On Tuesday (24 June), European Parliament’s transport and tourism committee voted to allow passengers to travel with one personal item and one small carry-on at no extra cost.
The rule – if confirmed by EU governments following further negotiations – would only apply to suitcases under 7kg and with maximum dimensions of 100cm (sum of length, width and height).
“Consumers should be allowed to bring both a personal item and a hand baggage on board without extra charges,” said Steven Berger, senior legal officer at the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). “This is a basic consumer expectation, and it fully aligns with the Court of Justice’s ruling that reasonable-sized hand luggage cannot be subject to additional fees.”
Aviation lobby groups, such as Airlines for Europe (A4E), accused the EU of depriving travellers of “their ability to decide what service they want to pay for and, most importantly, what service they don’t”.
A4E also highlighted how the proposal could result in higher air fares. “Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need,” said A4E managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou.
“What’s next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket? The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want.”
In addition to the ban on hand luggage fees, MEPs have also voted on strengthening passenger rights by ensuring children under 12 are seated next to their accompanying adult free of charge and that passengers with reduced mobility can travel alongside an accompanying person at no extra cost.
Compensation rules were also at the centre of debate, as parliamentarians voted to standardise reimbursement forms as well tighten the interpretation of what constitutes "extraordinary circumstances" that would allow carriers to deny compensation.
“Every delay, cancellation or confusion at the gate reminds us why passengers need stronger rights,” said MEP Andrey Novakov. “Better protection for passengers also means clear and fair rules for industry. The European Parliament has made real progress, but our work is far from over.”
