Travel expert Jane Bolton has outlined six proposed travel changes that could come into effect in 2027, covering cabin luggage, contactless eGates, child seating, flight protection, and correction fees. These changes aim to make travel more transparent and cost-effective for UK passengers.
Cabin Luggage Included in Standard Flight Fare
Jane Bolton, travel expert at Erna Low, said that one of the "significant changes" set to impact all travellers from next year is the inclusion of cabin luggage in the standard price of a flight fare. She explained: "Under the proposed reforms, expected in October 2027, passengers would be entitled to one small personal item that fits under the seat and one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg as part of the standard ticket price, helping to make baggage allowances and flight pricing more transparent."
Currently, some airlines charge just under £50 each way to add a cabin bag, which can add significantly to flight costs, especially for families. The new allowances will make comparing flight prices much easier and reduce the risk of hidden fees increasing the total holiday cost.
Contactless Airport eGates
Contactless eGates at UK airports are expected to be rolled out by next year. The travel expert explained: "Passengers arriving in the UK could soon pass through airport eGates without scanning their passport, as new contactless technology is rolled out nationwide."
The system, which government testing suggests is up to 25% faster, launched at East Midlands Airport in October 2026 and is expected to reach every UK airport eGate by early 2027. Passengers must still carry their passport in case further checks are required.
Children Seated with Parents at No Extra Cost
A family of four can face being charged as much as £250 to secure seats next to each other on flights, with the expert stating that there is "currently no law requiring children to be seated next to a supervised adult or guardian, Civil Aviation Authority guidelines state there should be no more than one row between a child and parent to prevent evacuation delays."
However, Jane revealed: "Under the proposed rules, children under 14 will be entitled to sit next to an accompanying adult without paying additional seating fees." Travellers should remember that the change is not yet in force. Until an implementation date is confirmed, families should continue to check the individual airline’s seating policy before booking.
More Flight Protection and Free Corrections
"Many travellers are unaware that missing an outbound flight could sometimes put the remainder of their travel plans at risk under some airline terms," the expert said. But this could change from 2027. "While there is currently no confirmed implementation date, the proposed reforms would prevent airlines from automatically cancelling a passenger’s return flight, simply because the outbound leg was not used," the expert revealed. This provides holidaymakers with much greater flexibility for when travel plans don’t go according to plan, particularly if they’ve experienced disruptions or delays.
Correcting a small error on your holiday booking, such as a simple name mistake, can add up to £40. Jane explained: "Under the proposed reforms, passengers would be able to correct minor booking mistakes without facing penalties, helping travellers avoid unnecessary costs for genuine errors. It should not be confused with transferring a ticket to an entirely different passenger, which may still be subject to separate airline rules and charges."
There is currently no confirmed implementation date for the flight protection changes, so travellers should still contact their airline immediately if they are unable to take an outbound flight. Passengers should not assume their return booking will remain valid under today’s rules.
