The European Union has agreed new regulations that will require airlines to include a cabin bag allowance in the base fare for all flights within Europe, effective from 2027. This landmark decision, reached after nearly a decade of negotiations between the European Council and European Parliament, aims to eliminate hidden baggage costs and improve price transparency for passengers.
What the new rules mean for travellers
Under the new regulations, every passenger ticket for a European flight will automatically include a cabin bag, such as a small wheeled suitcase, in addition to a personal item that must fit under the seat in front (measuring 40cm x 30cm x 15cm). This means that the price you see advertised will be the price you pay, with no surprise surcharges for bringing a standard carry-on bag.
The European Council stated: "To create price transparency, air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines."
Impact on airlines and fares
Low-cost carriers, which have traditionally charged extra for cabin bags, are expected to adjust their pricing models. Aviation expert James Doyle (FRAeS) said: "Low-cost carriers will almost certainly raise standard ticket prices to recover lost revenue from baggage fees." He added that the real saving depends on comparing total costs, noting that "light travellers who previously paid €20–60+ for priority/small cabin bags may benefit most; those who always flew with just a personal item might see little net gain or even pay more."
The rules will apply to all flights within the EU, as well as flights departing from the EU to non-EU destinations. For British airlines such as easyJet, British Airways, and Jet2, the requirements will apply only on routes returning from the EU into the UK. This means holidaymakers could face different baggage rules depending on the direction of their journey.
Potential gaps in coverage
Aviation expert James Doyle noted that the rules "apply most clearly to EU airlines and flights within the EU; long-haul, non-EU carriers, or certain UK–EU routes may have partial or delayed coverage." This could lead to inconsistencies in how the regulations are implemented across different airlines and routes.
The exact implementation date in 2027 has not yet been announced, but the agreement marks a significant step towards greater consumer protection in air travel. Airlines will still be allowed to offer reduced fares to passengers who voluntarily choose to fly without hand luggage, providing flexibility for budget-conscious travellers.
