Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Vueling, and Volotea are at the center of a brewing storm. The European Union is turning up the heat. A bold crackdown is coming—and it’s targeting one of the most hated airline practices in recent history: hidden hand luggage fees. With the EU stepping in, these airlines may soon be forced to change how they operate, price, and profit.
This isn’t just a policy tweak. It’s a full-blown shake-up. And Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Vueling, and Volotea won’t be the only ones affected. The ripple effects could hit giants like Norwegian Air Shuttle, Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Iberia, Eurowings, TAP Air Portugal, SAS, LOT Polish Airlines, Finnair, Alitalia (now ITA Airways), Aer Lingus, Jet2, and TUI Airways. EU lawmakers have approved a major reform banning airlines from charging extra for standard hand luggage. Passengers will soon be entitled to carry a personal item and a 7kg cabin bag for free. This change ensures fairer, more transparent pricing—ending years of hidden fees for EU travellers.
Yes, the EU crackdown is real. It’s sweeping. It’s decisive. The ban on hand luggage fees could flip the airline industry on its head. What once seemed like a “budget travel hack” may soon become illegal under new EU laws. Hand luggage, long a source of hidden costs and passenger frustration, is finally being pulled into the spotlight.
The new rules don’t just target Ryanair or Wizz Air. They go deeper. Vueling, EasyJet, and Volotea—all known for charging extra for basic carry-ons—are facing what could be their biggest regulatory challenge yet. Meanwhile, other major airlines like Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways are watching closely.
Why now? Why this? Because travelers are fed up. Because transparency matters. Because the EU is done letting airlines nickel-and-dime passengers with stealthy pricing models.
So, what happens next? Will Ryanair and Wizz Air adjust their strategies? Can EasyJet and Volotea survive without their baggage upsells? Will Vueling fight the change or embrace it?
The European Union’s crackdown is unfolding fast—and this could be the start of a completely new era in air travel. One where luggage rights are standardized, and passengers finally get what they pay for.
This story is bigger than baggage. It’s about fairness. It’s about power. And it’s about time. Keep reading—this is just the beginning.
A New Era in Air Travel: The EU’s Crackdown on Hand Luggage Fees Signals Massive Change
Europe is on the verge of a travel revolution. A sweeping move by EU lawmakers aims to eliminate hidden hand luggage fees, signaling one of the most disruptive changes to airline operations in years. This regulatory push is set to end the controversial practice of charging passengers extra for basic cabin baggage—potentially reshaping how airlines price tickets and how passengers pack for trips.
Airline pricing models are built around upselling. Low-cost carriers, in particular, lure travelers in with rock-bottom base fares only to add fees later—for bags, seats, food, and even printing boarding passes. But that could be about to change dramatically.
Under the new proposal, air passengers flying within the European Union will be guaranteed the right to bring two specific items on board at no extra cost: a personal bag (such as a handbag or backpack) and a piece of cabin luggage weighing up to 7kg and measuring no more than 100 centimeters in total dimensions.
This move follows rising public outcry and pressure from consumer rights groups, who accuse airlines of imposing misleading and unfair charges on unsuspecting travelers. The proposal builds on a long-standing 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice, which declared that passengers must be allowed to carry reasonable hand luggage without being penalized.
A Win for Passengers, But a Blow to Airline Profits
For many travelers, this feels like a long-overdue win. The transparency of knowing your base fare includes a carry-on item removes stress and confusion during booking. No more surprise add-ons at checkout. No more arguments at the boarding gate about whether a bag is “oversized.”
However, the airline industry is less enthusiastic. Budget carriers have long relied on baggage fees as a critical revenue stream. Eliminating them might force airlines to shift strategies and raise base fares to compensate—especially for passengers who travel light and currently benefit from lower ticket prices by skipping luggage altogether.
The proposed rule could lead to a rebalancing of fare structures across Europe. Airlines may need to standardize pricing, bundle services more transparently, or find new ways to differentiate premium and economy travel tiers.
