EU Hand Luggage Fees Ban: New Airline Rules
EU lawmakers are set to ban airline carry-on bag fees, a significant win for travelers. This decisive move, designed to boost passenger rights, prevents extra charges for small hand luggage and personal items. Explore how these new EU rules, part of a wider initiative, will impact the aviation landscape, with notable pushback from airlines who claim it limits consumer choice and may increase overall costs. Approved by the European Parliament transport committee, the measure aligns with existing court rulings. Stay informed with News Directory 3 for the latest updates on these evolving travel regulations, including provisions for children’s seating and compensation for disruptions. Discover what’s next in the world of European air travel!
EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Airline Carry-On Bag Fees
Updated June 24, 2025
European union lawmakers approved a measure Tuesday to prohibit airlines from charging extra for small carry-on luggage. The move, part of a broader effort to bolster passenger rights, faces stiff opposition from the aviation industry.
The European Parliament transport committee determined that passengers should be allowed to bring a personal item, such as a laptop or handbag, and a small piece of hand luggage without incurring additional fees. This position aligns with a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling that deemed charging extra for hand baggage unreasonable, provided it meets security and size requirements.
Currently, many budget airlines permit only one small item for free, assessing fees for additional hand baggage. These rules vary across airlines and EU countries. The approved change still requires endorsement from the full Parliament and approval from European governments in the EU Council.
Last year, Spain fined five airlines €179 million for similar practices after a complaint from the consumer organization OCU. The European consumer organization BEUC also filed a complaint with the European Commission,citing the EU court’s recognition of hand luggage as essential.
Airlines for Europe (A4E), representing major EU air carriers, condemned the vote, arguing it restricts “consumer choice” and could lead to “higher costs for millions of passengers” who don’t need extra baggage. A4E said that in Spain, over 50 million passengers chose not to include additional cabin baggage in their fares last year.
A4E Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou questioned the logic,stating,”What’s next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket? The European Parliament should let travelers decide what services they want,what services they pay for and,importantly,what services they don’t.”
The proposed rules would apply to all flights arriving or departing within the 27-nation European Union. The changes are part of a broader package of amendments to passenger rights across air, rail, sea, coach, and inland waterway travel, initially proposed by the European Commission in 2023.
The committee also voted to ensure children under 12 are seated next to accompanying adults without extra charges. Moreover, individuals assisting passengers with reduced mobility should travel with them at no cost, with compensation rights for damaged equipment or injured assistance animals, according to meps.
Italian MEP Matteo Ricci, responsible for