Hand luggage free of charge in near future?

By BBC, Lynn Carter: “The days of being charged additional fees for your hand luggage on flights could soon be a thing of the past – at least in the European Union. On 24 June, lawmakers voted in favour of a proposal allowing passengers to bring a small carry-on bag weighing up to 7kg (15.4lbs) on board their flight free of charge, even on budget airlines.

Under the new rule, which could take effect as early as July 2025, travellers would be allowed to bring one cabin bag measuring up to 100cm on board their flight, as well as an under-the-seat personal item with a maximum size of 40x30x15cm at no additional cost. The proposed law still requires approval from 55% of EU member states, but if adopted, the new rules would extend to all flights within the EU, as well as routes to and from the EU.

“Today’s vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,” vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Matteo Ricci said in a press statement. “[It introduces] concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage … a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.”

Previously, EU-based budget airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, Wizz and others often charged substantial fees for hand luggage, depending on its size and weight. As a result, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry fined five budget airlines €179m (£149m) for what it deemed “abusive practices” in November 2024. The Spanish ruling, along with pressure from consumer rights associations and passengers, has paved the way for the EU to push for what it considers fairer and more consistent hand luggage rules.

The carry-on proposal is part of a larger effort by the European Parliament to increase protections and rights for travellers. To ensure that families can sit together without incurring additional costs, lawmakers also voted to prohibit airlines from imposing seat selection charges for children aged 12 and under.”

We in ToolBox Consulting Ltd. hopes this will come effective as soon as possible.But the size of hand luggage should be remaining the standards set up earlier.