From October 23, 2027, updated European Union rules will guarantee passengers the right to take one small personal item on board without paying extra. The change is designed to make baggage allowances and fares easier to compare.
The free item, such as a handbag or small backpack, must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 15cm or fit beneath the seat in front. There is no common EU size or weight limit for a larger cabin bag, and airlines can still set their own policies and pricing.
What the change means for passengers
Harry Deacon, travel expert at Holafly, said the change could make booking flights less confusing for passengers. He said: "For far too long the rules on hand luggage have been the most aggravating aspect of travel within Europe.
"One airline on the same route can have a very different allowance from another, and many passengers only discover what they will pay when they reach checkout, or worse still, the airport gate. The inclusion of a free personal item with every flight and the knowledge in advance of what your hand baggage allowance is would go a long way towards making fares more comparable."
Airlines must display hand-baggage fares
The rules also require airlines and booking websites to display a fare that includes a hand-baggage allowance by default before the booking process begins, helping passengers compare the overall cost of flights. However, there is no requirement for every fare to include a larger cabin bag, and existing airline restrictions remain in place until the new rules apply.
Harry advises travellers to check their airline's baggage limits before booking and compare the total cost rather than focusing on the headline fare. He also stressed that the new rules will not take effect until October 2027, meaning existing baggage restrictions remain in place until then.
How the rules apply to UK travellers
For UK travellers, the departure airport and operating airline matter. Flights leaving an EU airport are covered by the rules, while a flight from a UK airport into the EU is covered under these regulations only when operated by an EU airline, subject to the regulation's conditions.
