EU wants to ban paid carry-on luggage

Ah, summer: holidays, heat, and vacations. For those traveling, the issue of low-cost airline baggage has, over the years, become something of a meme. Every year, more and more social media users joke about all the tricks they come up with to avoid paying extra fees for carry-on luggage. A problem that has only worsened in recent years, especially considering that airfare prices for economy airlines have seen increases of up to 200% during peak season compared to the yearly average. And this refers only to the basic fares offered by carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair, which over time have gradually removed many free amenities, introducing add-ons that often end up inflating the final ticket price by hundreds of euros. At the same time, the situation could soon change – and dramatically so. As reported by the BBC, on 24 June, the European Parliament voted in favor of a proposal that would allow passengers to bring one free carry-on bag up to 7kg and 100cm in total size on board, even on low-cost flights, as well as a second personal item to be stored under the seat (maximum size 40x30x15cm). This new regulation, which could come into effect as early as July 2025 if approved by 55% of member states, aims to make air travel more transparent and fair by eliminating what the European Parliament calls «unjustified fees» imposed by airlines on passengers.

The proposal is part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at strengthening passenger rights and protections, including the elimination of extra seat selection fees for children under 12. Despite the EU’s efforts to protect consumers, the low-cost lobby has voiced strong opposition to the measure, claiming that removing baggage fees will inevitably lead to a general increase in ticket prices. According to Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines For Europe, the move would eliminate the freedom of choice that has so far defined the European air travel market, effectively obliging passengers to pay for services they might not need. A travel disincentive that could, in fact, become a major win in the fight against overtourism. Despite the criticism, the proposal still represents a major step forward for passenger rights in the EU, especially in light of the sanctions already issued in the past, such as those imposed by Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Rights against five low-cost airlines in November 2024 for what were deemed abusive practices. A small thought goes out to all those who have already booked their summer holidays with hefty carry-on (and maybe even checked baggage) surcharges.