Airlines Charging Extra for Standard Hand LuggageAirlineCharges ExtraApproximate Cost (EUR)RyanairYes€6–€60Wizz AirYes€5–€30EasyJetYes€7–€35VuelingYes€10–€50VoloteaYes€9–€50Norwegian Air ShuttleYes€10–€30TransaviaYes€10–€35EurowingsYes€10–€30Consumer Protection and Transparency Take Center Stage
This proposal is part of a broader set of EU reforms aimed at reinforcing passenger rights across all transport sectors. The European Commission’s 2023 legislative package pushes for earlier disclosure of full ticket costs, simplified compensation procedures, and stronger protections for vulnerable travelers.
For example, the reforms include mandatory free seat assignments for children under 12 next to their guardians. Travelers with reduced mobility would also gain the right to bring an accompanying person for free, and airlines would face stricter rules regarding compensation for lost mobility aids or injuries to assistance animals.
Meanwhile, new rules would force online travel agents and intermediaries to disclose all service fees upfront. If a cancellation occurs, passengers must be reimbursed within 14 days by the ticket seller—or within seven days by the airline if intermediaries fail to act promptly.
Airlines Not Charging Extra for Standard Hand LuggageAirlineCharges ExtraCostLufthansaNoIncludedBritish AirwaysNoIncludedAir FranceNoIncludedKLMNoIncludedIberiaNoIncludedTAP Air PortugalNoIncludedSAS (Scandinavian Airlines)NoIncludedLOT Polish AirlinesNoIncludedFinnairNoIncludedITA Airways (Alitalia)NoIncludedAer LingusNoIncludedJet2NoIncludedTUI AirwaysNoIncluded
Market Shake-Up on the Horizon
While some in the airline industry argue that this regulation limits consumer choice, it could drive much-needed innovation and fairness in the travel booking experience. Transparency fosters trust—and in an industry still recovering from pandemic-era losses and reputation hits, trust is a valuable currency.
The days of “freemium flying” may be numbered. Passengers have grown weary of deceptive deals that mask the true cost of a trip. If these rules go into effect, airlines may be forced to rethink how they advertise, price, and deliver value.
Moreover, this move could have ripple effects outside of Europe. Travelers from other regions flying into or within the EU would benefit from the same protections. Competing jurisdictions might feel pressure to follow suit, igniting a global conversation about airfare fairness.
When Will the Changes Take Effect?
While the vote by the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism is a significant milestone, it’s not the final step. The proposals will next go to a full European Parliament vote. If passed, the rules could be adopted within months, though actual enforcement timelines depend on implementation logistics across member states.
Travelers planning autumn or winter holidays in Europe should stay alert. The cost—and comfort—of flying could look very different by year’s end.
What This Means for You
If you’re a frequent flyer in Europe, this regulation could save you hundreds of euros a year. No more strategizing over baggage policies, comparing conflicting airline terms, or cramming everything into a “personal item” to dodge fees. Families, business travelers, and tourists alike would benefit from a level playing field where rights are clear and respected.
However, be prepared for shifts in airfare pricing. While you may no longer pay for bags, you could see slightly higher base fares. Still, the overall value equation is expected to improve, with more transparency and fewer unpleasant surprises.
A Fairer Future for European Flyers
This isn’t just a rule change—it’s a cultural reset. For years, travelers have navigated a minefield of airline fees, often feeling tricked, misled, or overcharged. With this landmark move, the EU sends a powerful message: fairness and clarity in travel are non-negotiable.
In a world where trust in travel brands is fragile, this could be the turning point that redefines flying as a simpler, fairer experience.
Europe Moves to Ban Hand Luggage Fees: What It Means for Passengers and Airlines
A major shake-up is coming to Europe’s skies. The European Union has voted to end one of the most frustrating airline practices for travelers: charging extra for hand luggage. The proposed regulation would prohibit airlines from adding fees for a small suitcase or backpack that fits standard cabin luggage dimensions—a policy change that could dramatically shift how budget carriers operate and how travelers plan their trips.
