EU Parliament Orders Free 7kg Hand Luggage on Flights From 2027, Banning Carry-On Fees
Updated
Updated · YLE News · Jun 16
EU Parliament Orders Free 7kg Hand Luggage on Flights From 2027, Banning Carry-On Fees
3 articles · Updated · YLE News · Jun 16
Summary
From 2027, EU airlines must include one personal item and one carry-on bag of up to 7kg in every ticket, ending separate hand-luggage charges common among low-cost carriers.
The rules also require discounts for passengers traveling without extra baggage and preserve free family seating, with adults entitled to sit next to their children at no added cost.
Airlines would face clearer compensation rules — 300 euros for delays on flights over 3,500 km and 600 euros for delays beyond four hours or cancellations — while also having to help missed-connection passengers more.
Carriers would be barred from forcing app-based boarding passes, charging to fix spelling mistakes or change passenger names, and imposing no-show penalties on return legs.
Airlines say the package will hurt competitiveness and raise fares, capping 13 years of wrangling between the European Parliament and EU member states over passenger rights.
The EU is ending surprise airline fees, but will this 'passenger victory' actually lead to permanently higher ticket prices for everyone?
With EU rules killing baggage fees, can anyone stop a debt-free Ryanair from starting a price war to dominate Europe's skies?
EU to Mandate Free Cabin Luggage by 2027: What Travelers and Airlines Need to Know About the New Law
Overview
The European Union is set to introduce new hand luggage regulations, aiming to standardize air travel across member states. As of mid-2026, the legislative process is nearly complete, with both the European Parliament and Council expected to confirm the deal soon. A key feature is the anticipated right for all passengers to bring free cabin luggage, which has sparked debate within the airline industry due to concerns about operational challenges. If approved, the new rules are expected to be fully implemented by 2027, promising a more consistent and transparent travel experience for EU passengers.