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European travellers could soon get the right to bring a 7kg carry-on bag on flights without paying extra fees, after parliamentarians from the transport committee approved new passenger rights rules on Tuesday June 24.

 

While it’s by no means certain yet, if the rule does get final approval during negotiations with EU governments, passengers would be allowed to bring a 7kg bag for free, plus one smaller personal item that fits under the seat. The 7 kilo carry-on would also need to stay “within the maximum dimensions of 100 cm (sum of length, width, and height)”, according to the official EU document.

 

The bag could be stored “either in the aircraft cabin (as carry-on baggage) or in the aircraft hold, as checked baggage.” Airlines could only refuse to allow this second piece of hand luggage on board if it exceeded the dimensions or posed some kind of security or safety threat.

 

Unsurprisingly, the airline industry is fighting hard against these changes, warning that they’ll have to raise ticket prices for everyone, even passengers who continue to travel light.

 

Spain, on the other hand, has indicated that it’s very much in favour of the new rules.

 

“What’s next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket?” quipped Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines for Europe (A4E).

 

“The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don’t.”

 

Airlines are particularly worried about space issues. In a letter to parliamentarians following the news, A4E complained that “aircraft do not have space to accommodate one trolley bag per passenger” because “typical aircraft cabin offers 180 seats but has space for only 90 trolleys in the overhead lockers”.

 

Budget airlines like Ryanair are expected to feel the biggest impact since their business model relies heavily on charging for extras. According to Ryanair’s most recent results, ancillary revenues, which include things like fees for carry-on luggage, seat selection and priority boarding, brought in €4.7 billion out of total revenues of €13.95 billion.

 

These airlines currently let passengers bring only a small bag that fits under the seat for free, while charging for anything larger that has to go in the overhead bins, something which has landed them in hot water more than once.

 

Although the Court of Justice ruled that hand luggage is a “necessary aspect” of passenger transport way back in 2014, airlines, lawmakers and consumer watchdogs throughout Europe have never been able to reach a consensus on the contentious issue.

 

Now, after years of back and forth and in an unexpected turn-around, it seems the EU Parliament has decided to step in and set a common standard.

 

Steven Berger, senior legal officer at the European Consumer Organisation, has welcomed the “unequivocal position on hand luggage,” saying it satisfies “a fundamental consumer expectation” to carry both a personal item and hand baggage at no extra cost.

 

The new rules still need to get through negotiations with EU governments before they become law but if approved, they could significantly change how airlines price their tickets and services.

 

 

Image: Archive