Passengers flying between the UK and mainland Europe often have to pay extra to bring their carry-on baggage to the aircraft. Additionally, some airlines now charge for each item they want to board, and different airlines have different rules, resulting in a confused and frustrating process.
However, this is due to the European Union planning to change the rules surrounding carry-on bags for flights. This applies to flights between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. Changing the luggage rules is set up to streamline the process, and sets up bags of a specific size that can be used to ride flights run by companies such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. This is not the only advantage either.
The new EU rules provide that take-on bags are free. This means that airlines cannot charge extra fees to get on the plane and take your bags. Currently, Ryanair allows free carry-on bags of 40x20x25cm, but the rule for EasyJet's free bags is 45x36x20cm, including wheels and handles.
This week, the EU Transportation Minister proposed standardized sizing for free load luggage for EU airlines. This becomes law if accepted by the European Parliament.
The new rules guarantee one free personal item that measures up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) or that could reasonably fit under the plane seat.
This rule applies to EU-based airlines. This includes transporting passengers from non-EU countries like the UK to EU countries and vice versa.
The new rules cover bags under the seats, but currently do not mention bags in the locker above.
Eleven years ago, an EU court ruled that as long as the baggage is reasonably large, it should not be subject to additional charges. However, this decision did not define “rational.”
Travel Consumer Expert Jane Hawks told the BBC:
