Brits travelling to Spain are being warned over new cabin bag rules which may catch out holidaymakers this summer as they try to budget for upcoming trips.
Travellers will now be charged for any baggage that doesn’t fit under the seat in front of them in a controversial new rule that “ends the legal uncertainty” costing airlines losses in legal disputes.
Airlines are permitted to charge passengers for bringing trolley bags that require overhead storage after the European Council approved the change on Thursday.
In a changes to EU passenger rights, the new rules for hand luggage, allow carriers to impose fees for larger cabin bags placed in overhead lockers.
Only smaller bags such as backpacks or handbags will be allowed on the cabin free of charge.The measurement maximum for these kinds of bags is 40x30x15cm.
Spain, Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal voted against the changes, warning the move could mean passengers end up paying extra for almost any cabin bag. The Spanish government criticised the new rules as “too restrictive.”
However, the Airline Association (ALA) has approved the new rules saying the change provides much-needed clarity on baggage fees and will help cut down on the number of legal disputes between passengers and airlines. It said: “This ends the legal uncertainty and inconsistent rulings we’ve seen across Spain.”
The new rules narrow the definition of free hand luggage, limiting it to bags that can be stored under the seat in front, meaning anything larger will now come with an additional cost.
The update also applies to delayed flights – meaning holidaymakers will no longer be compensated for a couple of hours delay. The new rules state that compensation for delayed flights will be raised. The current threshold of three hours has been raised to between four and six hours, depending on flight distance.
The amount of money Brits will receive for said delays will also be slashed. Passengers are entitled to €300 for shorter flights and €500 for longer ones, provided the delay crosses the new time limits.
However, there is hope that these changes will not be sustained despite the Council’s backing. The proposals now head to the European Parliament, where MEPs can approve, reject, or push for amendments before the rules come into force.