The European Union is considering further changes to flight laws after introducing a controversial fingerprint scanner for British travellers. The new system has drawn complaints from passengers who report longer wait times and, in some cases, missed flights. Now, the EU is looking at making hand luggage free for all passengers, a move that could reshape air travel costs.
EU Proposes Free Hand Luggage Default
According to a statement from the European Commission, the proposed legislation would require airlines to display fares that include a piece of hand baggage by default before any booking process begins. The aim is to create price transparency and facilitate fare comparisons between carriers. The Commission stated: 'To create price transparency, air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines.'
However, the change is not expected to take effect until 2027 at the earliest. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander may introduce similar rules in the UK, but no decision has been confirmed yet.
Impact on UK Passengers and Airlines
Experts at Which? believe the change is inevitable. They noted: 'These rules apply to EU airlines, such as Ryanair, but also to airlines flying from the EU to the UK, including UK carriers such as easyJet. It would be impractical for UK carriers to apply one set of bag rules and charges on inbound flights from the EU, and outbound legs from the UK. It's likely that UK carriers will implement the same rules on flights to the EU.'
Ryanair already offers a free personal carry-on bag (40cm x 30cm x 20cm) as part of its basic fare, which is 33% larger than the EU standard free carry-on bag. EasyJet also includes a small cabin bag (up to 40 x 36 x 20cm) for free, with nearly 40% of its customers opting for this option.
Fingerprint Scanner Controversy
The proposed luggage rule change comes amid backlash against the EU's new fingerprint scanner requirement for British travellers. Passengers have reported significant delays at airports, with some missing flights due to the extended processing times. The EU has not yet announced any changes to the fingerprint system, but the luggage proposal is seen as a gesture to appease frustrated travellers.
