Carry-on bags to be free, EU rules

Live updates

1. 4d ago

   EU Rules Mandate Free Carry-On Bags as Jetstar Cuts Allowances

   European Union regulations now forbid airlines from charging for a personal item and one small carry-on bag. These rules aim to improve ticket price transparency and accelerate passenger compensation. While the EU moves toward standardized free baggage, other global carriers are restricting access. Jetstar announced it will remove its free 7kg carry-on allowance in 2027, shifting to a single underseat bag and charging fees starting from $25 for overhead luggage. Low-cost carriers in Europe continue to object to the EU framework.

   Why it matters

   Airlines historically used ancillary fees for luggage to keep base ticket prices low. The EU intervention seeks to prevent hidden costs and protect consumer rights during travel. This regulatory shift contrasts with trends in other markets where airlines are increasing fees for overhead space.

   What is confirmed

   • EU rules prohibit airlines from charging for a small carry-on bag and a personal item.
   • Jetstar will replace its free 7kg carry-on allowance in 2027 with one small underseat bag.
   • Jetstar will charge from $25 for overhead luggage starting in 2027.

   What to watch next

   • Legal challenges from European low-cost airlines against the baggage rules
   • Implementation dates for the new EU compensation and transparency frameworks
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.irishtimes.com — Travel insurance for older people: fewer choices and more restrictions
   2. www.bluewin.ch — Crisis in Ceuta – Could Spain Be Expelled from the Schengen Area?
   3. wsbt.com — Ceuta migrant surge reopens Europe's immigration divide
   4. www.zdnet.com — The 7 tech travel hacks I swear by - after years of learning the hard way
   5. manofmany.com — Jetstar To Start Charging You Extra For Overhead Carry-On Baggage
   6. theleader.info — Four things to consider for expats travelling back to the UK from Spain
   confidence 100%
2. 12d ago

   EU mandates free carry-on bags and price transparency

   New European Union rules prohibit airlines from charging for a small carry-on bag and a personal item. The framework also increases ticket price transparency and speeds up passenger compensation. Low-cost airlines have raised objections to these changes.

   What's confirmed:

   • EU rules provide for a free personal item and a small carry-on bag.
   • The new framework requires greater transparency in ticket prices.
   • The rules mandate faster compensation for passengers.
   • The framework provides stronger protections for families and vulnerable passengers.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Low-cost airlines are objecting to the new baggage and transparency rules.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. EU: New rules for carry-on baggage & greater transparency in airfares
   2. Here’s how I saved £3,000 in a year while travelling – and still in first class
   confidence 100%
3. 37d ago

   EU Lawmakers Ban Carry-on Bag Fees

   European Union lawmakers voted to stop airlines from charging passengers for carry-on luggage. These rules apply to EU airlines and flights departing from EU airports. The agreement also requires that children be seated with their parents.

   What's confirmed:

   • EU lawmakers voted to ban airlines from charging passengers additional fees for carry-on bags.
   • The rules apply to EU airlines and flights leaving EU airports.
   • The deal ensures children can sit next to parents.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • New cabin bag sizes and enforcement dates are being established for 2025.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. The best travel gadgets and products to buy for a holiday
   2. The big change affecting European travel - BBC
   3. 2025 EU Hand Luggage Rules: FAQs on Cabin Bag Sizes, Free Allowances ...
   confidence 100%
4. 43d ago

   EU to Ban Cabin Bag Fees Starting in 2027

   The European Parliament and EU Council agreed to scrap fees for hand luggage. These rules will apply to EU airlines and flights leaving EU airports. The deal also ensures children can sit next to parents.

   What's confirmed:

   • Hand luggage fees will be banned starting in 2027.
   • The agreement was reached by the European Parliament and the EU Council.
   • The rules include a requirement for child seating next to parents.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The rules only apply to EU airlines and flights departing EU airports.
   • Governments initially supported airline-friendly changes before consumer groups and MEPs intervened.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. Free cabin bags and stronger protections: What the EU's air passenger ...
   2. Free hand luggage is coming to Europe, but there's a catch ... - Metro
   3. Airlines Set to Be Barred From Charging Extra for Cabin Hand Luggage in ...
   4. The EU Just Agreed To End Cabin Bag Fees On European ... - Gamintraveler
   confidence 90%
5. 46d ago

   EU to Mandate Free Carry-On Bags Starting in 2027

   The European Union agreed to include carry-on luggage and personal items in base ticket prices. These rules are part of a broader overhaul of air passenger rights. The changes will be implemented in 2027.

