Extra costs for hand luggage has been something that’s plagued travellers for decades, but new regulations are set to change that sooner than you think. After more than a decade of negotiations between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, a landmark agreement has been reached.
The aim for the new regulations is to ensure protection for passengers travelling in the EU, particularly when it comes to flight cancellations and delays. Among a host of new rights, one of the most noteworthy changes is the agreement to make carry-on luggage free of charge.
What is the new rule for hand luggage?
The announcement reads: “To create price transparency, air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines.”
The proposal allows passengers to take carry-on luggage (40cm x 30cm x 15cm) with no extra fee, alongside the usual under-the-seat bag allowance.
A small catch to be aware of, however, is that this regulation applies to EU airlines only. This means that on non-EU airlines, like easyJet and Jet2, passengers may still be bound to the old regulations – except on flights returning to the UK from an EU country.
Our top recommendations for hand luggage, from suitcases to carry bags and backpacks that’ll withstand every flight
What other rights have been introduced?
There are several new rights set to improve passenger safety and protection. These include rules to make it easier for passengers to claim compensation and access assistance in case of delay or cancellation, as well as new regulations reinforcing rights for persons with specific needs, such as persons with disabilities or reduced mobility and pregnant passengers.
“I’m proud that, after 13 years of negotiations, we reached a landmark agreement to strengthen EU air passenger rights,” announced Alexis Vafeades, minister of transport, communications and works of the Republic of Cyprus. “This modernised framework will deliver certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers. The agreement strikes a fair balance for our airlines, helping preserve connectivity that is vital to the EU’s internal market and its citizens.”
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See consilium.europa.eu for the full list of new rights and regulations
