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Goodbye to Hand Luggage Fees: EU’s New Rule Could Make Your 2025 European Trip Cheaper and Easier!
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Destination: Europe – Major Change Coming for European Air Travel: Free Hand Luggage for All Passengers
In a landmark decision that could revolutionize the way we travel, the European Union recently voted in favor of a proposal that would eliminate fees for hand luggage on flights, particularly benefiting budget-conscious travelers. If passed, this new rule would allow passengers to carry a small cabin bag up to 7kg (15.4lbs) and an additional personal item on board without incurring extra charges, even on low-cost carriers.
On June 24, EU lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the proposal, signaling a shift towards fairer and more transparent air travel policies. This change aims to bring a level of consistency to the way airlines charge for hand luggage, particularly on budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, where passengers are often forced to pay additional fees for cabin bags that were previously seen as an included part of the flight. The rule, if enacted, could take effect as soon as July 2025.
Free Hand Luggage: A Game-Changer for Passengers
Under the new rule, passengers would be able to bring one small carry-on bag of up to 100cm in size, along with a smaller under-the-seat personal item measuring up to 40x30x15cm, without paying extra charges. This would apply not only to flights within the European Union but also to routes traveling to and from the EU. The proposal, however, still requires approval from 55% of EU member states before becoming law.
For many passengers, this proposed change is long overdue. Over the years, low-cost carriers in Europe have been under scrutiny for charging passengers extra fees for bringing hand luggage on board. Airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have regularly added surcharges for bags that fall outside the standard size or weight limits, frustrating travelers who feel that what should be a basic service is being treated as an additional revenue stream. By eliminating these fees, the EU hopes to foster a more transparent and fairer travel experience for everyone.
Matteo Ricci, vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), expressed that the decision represents an important step toward fairness. He commented in a statement, “Today’s vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel… [introducing] concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage… a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.” This change, if fully implemented, would undoubtedly benefit millions of travelers who often find themselves caught off guard by the high fees associated with hand luggage.
The Pressure from Consumer Rights Groups
The proposal comes after pressure from consumer rights associations and significant backlash against the existing practices of budget airlines. In 2024, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry fined five major budget airlines a total of €179 million (£149 million) for what it described as “abusive practices” related to hand luggage fees. Spain’s ruling against the airlines highlighted the growing public dissatisfaction with these extra charges, especially in a time when air travel has become a core part of modern life.
The fine prompted the European Parliament to take action, with many lawmakers arguing that it was time to overhaul the way airlines handle hand luggage policies. The vote was not just a symbolic gesture but a concrete attempt to bring more clarity and fairness to the often murky world of travel fees.
For travelers, this change is welcomed. It means fewer worries about the added costs when traveling, especially when considering the unpredictable nature of air travel. No longer would passengers have to scramble to meet weight limits or pay hefty surcharges just to ensure their belongings are safely stored in the cabin. Instead, they could focus on enjoying their flight without stressing about whether or not their bag will cost them an extra fee.
Challenges and Opposition from Airlines
However, while the proposal has been lauded by passengers, it has faced strong opposition from airlines, particularly budget carriers. Industry representatives argue that eliminating hand luggage fees could lead to higher ticket prices for everyone, as airlines would need to recoup the cost of free hand luggage by raising base prices across the board. They argue that the free carry-on policy could force travelers to bring bags they may not need or want, thereby increasing operational costs for airlines.
“Our Europe’s airline market is built on choice,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines For Europe, Europe’s largest airline association. “Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need.” Critics argue that this move could result in additional unnecessary charges for passengers who would otherwise prefer to travel light and avoid the hassle of a carry-on bag.
The opposition stems from concerns that this new policy could undermine the flexibility of low-cost carriers, which have thrived on offering customizable services, allowing passengers to choose and pay for only what they need. With the new regulations, some fear that the personalization of travel will be sacrificed in favor of a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Broader Impact on European Travel
For many, however, the benefit of free hand luggage outweighs the concerns. Travelers who often found themselves inconvenienced by the extra costs will likely view this proposal as a significant win. It would open up more options for last-minute travelers who need a quick, inexpensive way to bring along essential items without spending more than they planned.
This proposed law is part of a broader effort by the European Parliament to increase protections and rights for passengers. In addition to the carry-on bag rule, lawmakers have also voted to prohibit airlines from charging extra fees for seat selection for children aged 12 and under. The intention is to make air travel more accessible and less financially burdensome for families. Another significant proposal mandates that ticket vendors and third-party retailers must clearly disclose the full cost of flights, including any hidden fees, at the time of booking.
Conclusion: A New Era for European Travel
As the European Union prepares for the potential introduction of these new rules by 2025, the shift could be a game-changer for travelers across the continent. The changes represent not just a win for consumer rights, but a push towards a more transparent and affordable travel system that benefits passengers, especially families and budget-conscious flyers.
If the rules pass as expected, the EU will become a leader in reforming air travel, ensuring that passengers no longer have to worry about the hidden costs of hand luggage. For those planning trips within Europe or to the continent, the introduction of free hand luggage promises to make travel more convenient and less stressful, heralding a new era for European air travel.
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