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European air passengers travelling within the EU could soon be entitled to more hand luggage without paying extra, under a major overhaul of passenger rights.
The European Parliament and EU member states reached a provisional agreement in June on new air passenger rules – the first major revision of the legislation since 2004.
Under the new rules, passengers buying a standard ticket would be entitled to two pieces of hand luggage free of charge.
This would include one small personal item, such as a handbag or backpack, which must fit under the seat in front. They would also be allowed one larger cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, with combined dimensions of up to 100cm.
The changes are expected to come into force from late 2027 at the earliest, with October 2027 currently thought to be the earliest possible start date. However, the rules still need to complete the remaining EU legislative process before they can take effect.
The European Parliament says the new provisions give passengers the right to carry a personal item on board “without additional fee”, potentially putting an end to some of the extra charges currently levied by airlines for cabin baggage.
The Parliament also decided that airlines will still be able to offer cheaper fares to passengers who choose to travel without hand luggage, although it remains unclear exactly how this pricing system will work once the new rules come into force.
The changes are part of a broader overhaul of EU air passenger rights, covering issues including delays, cancellations and compensation.
For travellers, the key change is that a standard fare would have to include both an under-seat personal item and a small cabin bag, rather than passengers having to pay extra for the latter.
It’s not good news for British passengers, who have not been considered European citizens since Brexit came into force.
One of the country’s largest operators, easyJet UK, says passengers on outbound journeys won’t be able to take advantage of the incoming rules, according to a report by Which?.
That will apply to all UK-based airlines, including British Airways and Jet2.
Passengers flying out of the UK will not benefit from a free item of hand luggage despite new rules in Europe, easyJet has said.
The airline said the rules will apply to UK passengers “only on return flights from EU countries”.
However, EasyJet says that alongside all other British airlines, it is reviewing its own baggage rules, in preparation for when the EU legislation comes into effect.