Great news! Travellers may soon bring more carry-on bags on planes for free
Soon, passengers in the European Union may be able to bring carry-on luggage on planes free of charge, marking a significant change for travellers.
VG reports that the European Parliament’s transport committee has approved a draft regulation allowing passengers to carry up to 7 kilograms of hand luggage on the plane without paying an extra fee, in addition to a smaller personal item that fits under the seat. This regulation aims to unify the currently varying rules and fees across airlines and countries, making baggage costs more transparent for travellers.
However, the proposal has not yet come into full effect, as it still requires approval from the full European Parliament and EU member states. Airlines’ interest groups strongly oppose the change, warning that eliminating carry-on baggage fees could reduce their ancillary revenues by up to one-third, potentially forcing them to raise plane ticket prices even for passengers travelling with minimal luggage. Airlines for Europe (A4E) argues that the regulation would limit consumer choice and ultimately increase costs for passengers who do not require extra baggage services, writes Politico.
This debate is not new: Spain has previously taken action against airlines charging for carry-on bags and fined several carriers for unfair market practices. The European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that reasonable-sized and weighted carry-on luggage cannot be subject to extra fees, provided it meets safety requirements. The current proposal would reinforce this ruling and establish uniform rules across EU member states.
The new regulation also addresses other issues, such as ensuring children are seated next to their accompanying adults on planes and clarifying rights for passengers with disabilities and those travelling with assistance animals. As part of a compromise, the size of carry-on luggage would be limited to match the size of a personal item, such as a small backpack or handbag, with a maximum dimension of 100 cm (width, height and depth).
This change could significantly ease travel for passengers who have often faced extra fees for carry-on bags, especially with low-cost carriers where these fees represent a substantial revenue source. However, airlines warn that ticket prices may rise if they lose this revenue stream.
Overall, the EU regulation aims to create fair and consistent conditions for air travel, protect consumer rights, and simplify carry-on baggage rules while considering airlines’ business models. The final decision is still pending and will be determined in the coming months, shaping the future of free carry-on luggage in European air travel.
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