The Turkish low-cost airline, Pegasus Airlines, has always been a welcome choice for us, offering good and sometimes excellent deals to Turkey, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This was not only due to affordable fares but also because large carry-on luggage was always included. Additionally, fees for checked baggage were reasonable.
Unfortunately, there is now a significant downgrade as Pegasus Airlines aligns itself with other low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizzair, or easyJet: only one personal item measuring 40x30x15 centimetres and weighing a maximum of 3 kg is now included, and everything else comes with an additional cost (excluding domestic Turkish flights). At least, the airline refrains from presenting this change as an improvement for the customer.
Effective immediately, a minimum fee of €15 per leg applies for large carry-ons
Previously, passengers were allowed to bring one piece of carry-on luggage (maximum dimensions 55x40x20 cm) on board. For bookings made from now on, only a personal item (maximum dimensions 40x30x15 cm) is included. The cost for large carry-on luggage, based on our tests, is at least €15 per leg, varying depending on the destination.
Baggage allowance for on board baggage on international and Cyprus flights have changed. The new rules apply to tickets booked from after 14 February 2024. If you bring additional item or items over the size limit into the aircraft, extra charges will apply for each additonal item while boarding.
Pegasus Airlines website
To continue travelling with luggage, you must either choose the “Saver” fare, which includes both carry-on and checked baggage…
…or select carry-on and/or checked baggage individually later in the booking process.
Conclusion
It was almost surprising that Pegasus Airlines maintained the policy of not charging for large carry-on luggage for so long. Nevertheless, the airline’s decision is disappointing for customers, especially since, according to our samples, flight prices have not been reduced. While the fees for both carry-on and checked baggage are still relatively low compared to airlines like Wizzair or easyJet, this move represents a clear (hidden) increase in ticket costs.
All in all, Pegasus aligns itself with this decision, and it feels like only a matter of time until Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and others follow suit. A lamentable development.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: © https://www.flypgs.com/
Comments (2)
Why do you change the structure of your flight packages?
With the new flight packages, we aim to minimize congestion during boarding, ensure timely completion of the boarding processes, prevent overcrowding in overhead bins, and provide a better flight experience for our guests …..so it is improvement they say
Hm, you are saying that “At least, the airline refrains from presenting this change as an improvement for the customer”? Well, that’s not what I am reading in the email I received from them: “From 14 February 2024 we are introducing some changes TO PROVIDE A BETTER GUEST EXPERIENCE by IMPROVING our on board baggage handling…”. 🙂