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Europe's airline market may soon experience a significant shift as the European Union moves to prohibit airlines from charging passengers extra for hand luggage. This development comes after EU lawmakers voted in favor of legislation requiring carriers to allow passengers a free hand luggage allowance in addition to a personal item, with the former limited to 7 kg (15.4 lbs).
Matteo Ricci, Vice President of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism, led the bill's sponsorship. He described the vote as "an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel," highlighting that increased free hand luggage allowances are "a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs." However, Airlines For Europe (A4E), an advocacy group, opposes this move. Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E's Managing Director, argues that "Europe’s airline market is built on choice" and warns against forcing passengers into services they may not need.
The proposed legislation would allow passengers a personal item measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm and a larger bag with maximum dimensions of 100 cm. While this could benefit those frustrated by paying for every amenity when flying low-cost carriers, A4E cautions that airlines might increase fares to compensate for lost revenue from hand luggage fees. This could impact travelers who prefer minimal baggage.
