New rules for hand luggage on flights to the EU – a bill has been introduced regarding mandatory dimensions and weight of hand luggage for all airlines.
We’ve all been in this situation – you think you’ve found a cheap flight to Europe, only to be hit with a hefty carry-on bag fee. Well, it looks like those problems are about to come to an end – lawmakers have just voted to scrap carry-on bag fees on airlines across the European Union.
The proposal will allow travelers to travel with up to 7 kilograms of carry-on luggage for free – in addition to your backpack under your seat.
Airlines will not be allowed to charge passengers extra for carrying hand luggage on board
According to a press release from the European Parliament, the vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism, Matteo Ricci, said that the document “marks an important step towards fairer and more transparent travel” and “will introduce concrete measures, such as a clear definition of free hand luggage up to 100 cm, which is a fundamental right, in order to avoid unjustified additional costs.”
It is certainly a huge victory for travelers, but not everyone is happy with it. It is expected to hit budget airlines particularly hard. Ryanair, for example, earned €4.7 billion last year from additional fees such as seat selection and baggage fees.
While airline lobbyists warn that the decision could mean carriers will eventually have to raise ticket prices to recoup the costs, it is part of wider reforms proposed by the European Parliament on passenger rights.
Air passengers should be entitled to free hand luggage
Under the new rules, travellers flying within the EU will be entitled to carry a personal bag, such as a handbag or backpack, and a small piece of hand luggage on board free of charge.
Personal luggage can have a maximum size of 40x30x15 centimetres, while hand luggage can have a maximum size of 100 cm and a weight of 7 kg.
Further measures include allowing children under 12 to travel free of charge with accompanying passengers, providing free seats for carers of people with reduced mobility, and requiring airlines to disclose the full cost of flights in advance.
Will the new hand luggage rules make airline tickets more expensive?
Overall, this is very good news for passengers. It is unclear when the decision will come into effect as the proposals still need to get the final green light in a vote in parliament. Keep an eye on this page for more information.
Here’s Ryanair’s response to all the bans:
According to Ryanair’s current policy, the basic fare includes only one small item that fits under the seat in front, measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters. A second piece of hand luggage, such as a small suitcase on wheels, can be carried on board for an additional fee.
Trying to bring a large bag on a Ryanair flight will soon become more expensive.
The Irish budget carrier is increasing the bonuses it pays to staff who stop non-compliant luggage at the boarding gates, increasing the bonus from €1.50 to €2.50 per bag from November and scrapping the current monthly limit of €80.
If passengers are caught, they face fines of up to €85 for checking luggage in the baggage claim.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary defended the tougher stance, telling reporters at a press conference in London this week: “We want everyone to follow the rules. If you follow the rules, there’s no problem.”
The main thing at the moment
Remember: this is still a draft law that has been submitted for discussion and has not yet passed the voting stage. Therefore, check the specific information about the permitted dimensions and weight of hand luggage on the website of the specific airline you are flying to/from EU countries.
Useful articles and links:
- Where to stay in Prague – the best neighborhoods for tourists
- Hotels near airports – where to sleep before your flight
- How I travel with small carry-on luggage
- Ryanair new rules in 2025: what passengers need to know
Bus schedule and bus tickets are available at InfoBus.ua
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Green Card, CTP and Travel Medical Insurance – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
