NORTH-EAST easyJet customers will have to pay extra to take luggage on board in the airline's new cabin bag policy. 

Customers will no longer be able to bring an overhead cabin bag on easyJet flights for free, as changes in its cabin bag policy will allow just small, under seat luggage for free with standard seats. 

The changes come into force on February 10, 2021.

READ MORE: easyJet customers ‘disgusted’ over refunds for cancelled Newcastle flights

The airline says the under seat cabin bag is large enough for journey essentials or for a short trip. 

Customers with an Up front or Extra legroom seat can still bring a large cabin bag for free - but these seats do cost more.

easyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare customers will also continue to have an additional large cabin bag included in their booking, subject to space onboard.

If you are travelling from February 10 and have already booked a ticket, you can either pay to upgrade your seat or check your larger luggage into hold as easyJet is offering its 'Hands Free' service for free. 

While there is no weight limit for any cabin bag, passengers should be able to carry their own luggage. 

READ MORE: Mayor welcomes slice of £100m to support Teesside Airport through pandemic

The new policy is designed to reduce queue times during boarding and other delays due to putting excess cabin bags in the hold.

Robert Carey, chief commercial and customer officer for easyJet said: “Punctuality is important to our customers and we know that if they have their bags placed into the hold at the gate due to the limited space onboard this can cause flight delays, and it can be frustrating for them too.

"Our new policy will improve boarding and punctuality for everyone, as well as give our customers certainty of what they will have with them onboard.

“Customers with existing bookings from February 10 will be offered Hands Free for free, allowing them to travel with their cabin bag at no extra cost.

READ MORE: Airline set to return to Teesside Airport after three year gap

“For families, we’ll continue to provide a number of options to allow them to bring additional items free of charge, helping keep travel easy and affordable for families when they fly with us.”

Seats with the extra bag included will cost you more and are limited, making holidays after the Covid pandemic a little bit more expensive.

There are between 42 and 63 Up front and Extra legroom seats available on each flight, depending on the aircraft type, which prices starting from £7.99.

As well as the overhead cabin bag and under seat bag, these seats bag you speedy boarding and dedicated easyJet Plus Bag Drop for any hold luggage.

For all bookings made from today onwards for travel from February 10 2021, the new policy will apply.