PASSENGERS flying on EU airlines might not have to pay for fees for carry-on bags up to 7kg under new rules.
On June 25, the EU Parliament transport committee put forward a new law to ban additional fees for small carry-on bags.
New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag[/caption]
If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker.
The conditions are that the bag can weigh up to 7kg and is no more than 100cm.
Passengers will also be allowed to bring one smaller personal item that can fit under a seat on the flight.
The new rule would apply to all flights between the EU and the UK and flights within the EU itself.
Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage.
The bad news is that some airlines have warned that the proposed rule change could force up ticket fares.
It could potentially impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags.
Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: “The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don’t.”
Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won’t be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space.
A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers.
The EU transport committee also agreed during the meeting that airlines should be prohibited from charging a seat selection fee for children up to the age of 12.
It also wants to introduce a common form for compensation and reimbursement requests.
Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules – but these did not change.
Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Europe’s biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: “We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board.
“We’re working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven’t reached an agreement with them yet.”
While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that’s allowed on Ryanair flights for free.
Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can’t live without – and they start from just 99p.
Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you
Head of Travel (Print) Lisa Minot weighs in.
EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers.
But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward.
Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges.
And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits.
These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair’s revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair’s ancillary revenues were worth £884million.
Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags.
They also point out many airlines won’t be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags.
But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing.
Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out.
