The European Commission has announced a major change to hand luggage rules across the EU, meaning airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air will no longer be allowed to charge passengers for bringing a small case on board. The new regulations come into force in 2027, though the exact start date has not yet been confirmed, and will apply to all flights within the EU as well as flights from the EU to the UK.
What the new rules mean for passengers
Under the updated rules, air fares must include the cost of bringing a small piece of hand luggage – measuring 40cm x 30cm x 15cm – at no extra charge. This is in addition to the small personal item (such as a handbag or backpack) that these airlines currently allow free of charge, which must be placed under the seat. The change is designed to create price transparency and make it easier for passengers to compare fares across different carriers.
The European 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." Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport of Cyprus, said: "I'm proud that, after 13 years of negotiations, we reached a landmark agreement to strengthen EU air passenger rights. This modernized framework will deliver certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers."
Impact on budget airlines and ticket prices
While the change is good news for passengers, it could push up initial ticket prices, particularly for budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air that currently levy extra charges for cabin bags. However, airlines will still be permitted to offer reduced fares for passengers who choose to travel without a suitcase. Ryanair already includes a free personal carry-on bag (40cm x 30cm x 20cm) in its basic fare – 33% larger than the EU standard free bag. easyJet said its fare already includes a small cabin bag free of charge up to 45 x 36 x 20cm, with nearly 40% of its customers choosing that option.
British carriers such as easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 would only be obliged to follow the rule on flights arriving back from the EU into the UK, meaning British travellers could potentially face hand luggage fees on just one leg of their journey. Consumer champion Which? explained that even if airlines are not strictly bound by the new rules, "the reality is that they will have to [follow them]". Which? added: "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."
Additional passenger rights and compensation
The agreement also strengthens passenger rights in other areas. Airlines must notify passengers electronically within 96 hours of landing if a delay warrants compensation, and provide clear guidance on submitting claims. Carriers must confirm receipt of any claim and respond within 30 days, either issuing compensation or giving a transparent explanation for refusal.
When travel plans are disrupted, passengers are now entitled to: refreshments every two hours of waiting time; a meal after three hours, and every five hours thereafter (up to three meals per day); internet access and two phone calls. Additionally, airlines can no longer charge extra fees for correcting spelling errors in names or for printing a boarding pass if the passenger has already checked in online. Passengers also have the right to obtain digital boarding passes upon check-in without needing a user account or specific app, and cannot be denied boarding for using their own printed version of a digitally issued boarding pass.
Industry reaction
UK travel expert Simon Calder commented: "The parliamentary proposal is unworkable within the confines of a typical low-cost jet. Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-cost airline, says it can accept only 90 large pieces of cabin baggage in its Boeing 737 planes, which seat up to 197. Conferring the right for everyone to bring a roll-along case would involve much of the luggage ending up in the aircraft hold, causing delays. So a fudge has been agreed... Airlines will be required 'to always display the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the book [sic] process'. This will make no difference to British Airways, Jet2 and many Continental carriers such as Air France and KLM, which already allow two items. But the move is likely to add £20-£40 to existing one-way fares on easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. However, the carriers can immediately offer a discount that reduces the price to passengers taking only minimal baggage."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is reportedly weighing up changes to British law to introduce these rules domestically.
