Brussels Airlines is making a significant change to its fare structure by eliminating complimentary overhead cabin baggage from its most economical ticket option for short and medium-haul journeys. Currently, the airline’s Economy Light fare allows passengers to bring both a personal item and a standard cabin bag. However, the updated entry-level fare, known as Economy Basic, will restrict travelers to only a small personal item that must fit under the seat, like a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
If passengers wish to carry a larger cabin suitcase, they will need to either select a higher fare category or pay an additional fee. The new fare structure will begin as a trial on April 28, affecting flights departing from May 19 on selected routes. If successful, the airline plans to expand this pricing model across its European network.
This shift is part of a broader strategy by the Lufthansa Group, which Brussels Airlines is a part of, alongside Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, and Air Dolomiti. The group aims to offer more flexibility and potentially lower fares for travelers with minimal luggage. However, those who frequently travel with cabin baggage might not see significant savings after factoring in the cost of baggage fees.
The impact of this change is likely to be most felt by business travelers, frequent flyers, expatriates, and families who often rely on cabin baggage to avoid the costs and delays associated with checked luggage. As a result, passengers are encouraged to carefully examine fare conditions before booking and to consider the total travel cost, including possible baggage fees, rather than just the base ticket price.
For those traveling light with only a personal item, the new fare might offer financial benefits. Nonetheless, for many others, the lowest-priced ticket may no longer equate to the most economical travel option overall.