Latest news with #EU-based
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air bag rules coming for Spain and Greece
The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will change the law on what you take onto a plane - and how much you pay The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New bag rule set to come for anyone flying to Spain, Portugal or Greece
The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will cover companies including easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and TUI The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
EU plans baggage rule change for anyone flying to Spain, France, or Greece
EU plans baggage rule change for anyone flying to Spain, France, or Greece The new EU rule would cover anyone from the UK flying to and from countries like Italy and Portugal A woman checking the size of her carry-on luggage at the airport The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. Article continues below 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Article continues below Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Sky News AU
8 hours ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Trade Minister Don Farrell confident in negotiations to finalise European Union free trade deal
Trade Minister Don Farrell has confirmed momentum is building for a free trade agreement with the European Union, more than 18 months after negotiations collapsed, with sticking points like beef exports and luxury car taxes still on the table. The Albanese government has expressed confidence it will strike a long-awaited free trade agreement with the European Union. Trade Minister Don Farrell told Sky News Sunday Agenda there was 'a lot of goodwill in the air' following revived negotiations with the EU. Mr Farrell met with European counterparts on Wednesday, the first face-to-face talks since free trade negotiations collapsed in October 2023. He acknowledged several sticking points remain unresolved, including Australia's luxury car tax and EU demands for exclusive naming rights for prosciutto and parmesan 'We haven't yet got an agreement, but there was a lot of goodwill in the air in Paris last week,' Mr Farrell said. 'I'm confident that if that goodwill continues, that we can secure a new free trade agreement with the European Union.' The comments follow Mr Farrell's meeting with European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic on the sidelines of an OECD summit in Paris. A visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Australia is also expected in July or August. Mr Farrell said both sides now recognise the urgency of finalising an agreement in a 'rapidly changing global environment', amid US President Donald Trump's tariffs. 'Those countries that believe in free and fair trade have to work together,' Mr Farrell said. 'I'm very confident that with a little bit of time, a little bit of hard work on our part… we can get there and we can strike an agreement.' — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 18, 2025 Australian officials have said that agriculture remains the biggest sticking point, which was a major cause of the failed negotiations in 2023. The government has signalled a willingness to consider abolishing the luxury car tax—an irritant to EU exporters—in exchange for greater access to lamb and beef markets. The issue of geographical indications—terms like feta, prosecco, parmesan, and prosciutto—also continues to be a flashpoint. Some European nations want to reserve these product names for EU-based producers only, a move resisted by Australian farmers and manufacturers. The EU is Australia's third-largest trading partner, representing a market of 450 million people and a GDP of about AUD$20 trillion. Mr Farrell said a trade agreement would unlock benefits across investment, education, supply chains and export growth. 'We've got lots of things that we can sell to the Europeans. I believe now that there's an appetite to reach an agreement on both sides,' he said. The renewed push comes amid heightened global uncertainty, with US President Donald Trump announcing plans to double steel tariffs to 50 per cent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Trump will likely meet for the first time in Kananaskis, Canada, between June 15 and 17.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
TUI, easyJet and other airline travellers could be owed '£520' for delayed flights
There are several ways to seek compensation for flight delays and compensation - here's everything you should know A travel enthusiast has revealed a tool that could help you claim compensation after facing flight delays. The Travel Mum took to TikTok to share her insights, claiming travellers with TUI, easyJet and any other airline could be owed as much as £520 in certain scenarios. "Is there anything worse than getting to the airport and finding out your flight has been delayed?" she asked her 417,000 followers. "Well, here is a little hack to make sure you get the compensation you are owed. "Most families don't realise they could be owed up to £520 per person after a delay. A huge 52% of valid claims get wrongly rejected by the airlines for all sorts of reasons." The Travel Mum pointed to AirHelp, an online platform that allows airline passengers to claim compensation for delays, cancellations, and overbookings effortlessly. The service is rated 4.6 stars on Trustpilot and claims to have already assisted 2.7 million travellers in successfully receiving compensation. While it offers a free compensation checker, allowing customers to easily view what they are owed online, claiming the money with AirHelp's assistance does have a cost. One payment model offered is a 'no win, no fee' deal, meaning a standard cost equal to 35% is typically deducted from any winnings. Conversely, you can also pay for an AirHelp+ annual membership from £34.99 per year, which means no fees are deducted from your winnings. But, regardless of your fee option, AirHelp will handle all the paperwork and negotiations for you, while paying for all legal costs. These can amount to £1,000 in the worst of cases. The Travel Mum continued: "AirHelp is great because they know what they are talking about, and they will handle the whole claims process for you. "They will even take the airline to court if they are denying you what you are owed." Despite this, note that travellers can make a compensation claim independently for free, and AirHelp is not required as part of that process. You can generally do this by contacting an airline directly - each airline will have a different compensation process. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert also offers a wealth of advice and its own free online tool to help you make a complaint and keep track of it. However, before choosing this option, it's important to assess your eligibility. Travellers are only entitled to compensation in certain situations. For instance, if a flight was cancelled less than two weeks before take-off, if staff strikes occur, or if disruptions are the airline's fault, you may have a case on your hands. Yet, stormy weather, political issues, volcanic eruptions and security concerns aren't grounds for compensation. If you're flying from a UK or EU airport or onboard a UK or EU-based airline arriving in these zones, your flight should be covered by EU and UK compensation regulations, too. This is also true if you've booked through a travel agency or tour operator.
