Big changes are coming for airline passengers in the European Union, and it’s good news for international travelers. Airlines in the E.U. will no longer be permitted to charge additional fees for hand luggage on flights thanks to a proposal voted on by lawmakers in late June. The new rules allows passengers to bring a small carry-on bag weighing up to 7kg (15.4 pounds) on their flight free of charge…even on budget airlines, according to BBC.
The new rule allows for one cabin bag and one personal item stowable under your seat with no additional fee. However, the law still seeks approval from 55% of E.U.member states. If approved, the rule would apply to all flights within the E.U. as well as those to and from the region.
Airlines, especially “budget airlines” are infamous for charging expensive fees. These airlines lure in travelers with cheap airfares, then pile on fees for baggage, in-flight refreshments, and more. The BBC reports Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry fined five budget airlines €179 million for “abusive practices” last fall.
“Today’s vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,” said Matteo Ricci, vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) in a press release. Ricci claimed the proposal introduces “concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage…a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.”
This proposal is part of a bigger effort to increase travelers protections by the European Parliament. The wider initiative seeks to also ensure that families can sit together without paying extra fees.
E.U. lawmakers also hope to provide further protections by regulating the handling of compensation and reimbursement requests between airlines and third-party retailers like Expedia, SkyScanner or KAYAK. Plus, new proposals will also ensure travelers are entitled to compensation if an airline delay causes them to miss connecting flights or other connecting transportation modes.
