EasyJet has announced it will begin charging travellers on its cheaper fares for putting luggage in the overhead lockers.

The Luton-based low-cost airline said that from 10 February next year, passengers travelling on its standard fares would be restricted to one small bag on board if it can fit under the seat in front of them.

While the move has provoked criticism on social media, the airline said it was for passenger benefit, to “improve boarding and punctuality”.

Currently, standard customers can fly with a cabin bag measuring up to 56x45x25cm – a policy that allows for placing small suitcases in the overhead lockers.

Under the new policy, passengers who want to travel with an additional large bag as hand luggage must pay an extra fee, which will also enable them to select a seat either near the front of the plane or with extra legroom. EasyJet said this would be available from £7.99 but ranges in price to up to £24 each way.

Those who pay higher “flexi” fares or are members of the carrier’s frequent flyer scheme will also continue to be allowed to take one small and one large item of hand luggage with them, subject to space on board.

EasyJet’s chief commercial and customer officer, Robert Carey, 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.”

Ryanair also limits passengers to one small item of hand luggage without an additional fee. British Airways’ cheapest fares include one large and one small item of hand luggage. Passengers booking with Wizz must pay for “Priority” if they want to take a larger bag on board.

EasyJet customers with existing bookings for travel from 10 February who do not want to buy one of the optional extras will be offered the option of checking in a larger cabin bag at no extra cost. But the new policy could hit the pockets of travellers who have already booked flights after that date.

The aviation sector has been emaciated by the coronavirus crisis. Even though bookings and shares have been boosted by positive news on vaccines, easyJet slumped to a £1.3bn full-year loss.

Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s chief executive, said the airline has cut 80% of its planned winter schedule amid travel restrictions imposed by the UK government and other countries in November.

EasyJet has survived the pandemic so far by raising £3.1bn in cash since April through measures such as the sale and leaseback of aircraft, and delaying the delivery of new planes. It is also cutting staff numbers by up to 30%, resulting in 4,500 redundancies.