If you are flying with an EU-based airline like Ryanair, you will soon notice changes to cabin baggage rules. New EU proposals are set to give passengers more generous and consistent free hand luggage allowances.
EU Agreement on Air Passenger Rights
The European Council and European Parliament have finally reached a deal, ending 13 years of debate to update the EU's air passenger rights rules. The deal, which must still clear a few formal hurdles, is expected to take effect across the EU in 2027.
This agreement will change how passengers file claims for cancelled or delayed flights, as well as rules about seating and baggage.
Free Cabin Bags for All
Importantly, it will set the same minimum free baggage allowance for all EU-based airlines. This means budget airlines like Ryanair, which usually charge for extra cabin bags, will have to let passengers bring two cabin bags for free. Both a small personal item and a larger carry-on suitcase will be included in the basic ticket price.
In January 2026, the European Parliament voted for new rules to guarantee that all passengers can bring both a personal item and a small cabin case for free, and a compromise deal has now been reached despite pushback from airlines.
Current vs. New Rules
Right now, if you book a standard fare with airlines like Ryanair, you can only bring one small underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) for free. This bag, such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front of you. If it is too big, it might be refused at the gate or placed in the hold for a fee. Bringing an extra cabin bag for the overhead locker also incurs a fee, and prices vary by airline.
With the new proposals, passengers will be able to bring both a personal item and a trolley bag for free on EU-based airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet Europe, Air France, and Lufthansa.
Seating and Compensation Rules
The new rules will also stop airlines from charging extra fees to seat parents or people travelling with children under 14 together, as well as passengers with disabilities and their companions.
Most rules that protect passengers during flight delays or cancellations will stay the same. If your flight is cancelled or delayed by at least three hours, you will still have the right to compensation, plus a refund for a cancelled flight. Compensation ranges from €250 to €600, depending on the flight duration. The new rules also make it clear that for flights over 3,500 kilometres, passengers will receive €300 for delays of three to four hours and €600 for delays over four hours or cancellations.
Scope of the Changes
These changes will apply to passengers flying to or from an EU airport on an EU airline, including most short-haul flights from the UK. They will not apply to domestic UK flights or flights leaving the UK on a non-EU airline.
Potential Impact on Prices
This big change could also have some unexpected effects for passengers. Airlines say that allowing passengers to bring more free cabin baggage would remove a key source of revenue and might lead to higher ticket prices. While this would eliminate surprise fees, travellers who usually bring only a free personal item might end up paying more for tickets than they do now. This could affect people travelling on a budget. However, passengers will also have the option to skip bringing a trolley bag and get a discount on their ticket.
Airline Pushback
Airline executives, especially Ryanair's Michael O'Leary, are pushing back against the changes. They argue that modern planes are not built to hold a wheelie bag for every passenger. Airlines warn that requiring free trolley bags will cause gate congestion and boarding delays when the overhead bins inevitably fill up.
Final Steps
These changes still need to be signed into law and have not taken effect yet. For now, you should follow your airline's current baggage rules, which are usually listed on its website.
