[aviation news]
On June 24, 2025, the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee took a significant step toward improving air passenger rights by voting to introduce a standardized hand luggage allowance for flights.
This move aims to eliminate hidden costs and create a fairer travel experience across Europe. The proposal forms part of a broader reform of EU air passenger rights.
It responds to growing frustration over inconsistent airline baggage policies. While the decision is a promising development, it still faces hurdles before becoming law.
What’s in the Proposal?
The new rules allow passengers to carry two pieces of hand luggage free of charge. The first is a personal item, such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm.
The second is a small cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg, with total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 100 cm.
This standardization aligns with a European Court of Justice ruling that hand luggage of reasonable size should not incur extra fees. The goal is to ensure transparency and fairness, preventing airlines from charging for essential carry-ons.
The carry-on luggage proposal applies to all flights within the EU and those operated by EU-based airlines, including routes to non-EU countries like the UK.
However, it does not address fees for larger overhead cabin bags, meaning airlines could still charge for bigger carry-ons. This has sparked debate, with consumer groups arguing the rules don’t go far enough to curb excessive fees.
Importance of the Proposed Change
Air travellers often face confusion over varying airline baggage policies. Budget carriers, in particular, have been criticized for imposing strict size limits and hefty fees for non-compliant bags.
The new rules aim to simplify the process, ensuring passengers know their rights before boarding. Spain, for example, has already fined airlines €179 million for unfair hand luggage charges, signalling strong support for the EU’s initiative.
This proposal could set a precedent for clearer, passenger-friendly policies across the aviation industry.
What’s Next?
The new carry-on luggage proposal isn’t law yet. It must pass a vote in the full European Parliament, scheduled for July 2025, followed by negotiations with EU member states.
If approved, implementation timelines remain uncertain, but the rules could reshape how airlines operate. For UK travellers, there’s hope the UK might adopt similar standards, though this isn’t guaranteed post-Brexit.
The Debate: Support and Criticism
Consumer groups like BEUC welcome the proposal but argue it falls short by not addressing fees for reasonably sized luggage stored in overhead compartments.
Airlines, including Ryanair and the Airlines for Europe group , warn that mandatory free allowances could raise ticket prices and limit passenger choice.
They argue that flexible baggage policies allow travellers to customize their fares. Balancing consumer rights with airline profitability remains a key challenge.
Conclusion
For now, passengers should continue checking airline policies before flying. If the proposal becomes law, it could save travellers money and reduce stress at the gate.
However, until the rules are finalized, uncertainty persists. The EU’s push for standardization reflects a broader effort to prioritize passenger rights, but the outcome hinges on political and industry negotiations.
This vote marks a step toward a fairer travel experience, but the journey isn’t over. Stay tuned for updates as the proposal moves through the legislative process.
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