EU Proposes to Eliminate Airline Charges for Hand Luggage
MEPs Approve New Rules to Strengthen Passenger Rights, Including Ban on Hand Luggage Fees
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have backed a proposal to enhance passenger rights, introducing several significant changes—including a ban on airlines charging for small hand luggage.
EU Lawmakers Vote to Eliminate Fees for Carry-On Bags
The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee has voted in favour of updating the EU’s passenger rights regulations. One of the key measures includes prohibiting airlines from imposing fees for personal items and small cabin bags.
Under the proposed rules, all passengers flying within the EU would be entitled to bring a personal item (such as a handbag or backpack) and a small cabin bag at no additional cost.
The personal bag must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm, while the small carry-on bag must be within 100 cm in combined dimensions and weigh no more than 7 kilograms. Airlines will be prohibited from charging for these items.
“This vote represents a crucial move towards fairer and more transparent air travel,” said Matteo Ricci, the Italian MEP and rapporteur on passenger rights enforcement. Ricci emphasized that clearly defining the right to free hand luggage helps eliminate hidden fees and promotes a more equitable travel system.
Additional Passenger Rights Enhancements
The changes go beyond hand luggage. If approved in the next legislative phase, the new rules would also require transport booking platforms to display the full price—including all fees—earlier in the reservation process.
Other proposed reforms include a requirement for airlines to seat children under 12 next to their accompanying adult without any additional charge.
Furthermore, MEPs want to introduce a standardized EU-wide travel compensation form. In cases of serious travel disruption, airlines must contact affected passengers within 48 hours, providing a partially completed reimbursement form and beginning the compensation process. Full reimbursement must be completed within 14 days.
The next step in the legislative process involves negotiations with EU member states. A final vote on the legislation is expected in July 2025.