Many holidaymakers will know the feeling of getting to the boarding gate, only to be told their carry-on is too big and that they must pay to take it on.
However, this could become a thing of the past in some cases as the EU Parliament transport committee has approved new regulations that would permit passengers to carry handbags weighing up to 7kg without additional charges on all EU airline flights.
The amendment to air passenger rights, agreed on Tuesday, would allow travellers a free cabin bag measuring no more than 100cm, alongside a smaller personal item that fits beneath the seat.
While it is not yet law, the proposed rules would extend to all flights to and from the EU, encompassing routes between the European Union and the UK. The legislation requires approval from 55 per cent of member states representing at least 65 per cent of the EU population before implementation.
Carry-on luggage fees could be scrapped
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Spain has already signalled its support for the proposed changes. However, the airline industry has cautioned that implementing these regulations could lead to increased ticket prices, affecting all travellers regardless of their baggage requirements.
Airlines for Europe managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: "The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't."
The industry body sent correspondence to EU transport committee members before Tuesday's vote, alerting them that member airlines would struggle to meet the new requirements.
They noted that whilst a standard cabin accommodates 180 passengers, overhead compartments can only store approximately 90 trolley bags.
Airlines for Europe has emphasised the practical constraints facing carriers in implementing the proposed regulations.
The organisation highlighted that typical aircraft cabins are designed to accommodate 180 passengers but contain overhead locker space for merely 90 trolley bags.
This disparity between passenger numbers and storage capacity presents significant operational challenges for airlines attempting to comply with the new rules.
The industry body argues that mandating free carry-on allowances could create boarding complications and delays as passengers compete for limited overhead space. The airlines maintain their position that travellers should retain the flexibility to select and pay for only the services they require.
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This would benefit some passengers
GETTYThe transport committee has also approved measures prohibiting airlines from imposing seat selection charges for children aged 12 and under. This provision aims to ensure families can sit together without incurring additional costs.
Furthermore, the committee wants to establish a standardised form for compensation and reimbursement requests across all EU carriers. This would simplify the claims process for passengers seeking redress for flight disruptions or other issues.
These additional consumer protection measures form part of the broader package of air passenger rights reforms currently under consideration by EU member states.
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