Low-cost airlines are expected to be impacted the most by the measure, which would hit their pricing policies that permit only a small bag fitting under a seat to be carried for free and charge passengers for larger bags, even if they fit in the overhead bin.
According to Ryanair’s most recent annual results, ancillary revenues, including fees for hand baggage and extra services such as seat selection and priority boarding, amounted to €4.7 billion out of total revenues of €13.95 billion.
In addition to profits, airlines are concerned that allowing all passengers to bring a 7 kg bag on board will cause problems during boarding and lead to extra delays if bags do not fit in the cabin.
In a letter sent to parliamentarians ahead of the vote, A4E complained that “aircraft do not have space to accommodate one trolley bag per passenger” because “typical aircraft cabin offers 180 seats but has space for only 90 trolleys in the overhead lockers.”
But the amendment leaves no room for excuses and permits the hand baggage to be stored “either in the aircraft cabin (as carry-on baggage) or in the aircraft hold, as checked baggage.”
Airlines may only refuse to allow hand baggage on board “only on grounds of security” in relation to its weight, size, or the characteristics of the aircraft, says the norm.
Steven Berger, senior legal officer at the European Consumer Organization, welcomed the “unequivocal position on hand luggage,” saying that it satisfied “a fundamental consumer expectation” to carry both a personal item and hand baggage at no extra cost.