The tourism industry in southern Gran Canaria is closely watching the changing habits of its main market: the British. With the new, stricter policies of Ryanair, EasyJet, and Jet2, tourists arriving at Gando Airport are now "micro-optimized" to avoid charges that can exceed €9,49 for a 10kg suitcase or hefty fees for exceeding size limits at the airport. This obsession with hand luggage is changing the landscape of taxi ranks in Maspalomas and the luggage storage facilities in Salcai.
Taxi drivers in areas like Playa del Inglés and Meloneras have noticed a new type of traveler who, by adhering to Ryanair's (small suitcase under the seat) or EasyJet's size restrictions, no longer requires station wagons or minivans. This speeds up airport queues but reduces the average fare due to special cargo services.
Airlines' recommendation to "check dimensions and weight at home" to facilitate check-in is making travelers more independent. However, the 15 kg cabin baggage limit on EasyJet and the 10 kg standard on Jet2 are saturating the overhead compartments of regular buses, forcing drivers to better manage cabin space to avoid blocking aisles.
Where volume is holding steady is in the family segment. Jet2 allows up to two free items per child (strollers, car seats, or cots) in addition to the 10 kg allowance. This ensures that the private transfer sector continues to require high-capacity vehicles for the British market, which remains the most loyal to the island despite baggage restrictions on low-cost carriers.
Southern Gran Canaria is adapting to tourists who travel lighter to avoid the "rip-off" of last-minute gate fares. While airlines suggest handing over luggage the night before to avoid congestion, local transport companies are seeing luggage become smaller but more numerous inside vehicles. The key for the global taxi and bus sector in 2026 will be flexibility: adapting to a customer who measures their suitcase down to the millimeter to stay within their holiday budget.
