Europe Decides to Eliminate the Carry-on Baggage Fees

No more surprise fees for budget airline travelers. The EU lawmakers proposed a bill to eliminate the extra charges for hand luggage on EU flights.

Traveling by air, especially for budget airline passengers, can feel like their rights and ticket value are given fair and transparent treatment.

That look on the passengers’ faces when they booked a budget flight to a European destination and found a hefty fee tag for the overhead baggage raised doubts. Those few kilograms never felt so heavy outside the aircraft.

The European lawmakers have raised questions about the shady practice of charging extra fees for cabin baggage on flights. The lawmakers have come together to scrap hand luggage charges, allowing travelers to fly without having to take it with a pinch of salt.

The new airline reform will bring all EU flights, as well as the so-called budget airlines, under the rule. What could this potentially mean for European travelers: a hand baggage allowance of up to 7 kg (100 cm), along with an under-the-seat personal item.

Matteo Ricci, Vice-Chair of the EU Committee: This vote introduces concrete measures, such as the clear definition of free hand luggage … a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs." 

The latest bill comes in the wake of a €179 million fine on five airlines in 2024 for what the Spanish court has labelled as 'abusive practices.' Conversely, the airlines think that the scrapped fees may affect the final ticket price. 

RECENT POSTS

How Much Does it Cost to Cancel My Frontier Airlines Flight

How Much Does it Cost to Cancel My JetBlue Airways Flight