Wednesday, June 25, 2025

In a historic victory for air passengers across Europe, the Transport Committee within the European Parliament voted for a motion that will bar air carriers from imposing fees for carry-on luggage. The move aimed at capping the cost burden on air commuters appears as part of a larger effort to check rising expenses on air journeys. The motion stands on the verge of bringing major changes into the business practices followed by low-cost airlines when dealing with fees for hand baggage.

Now that the business of adding supplementary fees for services that used to be included in the price of a plane fare has become standard practice, the bill that’s before Congress proposes that no passenger be subjected to “unmerited additional costs.” Matteo Ricci, the center-left lawmaker and lead author of the bill, made it clear that passengers should not be made to pay a separate fee for something as basic as carrying a personal item aboard the plane. These can be a purse, backpack, or a personal carry-on bag, which can be taken aboard the cabin without the payment of a single supplementary cent.

The European aviation market, especially among low-cost carriers, has increasingly shifted towards a model where passengers are charged for services previously included in the cost of a flight ticket. Many low-cost airlines currently only include one small personal item, such as a small handbag or laptop bag, and charge passengers extra for hand luggage. This includes the addition of trolleys or larger bags that passengers may need for their journey.

The new proposal, however, challenges this business model, mandating that airlines no longer charge for hand luggage of up to seven kilograms (15 pounds). This would create a significant shift in the industry, particularly for budget airlines that rely on these fees as a source of revenue. The measure is designed to ensure that travelers are not penalized for bringing essential items on board.

The airline industry has not taken kindly to the proposed ban on carry-on luggage fees. Airlines for Europe (A4E), an influential industry association representing the major carriers across Europe, has condemned the proposal. A4E argues that such a measure would likely lead to higher ticket prices for all passengers, including those who travel light and do not need a trolley bag.

A4E Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou expressed concern that the proposal would force airlines to include hand luggage in the base fare, making it a mandatory service even for passengers who do not require extra baggage. She noted that such a move could raise flight costs for those who prefer to travel without additional luggage, which would, in turn, make flying more expensive for everyone, regardless of their travel needs.

The proposal to ban carry-on luggage fees is part of a broader package of amendments to the EU’s passenger rights regulations. These reforms, put forward by the European Commission, also include new measures for compensation and reimbursement in the event of delays or cancellations. Specifically, the European Parliament voted to introduce a standardized form for compensation claims, which will make it easier for passengers to receive refunds and compensation when their flights are disrupted.

In addition, the committee voted to define extraordinary circumstances under which airlines may deny compensation to passengers. These circumstances include situations such as natural disasters or acts of war, which are considered beyond the control of airlines. This addition aims to provide more clarity and transparency for travelers who find themselves in these unfortunate situations.

The proposal has already been adopted by the Transport Committee of the European Parliament, but it still has to go through several stages before becoming law. It will be subject to a vote by the full parliament before being debated and negotiated with member states. If the proposal is passed by the parliament, it will then have to be ratified by EU member states before it can be formally implemented.

The timeline for these negotiations is still uncertain, as various member states may have differing views on the proposal. However, the approval by the European Parliament’s Transport Committee is an important step forward in reducing costs for European air travelers and ensuring that more transparency and fairness is introduced into the airline industry.

The proposal to eliminate carry-on luggage fees is part of the EU’s broader strategy to overhaul air travel regulations. Over the past few years, there has been growing concern about the increasing number of hidden fees charged by airlines, ranging from seat selection fees to baggage fees. The European Union has been taking steps to improve passenger rights and ensure that travelers are not unfairly charged for services that should be included in the cost of their flight.

In recent years, European lawmakers have pushed for greater transparency in airline pricing, leading to a number of reforms aimed at protecting consumers. These reforms include regulations that require airlines to clearly disclose all fees and charges upfront when passengers book their tickets, as well as rules that provide better compensation for delays, cancellations, and other disruptions.

If the proposal becomes law, it will undoubtedly benefit millions of European travelers who regularly fly with low-cost airlines. Passengers who are accustomed to paying additional fees for hand luggage will no longer have to worry about these extra charges, making air travel more affordable for many.

Moreover, the standardization of compensation requests will also make it easier for passengers to seek refunds or compensation in the event of a flight disruption. By introducing a common form and clearer definitions of extraordinary circumstances, the EU aims to improve the experience for travelers facing delays or cancellations.

However, as with all legislative proposals, there will likely be ongoing debates and negotiations between lawmakers and the airline industry. The final outcome may differ from the original proposal, but the current trajectory indicates that European travelers could soon see significant improvements in their air travel experience.

The Parliament’s action to bar carry-on luggage fees is a historic move towards the further safeguarding of the consumer and the improvement of the continent’s air travel. With the elimination of the additional fees for carry-on luggage, the EU stands up for what most regard as wasteful and unjustified fees imposed by the airlines. The industry’s reaction was split, but the traveler receives a clearer, more equitable, and fairer air travel experience.

In the course of the process for the proposal becoming a law, it will be interesting to see it impact the travel market and passengers across Europe. Until then, however, passengers need to follow the process since the changes could have long-lasting implications for flights across the continent.

References: European Commission, Airline Industry Association