EU’s Move to Ban Hand Luggage Fees: What Travelers Need to Know

On June 24, 2025, the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee took a significant step toward reshaping air travel by voting to prohibit extra charges for hand luggage, a practice long associated with low-cost airlines. This decision, described as a defense against "unjustified costs" by Social Democrat MEP Matteo Ricci, aims to ease the financial burden on travelers and ensure fairer pricing. But what does this mean for passengers, airlines, and the future of travel in the EU? This blog dives into the details, addressing all key questions surrounding this development.

What Happened on June 24, 2025?

The Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament voted nearly unanimously (38 in favor, 2 against, 2 abstentions) to amend EU passenger rights regulations, banning airlines from charging extra fees for hand luggage. The proposed rules allow passengers to bring:

• One personal item (e.g., a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag) with maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm.

• One cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg and with total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 100 cm.

This vote builds on a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling that deemed hand luggage fees unlawful if the luggage meets "reasonable" size and weight requirements. The 2025 proposal clarifies these requirements with specific limits, aiming to standardize policies across airlines operating in the EU.

Why Target Hand Luggage Fees?

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air often include only a single personal item in their base fares, charging extra for larger carry-on suitcases. These fees have become a significant revenue stream—Ryanair’s 2024 annual results reported €4.7 billion in ancillary revenues (including baggage fees) out of €13.95 billion total revenue. However, consumer advocates argue these charges are unfair, as hand luggage is essential for most travelers.

Matteo Ricci, the bill’s lead sponsor and vice-president of the Transport Committee, called the vote a "fundamental step toward fairer and more transparent travel," emphasizing that passengers should not face "unjustified extra costs" for basic needs. Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry echoed this sentiment in November 2024, fining five budget airlines €179 million for "abusive practices" related to hand luggage fees, further highlighting the issue’s prominence.

Is the Ban Already in Effect?

No, the ban is not yet law. The June 24, 2025, vote was by the Transport and Tourism Committee, not the full European Parliament. The proposal must still:

1. Be approved by the full European Parliament.

2. Gain approval from at least 55% of EU member states, representing 65% of the EU population, in the EU Council.

Negotiations are expected to begin in July 2025, with the earliest implementation likely in 2026 if approved. Until then, airlines can continue charging for hand luggage, though consumer pressure and national actions (like Spain’s fines) may influence their policies.

Which Airlines and Flights Are Affected?

The proposed rules would apply to:

• All flights within the EU.

• Flights arriving in or departing from EU member states, including routes to/from the UK.

• All airlines operating these routes, including non-EU carriers.

This means low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, as well as full-service airlines, must comply if the legislation passes. However, flights operated entirely outside the EU by non-EU airlines would not be affected.

How Will This Impact Travelers?

If implemented, the ban would:

• Save Money: Travelers could bring a personal item and a 7 kg cabin bag without additional fees, reducing costs, especially for those flying budget airlines.
• Simplify Planning: Standardized hand luggage allowances would make it easier to compare fares across airlines, as hidden fees would be eliminated.
• Enhance Fairness: The policy aligns with broader EU passenger rights reforms proposed in 2023, which include free seating for children under 12 with guardians, free travel for companions of passengers with reduced mobility, and clearer compensation rules for delays or cancellations.

However, there are potential downsides:

• Higher Base Fares: Airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, may raise ticket prices to offset lost revenue from baggage fees. Airlines for Europe (A4E) warned that this could impact all passengers, even those traveling light.

• Boarding Delays: With more passengers bringing cabin bags, overhead bin space could become a bottleneck. Industry estimates suggest aircraft typically have space for only about 90 trolley bags for 180 passengers, potentially slowing boarding processes.

What Are Airlines Saying?

The airline industry, represented by groups like A4E, strongly opposes the ban. A4E’s Managing Director, Ourania Georgoutsakou, argued that forcing airlines to include hand luggage in base fares is like "forcing cinema-goers to pay for popcorn," undermining consumer choice. Airlines claim the current model allows passengers to pay only for what they need, keeping base fares low for those traveling light. Critics of the ban also warn that higher fares could disproportionately affect budget-conscious travelers.

How Does This Fit into Broader EU Passenger Rights?

The hand luggage fee ban is part of a comprehensive update to EU passenger rights regulations proposed in 2023. Other key changes include:

• Free Seating for Families: Children under 12 must be seated with their guardians at no extra cost.

• Support for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Companions can travel free to assist passengers with disabilities.

• Clearer Compensation Rules: Enhanced transparency for delays, cancellations, and lost luggage.

These reforms aim to create a more passenger-friendly travel environment, addressing long-standing complaints about airline practices.

What’s Next?

The proposal’s fate depends on negotiations between the European Parliament and the EU Council, starting in July 2025. If approved, airlines will need to adjust their policies, potentially redesigning fare structures and baggage handling processes. Travelers should monitor updates, as implementation could take months or even years.

In the meantime, passengers can:

• Check Airline Policies: Confirm hand luggage allowances before booking, as current rules vary by airline.

• Support Consumer Advocacy: Engage with initiatives like Spain’s fines to pressure airlines for fairer practices.

• Plan for Delays: Be prepared for potential boarding delays if more passengers bring cabin bags post-implementation.

Conclusion

The European Parliament’s push to ban hand luggage fees marks a significant step toward fairer air travel, addressing a practice that has frustrated passengers for years. While the vote on June 24, 2025, is not yet law, it reflects growing momentum to curb "unjustified costs," as Matteo Ricci put it. Travelers stand to benefit from cost savings and clearer rules, but airlines warn of higher fares and logistical challenges. As negotiations continue, this issue will remain a focal point for both passengers and the aviation industry.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is based on reports and sources available as of July 2, 2025, regarding the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee vote on June 24, 2025. The proposed ban on hand luggage fees is not yet law and is subject to further approval by the full European Parliament and EU Council. Implementation details, timelines, and outcomes may change. Always verify current airline policies and regulations before traveling.

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