EU Passengers No Longer Pay Extra Fees for Carry-On Luggage
New EU rules aim to bring greater transparency and fairer conditions for all passengers, including enhanced protections for children and people with reduced mobility
The European Parliament has adopted a proposal that puts an end to the longstanding practice of charging extra fees for carry-on luggage. This marks a significant victory for travelers across the Union. Under the new rules, passengers will be entitled to bring one personal item and one piece of hand luggage weighing up to seven kilograms into the aircraft cabin free of charge.
These new guidelines are part of a broader legislative package focused on protecting passenger rights in air transport. It was first introduced by the European Commission in 2023. One of the main objectives is to ensure greater clarity and consumer protection during the ticket booking process.
Clearly Defined Rules for Size and Weight
According to the updated regulations, passengers are allowed to carry one personal item with maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm and an additional piece of hand luggage up to 100 cm in length and weighing no more than seven kilograms. Airlines will no longer be permitted to charge fees for such items. This is particularly relevant for travelers using low-cost carriers, where such charges have become standard practice.
Although the European Court of Justice ruled back in 2014 that airlines cannot charge for carry-on luggage that meets reasonable safety and size requirements. This ruling was not consistently enforced, especially among budget airlines. The new legal framework will now codify and enforce these passenger rights.
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Price Transparency and Refund Rights
Beyond luggage policies, the new rules require airlines to clearly disclose all flight-related costs early in the booking process. This will protect passengers from unexpected charges often added in the final steps of purchasing a ticket.
The legislation also introduces a simplified refund procedure in cases of cancellations, delays, or denied boarding. Refunds must be processed within 14 days. If a ticket is booked through a third-party vendor who fails to provide a timely refund. Then the responsibility will shift to the airline itself, which will then be obligated to issue the refund within seven days.
Standard EU Claim Form and Additional Protections
To streamline communication between passengers and airlines in case of disruptions, the proposal includes a unified EU compensation and refund claim form. Airlines will be required to send this form to passengers within 48 hours of a travel disruption.
Additional measures also strengthen protections for vulnerable passengers. Children under the age of 12 will have to be seated next to their accompanying adult free of charge, and travel companions of people with disabilities will be entitled to fly at no extra cost. Furthermore, compensation rights will apply in cases of damaged mobility equipment or injury to service animals.
Reactions and Potential Impact on Ticket Prices
Consumer groups have welcomed the decision as a move toward fairer treatment of air travelers. However, the airline industry association A4E warned that implementing these measures could lead to higher ticket prices, particularly for passengers who travel light. Legislators, however, emphasize that the ultimate goal is to strike a balance between protecting passenger rights and maintaining sustainable airline operations.
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