A new proposal, approved by the European Parliament, will prevent airlines from levying additional fees for passenger carry-on bags.
Under the new regulations, passengers flying within the European Union (EU) can bring one personal item (handbag or backpack) and one piece of carry-on luggage weighing a maximum of 7 kg without incurring extra charges. The maximum dimensions for the personal item are 40x30x15 cm, and for carry-on luggage, the total linear dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 100 cm.
Matteo Ricci, Vice-Chair of the EU Transport and Tourism Committee, stated that clearly defining free carry-on standards is a fundamental right to avoid unreasonable additional costs. Ricci remarked, “The vote on June 25 marks an important step towards fairer, more transparent travel.”
This move is part of a series of reforms regarding passenger rights proposed by the European Commission in 2023. These reforms include requirements for airlines to display full flight costs from the initial booking stage and to implement more transparent compensation procedures.
The regulation comes after numerous consumer protection organizations urged the EU to investigate low-cost airlines imposing unreasonable fees for carry-on luggage, even when these items fell within standard weight and size limits. Prior accusations of charging for carry-on baggage involved several airlines, including EasyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
Airlines for Europe (A4E), an airline association, warned that the new regulation could lead to increased ticket prices, especially for passengers flying with low-cost carriers. An A4E representative argued that imposing mandatory services would limit passengers’ choices regarding paying for amenities they truly need.
The European Parliament also proposed other benefits in the 2023 reform package. Children under 12 will be able to sit next to accompanying adults without charge. Passengers with disabilities will have the right to be accompanied by an assistant free of charge and receive compensation if their mobility equipment is damaged or their assistance animal is injured.
The new regulations also compel ticket intermediaries to fully disclose fare prices, service fees, and refund procedures at the time of booking. The refund period must not exceed 14 days. If it does, the airline will be responsible for issuing the refund within 7 days.
Furthermore, a common EU-wide form for claiming compensation and refunds will be implemented. Airlines will be responsible for providing this form to passengers within 48 hours of an incident.
These proposals will continue to be discussed and negotiated with EU member states before officially taking effect.
According to Euro News