   What's confirmed:

   • The EU agreed to guarantee two free carry on bags on every flight.
   • New baggage rules for EU airlines take effect in 2027.
   • The passenger rights overhaul covers boarding passes, missed outbound flights, and family seating.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Bundling carry-on luggage could increase the cost of cheap flights.
   • Airlines must provide more assistance to delayed passengers.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Free Cabin Bags Coming to EU Flights: 2026 Rule Explained
   2. Europe's New "Free" Hand Baggage Rules Could Make Cheap Flights More ...
   3. Starting in 2027, carry-on luggage for EU airlines will be completely free
   4. New EU hand baggage rules explained - and what they mean for travellers ...
   5. Europe Proposes Free Carry-Ons While U.S. Passengers Face ... - AOL
   confidence 90%
6. 50d ago

   EU Agreement Mandates Free Carry-On Bags by 2027

   The European Parliament and EU Council reached an agreement to include carry-on luggage and personal items in base ticket prices. These updated passenger rights regulations will be voted on in July. The changes are set to take effect in 2027.

   What's confirmed:

   • Carry-on luggage and personal items will be included in the ticket price starting in 2027.
   • The European Parliament and EU Council reached an agreement on the new air passenger rights regulation.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The deal is considered watered-down and falls short of a total ban on cabin bag fees.
   • Basic fares may increase as a result of the new rules.
   • The reform aims to improve traveler protections during flight cancellations and delays.
   • Ryanair plans to introduce a new free allowance in the coming weeks.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. EU Puts Passengers First With Free Carry-On Bags And Stronger Traveler ...
   2. Carry-on baggage included in the price and refunds after a three-hour ...
   3. Will passengers really get free cabin bags under the EU's new airline rules?
   4. 'Free' Hand Baggage in Europe: What the New EU Deal Actually Means for ...
   confidence 90%
7. 51d ago

   EU mandates free cabin bags as airlines warn of fare hikes

   EU ambassadors agreed on 13 June 2026 to include cabin bags in base ticket prices. Airlines argue these regulations will lead to higher fares for passengers. Ryanair intends to implement a new free allowance in the coming weeks.

   What's confirmed:

   • EU ambassadors reached a deal on 13 June 2026 to require airlines to include cabin bags in base fares.
   • Airlines claim ticket prices will increase if they must comply with stricter financial and compensation rules.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Easyjet CEO Kenton Jarvis described the proposal as a "lunatic idea".
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Free Cabin Bags for All? The EU's New Hand Luggage Rules Explained
   2. New Eu Cabin Bag Rules: What Every Traveller Must Know
   3. EU Free Cabin Baggage Rules 2027: What to Know - skysonar.com
   4. Air travellers to enjoy free cabin luggage and keep delay ... - Yahoo
   5. Easyjet boss calls EU free cabin bag proposal a ‘lunatic idea’
   6. Ryanair is increasing its free cabin bag allowance. Here’s what you’ll be allowe...
   confidence 70%
8. 52d ago

   EU Bans Airline Fees for Carry-On Bags

   EU ambassadors agreed to a deal on 13 June 2026 requiring airlines to include cabin bags in base fares. This change follows decade-long talks regarding air passenger rights. Hand luggage must now be included in the price of airline tickets.

   What's confirmed:

   • EU ambassadors agreed to a passenger rights deal on 13 June 2026 requiring cabin bags to be included in base fares.
   • Airlines operating in Europe can no longer charge for carry-on suitcases under new law.
   • Hand luggage will be included in the price of an airline ticket.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The new rules guarantee two free cabin bags on every flight starting in 2027.
   • New regulations could end fees for 7kg items and personal belongings.
   • Airlines will owe passengers more for flight delays.
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. Air passengers to enjoy free cabin bags as decade-long EU talks end
   2. EU airlines can no longer charge for carry-on suitcases under new law
   3. Carry-on bags to be free, EU rules
   4. EU Air Passenger Rights Reform: Free Cabin Bags June 2026
   5. European airfares to include carry-on bags after Brussels law change
   6. How the EU's changes to passenger rights will affect flyers
   7. "Regulatory Nonsense": Ryanair Blasts Europe's Push For Free Cabin Bags On Every Flight
   8. Carry-on bags to be free, EU rules | Yle News | Yle
   9. Free Hand Luggage from 2027: New EU Rules Explained - TravelFree
   10. EU Cabin Bag Rules 2026: Free Carry-on Luggage Proposal
   11. European Union Adds New Rules for Free Carry-On Bags
   12. EU bans airlines from charging for carry-on bags
   confidence 90%