14 hours ago
Passengers travelling to Europe could take cabin bag on board for FREE - as new rules will ban airlines from charging extra
Holidaymakers may soon avoid the frustration of paying extra fees for carry-on luggage at the boarding gate - thanks to proposed changes in EU airline rules.
The EU Parliament transport committee has approved new regulations that would grant all passengers the right to carry a handbag or small suitcase weighing up to 7kg at no extra cost.
Under the amendment, passengers would be allowed one cabin bag with dimensions measuring up to 100cm, in addition to a smaller personal item that fits under the seat.
This proposal could significantly impact budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, which currently charge extra for larger cabin baggage.
If implemented, the rule would apply not only to domestic EU flights but also to international flights connecting the EU with non-member countries, including the UK.
For the proposal to become law, it still requires approval from at least 55 per cent of EU member states, representing 65 cent of the total EU population.
However, this process could take time and prompt pushback from national governments and airline lobbies.
Spain has already expressed its approval for the proposed changes - but not everyone is on board.
Airlines for Europe, representing major carriers, warn that the new rules could disrupt operations and ultimately lead to increased ticket prices for passengers - even for those not carrying extra luggage.
Managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico that the European Parliament should 'let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.'
Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the group contacted EU transport committee members, stressing practical and logistical challenges airlines would face.
They pointed out that although many aircraft carry up to 180 passengers, the overhead compartments can only accommodate about 90 trolley-sized bags.
The industry body argues that requiring free carry-on luggage could cause boarding delays and overcrowding, and that travellers should retain the flexibility to select and pay for only the services they require.
