New EU rules will require airlines to include hand luggage in the base fare for all European flights starting in 2027, ending hidden fees for cabin bags.
What changes for passengers
After nearly a decade of negotiations, the European Council and European Parliament agreed on hand luggage transparency. Under the new rules, every passenger on a European flight will get a cabin bag, such as a small wheeled suitcase, included in the ticket price, plus one small personal bag that fits under the seat (40cm x 30cm x 15cm).
The change means holidaymakers can avoid surprise costs, as airlines must display the fare including hand luggage before booking begins. This aims to make pricing clearer and stop airlines from advertising cheap fares that rise sharply once luggage is added.
What the EU says
The European Council 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."
The rules take effect in 2027, though an exact date is unconfirmed. Airlines may still offer cheaper fares for passengers who voluntarily choose to travel without hand luggage.
Impact on UK travellers
UK airlines like easyJet, British Airways, and Jet2 will only need to follow the rule on flights returning from the EU to the UK, so Brits might still pay hand luggage charges for one leg of a trip. Aviation expert James Doyle (FRAeS) noted: "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."
Airfares could also shift. Doyle added: "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/small cabin bags may benefit most; those who always flew with just a personal item might see little net gain or even pay more."
