Brits traveling to Spain have been warned over the rules for new cabin bags this summer, in an effort to make a budget this summer.
Travelers will be charged for packages that fit under their seats in front of them in a controversial new rule that “ends legal uncertainty” that spends airline losses in legal disputes.
The airline is permitted to charge passengers to bring trolley bags that require overhead storage after the Council of Europe approved the change on Thursday.
With the EU passenger rights change, a new rule for baggage allows carriers to charge fees for large cabin bags placed in overhead lockers.
Only small bags such as backpacks and handbags are permitted free of charge in the cabin. The maximum measured value for these types of bags is 40x30x15cm.
Spain, Germany, Slovenia and Portugal voted against the change. The move warns that passengers could end up paying extra for almost any cabin bag. The Spanish government criticized the new rules as “too restrictive.”
However, the Airlines Association (ALA) has approved a new rule that the change will provide much needed clarity on baggage fees and help reduce the number of legal disputes between passengers and airlines. “This ends the legal uncertainty and inconsistent rulings we saw across Spain,” he said.
The new rules narrow the definition of freehand luggage and limit it to bags that can be stored under the front seat. This means that the bigger ones will cost an additional cost.
This update also applies to delayed flights. This means that you will no longer be compensated for a few hours of delays on holidays. The new rules say that compensation for delayed flights will be raised. The current 3-hour threshold has been raised to 4-6 hours depending on the flight distance.
The amount of money British people will receive for that delay will also be reduced. If the delay exceeds the new time limit, passengers are entitled to spend 300 euros on shorter flights and 500 euros on longer flights.
However, despite the support of the council, there is hope that these changes will not be maintained. The proposal is now heading to the European Parliament. MEPS may approve, reject or promote amendments before the regulations come into effect.
