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. The current Economy Light fare permits both a personal item and a standard cabin bag, but travelers looking to carry a larger cabin suitcase will now need to opt for a higher fare category or incur an additional fee.
The revised fare model will be trialed starting April 28 for flights from May 19 on select routes, with plans for a broader application across Brussels Airlines’ European network if deemed successful. This move aligns with a larger strategy within the Lufthansa Group, which comprises Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, and Air Dolomiti. The airlines suggest that the new fare structure offers increased flexibility, enabling passengers traveling light to benefit from lower fares. However, for those who frequently travel with cabin luggage, the overall cost may remain similar once baggage fees are factored in.
Business travelers, frequent flyers, expatriates, and families, who often rely on cabin baggage to circumvent checked luggage fees and airport waiting times, are anticipated to be the most affected by this change. As such, passengers are encouraged to thoroughly examine fare conditions before booking to ensure they understand the total travel cost, including potential baggage fees, rather than merely focusing on the displayed ticket price.
For travelers who only need to carry a personal item, the new fare could present an opportunity for savings. However, for many others, the cheapest ticket option may no longer equate to the lowest overall travel cost. As the airline tests this new pricing model, it remains to be seen how the shift will be received by its customer base across different travel needs.