As part of a comprehensive reform of European air passenger rights, the negotiating partners of the European Union have reached a compromise on hand baggage regulations after months of debate.
As reported by the news portal Politico, citing EU sources, the new regulation stipulates that airlines must generally display their ticket prices as including a standard piece of hand luggage. This is intended to ensure transparent pricing online and prevent unexpected additional charges during the booking process. However, consumers will have the option to actively deselect hand luggage, thereby reducing the ticket price by a defined discount.
The planned reform primarily targets the business model of low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, Easyjet, and Wizz Air. In recent years, these airlines have contributed to a situation where carrying larger pieces of hand luggage has become an extra charge in the standard fare, and often only a small bag under the seat in front is included in the base price. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has already ruled in previous landmark decisions that reasonable hand luggage is an essential part of passenger transport and must not incur additional costs, provided it meets reasonable requirements regarding weight and dimensions. With the current proposal, the EU Commission is now attempting to establish uniform standards for all market participants.
In addition to price transparency, the new regulation aims to promote the harmonization of baggage dimensions within European airspace. Currently, airlines use widely varying maximum dimensions and weight limits, which regularly leads to logistical problems and additional charges at airports. The current compromise requires airlines to establish clearer structures, but allows them some entrepreneurial flexibility in precisely pricing the discount. Consumer advocates welcome the transparency initiative, while aviation industry associations warn against a general increase in the price of basic tickets due to the mandatory inclusion of baggage services.
The legislative process is in its final phase. Should the EU member states formally approve the negotiated draft text in the coming days, the reform of air passenger rights could be finally adopted by mid-June 2026. Following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, airlines would be granted a transition period to adapt their booking systems and fare structures to the new legal requirements. Comprehensive implementation across European air traffic is therefore expected next year.