Saturday, July 19, 2025

Ryanair and easyJet passengers could soon see a significant improvement in their travel experience, as a proposed EU regulation aims to standardize hand luggage policies across member states. The law seeks to eliminate extra charges for a second cabin bag and enforce fairer rules for all travelers, addressing long-standing consumer complaints about hidden baggage fees on budget airlines. By promoting greater transparency and passenger rights, the EU hopes to make air travel more convenient, especially for families and frequent low-cost flyers.

Budget airline travelers across Europe may soon enjoy a more generous hand luggage policy, as a new EU regulation proposes sweeping changes to current airline baggage allowances. At present, passengers flying with low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet are typically restricted to bringing a single small personal item on board at no additional cost. Larger cabin bags or extra items often come with added charges, creating frustration among travelers.

However, this status quo may be on the verge of change. A new European Union initiative is in the works that could allow passengers flying with budget airlines to bring two pieces of hand luggage—a personal item and a cabin bag—onboard without having to pay extra fees. This move is expected to create a more consistent and consumer-friendly air travel experience across the EU, especially for those relying on low-cost carriers.

The potential policy shift comes in the wake of recent adjustments by Ryanair, which has already expanded its hand luggage dimensions in response to EU directives. The updated allowance now permits passengers to bring onboard a personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm, representing a 20% increase in volume from the previous dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. The change is seen as a proactive step ahead of what could become a broader regulatory transformation.

easyJet, meanwhile, is already compliant with the new sizing framework. Its current policy allows similar hand luggage dimensions, which means the airline would not need to make substantial adjustments should the new regulation come into force. More importantly, the legislation also proposes that passengers may be entitled to bring a second cabin bag measuring up to 100 cm (in combined length, width, and height), free of charge. This could mark a significant shift in the way budget airlines operate, particularly in terms of add-on baggage revenue models.

Although the regulation shows strong potential, it must still navigate several critical legislative challenges before it can be enacted. To move forward, the new law must gain approval from at least 55% of EU member states. Formal discussions among the EU Council are scheduled to begin later this month, with growing public support likely to influence the outcome.

If the regulation passes, it would apply to all flights within the European Union, as well as those arriving from or departing to non-EU countries. This broad scope ensures uniform protection and benefits for travelers across the continent, making air travel more transparent and accessible.

In addition to baggage reforms, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are also pushing for changes that address seating arrangements for families. One of the proposed provisions would require airlines to seat children under the age of 12 next to an accompanying adult without any additional charges.

Currently, there is no legal requirement compelling airlines to seat families together, although aviation regulators like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advise that children and infants should ideally be placed in the same row as their guardian. Implementing this regulation would bring legal clarity and peace of mind to families flying within or into the EU.

Together, these reforms represent a major step forward in improving passenger rights, especially for those flying on a budget.