Passengers taking flights between the UK and mainland Europe often have to pay extra to take a carry-on bag on the aircraft. What’s more, some airlines currently charge for each item they want to take on board, and different airlines have different rules, making for a confusing and frustrating process.
However, this is set to change because the European Union is planning to change the rules surrounding carry-on bags on flights. This would apply to flights between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and Italy. The luggage rule change is set to streamline the process, setting a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. This is not the only benefit, either.
The new EU rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, meaning the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet’s rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles.
EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. This will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament.
The new rule would guarantee passengers one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles), or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat.
The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they carry passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice versa.
The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but it does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers.
11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. However, the ruling never defined “reasonable”.
Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes told the BBC: “A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers.”