Holidaymakers could soon benefit from free hand luggage on flights under a new EU rule, potentially forcing budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet to revise their baggage policies. The proposed regulation, which follows nearly a decade of negotiations between the European Council and the European Parliament, would require airlines to include one free cabin bag in addition to the existing small personal item that fits under the seat.
What the New Rule Entails
The agreement aims to eliminate hidden costs by mandating that airlines display the total fare, including hand luggage allowance, before customers begin the booking process. This is intended to prevent carriers from advertising cheap base fares that significantly increase when baggage fees are added. Under the rule, passengers would be entitled to one free personal item (maximum 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, typically an under-seat handbag, backpack, or laptop bag) plus one small wheeled cabin bag, widely expected to follow the 7 kg and 100 cm combined dimensions from the parliamentary position.
Impact on Passengers
Aviation expert James Doyle (FRAeS), speaking exclusively to the Mirror, explained: "You'll be entitled to one free personal item (max 40cm x 30cm x 15cm - typically under-seat handbag/backpack/laptop bag) plus one small wheeled cabin bag (widely expected to follow the 7 kg and 100 cm combined dimensions from the parliamentary position)." The European Council of the EU 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."
Applicability to UK Airlines and Routes
The rule applies most clearly to EU airlines and flights within the EU. UK carriers such as easyJet, British Airways, and Jet2 would only need to follow the rule on flights returning from the EU into the UK, meaning Brits may face hand luggage fees on one leg of their journey. James cautioned: "The rules apply most clearly to EU airlines and flights within the EU; long-haul, non-EU carriers, or certain UK–EU routes may have partial or delayed coverage."
Effect on Flight Prices
James warned that low-cost carriers will almost certainly raise standard ticket prices to recover lost revenue from baggage fees. The real saving depends on comparing the total cost, including any 'no wheeled bag' discount option. Light travellers who previously paid €20–60+ for priority or small cabin bags may benefit most, while those who always flew with just a personal item might see little net gain or even pay more. He added: "Carriers must let you choose a cheaper fare if you decline the small wheeled bag during booking — useful if you only need the personal item."
Timeline and Implementation
As a proposal, the change is expected to be implemented within a year if officially enacted. James, Founder and CEO of Boston Warwick, said: "Current cabin bag fees (common with Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, etc.) remain fully in force for all 2026 and most 2027 bookings. Airlines won't overhaul policies overnight; expect possible early marketing spin, inconsistent gate enforcement during rollout, and a period of confusion or disputes as staff and systems adapt. Check your specific flight's terms closer to travel."
In a warning to travellers, James advised: "At the same time, watch for airlines shifting revenue elsewhere (higher seat-selection fees, priority boarding charges, stricter change/cancellation rules, or new 'basic' fare tiers). This is broadly passenger-friendly and ends the worst 'gotcha' cabin-bag fees, but it's not a pure win for everyone. Always compare the full journey price, pack and measure to the new standards, and treat 2027 as the real start date rather than assuming instant change."
