Report by Humayun Kabir from Lisbon Portugal.
Air travel in Europe is about to undergo a significant shift, with a new proposal that could put an end to the controversial practice of charging passengers for cabin bags. On June 24, 2025, EU lawmakers voted in favor of a proposal to eliminate these fees and standardize what passengers can bring onboard, no matter which airline they fly with. The move has the potential to save millions of travelers from paying additional fees, especially for hand luggage, by 2025.
The new law aims to streamline air travel, ensure fairness across airlines, and provide a more predictable experience for European travelers.
The New Hand Luggage Rules in the EU
The European Parliament’s vote marks a turning point for air travel, as it would establish the following guidelines for hand luggage on all flights operating within the EU or arriving and departing from EU member states:
- Cabin bag size: Each passenger will be allowed to carry one cabin bag with a total dimension limit of 100 cm (length + width + height).
- Personal item: A small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag, measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm, will also be allowed.
- Weight allowance: The combined weight of the cabin bag and personal item will be limited to 7 kg (15.4 lbs).
- No extra fees: Airlines will not be permitted to charge extra for cabin luggage, no matter the carrier.
- This new standard would apply to all flights within the EU, as well as flights to and from the EU, ensuring uniformity across European air travel.
Why This Matters for Budget Travelers
For years, low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air have enforced strict policies on hand luggage, charging passengers extra fees of €20–€60 for carrying bags that exceed the allowed dimensions. This has led to frustration for travelers who were simply trying to pack efficiently for short trips or city breaks.
The proposal to ban such fees is seen as a win for consumers. Not only will it make travel cheaper, but it will also eliminate surprise charges at the airport.
A Snapshot of Current Airline Hand Luggage Rules
As of now, each airline in Europe has its own set of rules for cabin baggage, resulting in a confusing landscape for travelers. Here’s an overview of what passengers can expect when flying with popular EU carriers:
| Airline | Cabin Bag Allowance | Fees for Larger Bags |
| Ryanair | 1 small personal item (40x20x25 cm) | €20–€35 for a 10 kg cabin bag |
| Wizz Air | 1 personal item (40x30x20 cm) | €5–€45 depending on the route and time |
| EasyJet | 1 under-seat bag (45x36x20 cm) | €7–€30 for a larger cabin bag |
| Lufthansa | 1 cabin bag (55x40x23 cm) + personal item | Usually included in the fare |
| Air France | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | No charge for economy fares |
Budget travelers often face expensive fees if they wish to bring larger cabin bags. Many airlines offer “priority boarding” or “special bundles” that allow travelers to avoid these fees, but these options often come with additional costs.
The Debate Over “Free” Services
While many passengers welcome the proposal, not all industry stakeholders are pleased with the changes. Airlines argue that eliminating baggage fees takes away the flexibility and consumer choice, with some fearing it could lead to higher ticket prices to offset the lost revenue.
Despite these concerns, many frequent flyers, especially those traveling on budget carriers, view the proposal as a much-needed reform that could lead to a more affordable and predictable air travel experience.
The new rules still need final approval from the majority of EU member states. If the legislation moves forward, it is expected to take effect as early as mid-2025, allowing airlines some time to adjust their practices.
In the meantime, passengers should continue to check airline baggage policies when booking flights, especially when flying with budget carriers that may have stricter requirements.