For years, travelers across Europe have dealt with confusion, inconsistency, and sudden fees at the airport gate. Whether flying with Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, or other low-cost airlines, passengers have often found themselves forced to pay steep charges for bags that should reasonably qualify as hand luggage.
But now, the EU is putting its foot down.
What Are the New Rules?
Under the proposed EU regulation, all passengers will be entitled to bring both:
One personal item (e.g., handbag or laptop bag) with dimensions up to 40×30×15 cm.One piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7 kg, with total dimensions not exceeding 100 cm.
Airlines will no longer be able to charge separate fees for these items, provided they meet these limits. That means an end to surprise fees for basic carry-ons and a clearer, more standardized travel experience across the EU.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The move comes after growing pressure from consumer rights groups and increasing scrutiny of budget airline tactics. In 2014, the European Court of Justice already ruled that hand luggage that complies with safety and size standards should not be subject to additional fees.
Despite this, many carriers have continued to charge for hand luggage, often by limiting free items to just one small under-seat bag and requiring passengers to purchase extra services (like “priority boarding”) to bring a proper cabin-sized suitcase onboard.
Consumer groups recently escalated their concerns, urging national watchdogs and the European Commission to take enforcement action. In Spain, for instance, regulators fined Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, and Volotea a combined €150+ million for charging fees that violated consumer rights.
This EU-wide measure is the next step in what lawmakers call a move toward “fairer and more transparent travel.”
Which Airlines Are Affected?
Several well-known low-cost carriers have built their business models around “unbundled fares,” where almost every service comes with an added cost. Here’s how some of them operate today:
Ryanair: Offers one small personal item for free. To bring a 10kg cabin bag, passengers must pay €6–€36 when booking, or more if added later.Wizz Air: Also allows one personal item for free. Cabin-sized luggage requires “WIZZ Priority,” costing around €5–€30.EasyJet: Charges for larger cabin bags unless the traveler books premium seating.Vueling, Volotea, and Norwegian Air Shuttle similarly charge fees for bags that fit standard overhead bin sizes.
These policies have long frustrated passengers who arrive at airports only to face unexpected charges or repacking drama at the gate.
Could Air Fares Go Up?
The airline industry isn’t staying silent. The group Airlines for Europe (A4E), which represents several major carriers, warns that while the regulation may look like a win for passengers, it could lead to higher base fares across the board.
By banning ancillary revenue from hand luggage fees, airlines may shift costs into ticket prices—especially impacting travelers who usually fly light and previously benefited from stripped-down fare options.
In short: while this rule may kill surprise fees, it could also kill super-low teaser fares.
More Than Just Baggage
This isn’t the only passenger-friendly reform on the table. The EU’s broader transport rights overhaul also includes:
Guaranteed free seating for children under 12 next to parents.Free travel for an accompanying person for travelers with reduced mobility.Faster and clearer reimbursement timelines when delays or cancellations occur.A standardized EU-wide compensation form to streamline claims.
Intermediaries like online travel agents would also face tighter rules. If they fail to reimburse travelers on time, the burden shifts to the airline to pay up within 7 days.
These reforms collectively aim to rebalance power between passengers and providers—and rebuild trust in air travel after years of confusion, fine print, and unfair practices.
When Will the Changes Happen?
The proposal has passed a critical vote in the EU Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee. It now moves to a vote in the full European Parliament, where it is expected to gain wide support.
If adopted, implementation could begin within months—meaning travelers could see changes as early as late 2025 or early 2026.
What It Means for You
If you’ve ever agonized over whether your carry-on will be accepted or dreaded that gate agent waving a measuring box at your bag, relief is on the horizon.
These changes will remove the guesswork from air travel and offer peace of mind—especially for families, budget-conscious travelers, and frequent fliers. No more choosing between saving money and bringing an extra pair of shoes.
But stay alert: airlines may adjust their business models in response. The days of “€9.99” flights could be numbered. What you lose in teaser deals, however, you may gain in honesty and simplicity.
And for the millions flying in and around Europe each year, that’s a trade worth making.
