EU Standardizes Cabin Luggage Rules to Protect Air Travelers

Cabin Luggage

A New Regulation to Limit Hidden Charges from Low-Cost Airlines

The European Parliament has approved a proposal aimed at standardizing hand luggage rules across all airlines operating within the European Union. This initiative aims to protect consumer rights by ensuring that passengers are not unfairly charged for carrying basic cabin baggage—an issue that has become increasingly contentious among low-cost carriers.

Key takeaway:As soon as the regulation comes into force, passengers will have the right to bring onboard:

• One personal item (max. 40 x 30 x 15 cm)

• One small cabin suitcase (max. 100 cm total dimensions, up to 7 kg)…at no extra cost.

This decision addresses long-standing concerns about hidden fees and inconsistent policies among airlines.

Why This Matters for Travelers

Until now, airlines—especially budget carriers—could freely set their policies regarding cabin baggage. Some charged fees for anything beyond a handbag, while others created confusion by shifting definitions of "carry-on" between fare classes.

Implications of the new regulation:

• Transparency in pricing: Basic hand luggage will no longer be considered an add-on.

• Passenger rights protection: A consistent standard improves trust in air travel.

• Market fairness: Prevents airlines from using misleading fare structures.

Quick Comparison: Before vs After (EU Regulation)

Aspect	Before (Varies by Airline)	After (Standardized by EU)
Personal Item	Sometimes free, size unclear	Free (Max. 40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Cabin Suitcase	Often charged separately	Free (Max. 100 cm total, Max. 7 kg)
Pricing Transparency	Low (hidden fees common)	High (clear base fare expectations)
Rights Protection	Airline-determined policies	EU-mandated passenger rights

Legislative Background and Next Steps

The EU’s move comes after repeated rulings by the European Court of Justice stating that cabin luggage which meets safety requirements cannot be charged separately. However, until now, these legal interpretations had not been translated into binding regulation.

The current proposal was approved by the European Parliament in June 2025 and is now pending final endorsement by the Council of the European Union. Once passed, the regulation will apply to all commercial flights within EU member states.

Reactions and Criticisms

While consumer advocacy groups have celebrated the measure, some airlines—particularly low-cost carriers—have raised concerns about how this will affect their business model.

Concerns include:

• Increased operational costs due to more cabin luggage.

• Longer boarding times.

• Potential shift of costs to base ticket prices.

Nevertheless, many industry analysts argue that transparency may boost customer loyalty, offsetting the perceived financial loss for airlines.

What Passengers Should Know

• The rule only applies within the EU. Flights to or from non-EU countries may still be subject to different baggage policies.

• Enforcement will vary until all airlines fully comply, so passengers should double-check airline policies until implementation is complete.

• Additional services (seat selection, checked bags, etc.) are not affected by this regulation.