EU To End Luggage Fees and Standardise Size Restrictions

Members of the European Parliament (MEP) have voted on and adopted a resolution proposed by the Petitions Committee on 20 September, moving to scrap hand luggage charges and standardise carry-on dimensions for all airlines operating in the EU.

MEPs are pushing for carry-on baggage fees to become a thing of the past as the EU looks to simplify ticket pricing for air travel.

The resolution calls on airlines to guarantee that passengers can carry “reasonable” sized cabin baggage free of charge.

[…] it should be noted that unchecked baggage, namely cabin baggage, should generally be considered an essential part of passenger transport, so that no additional charge should be made for its transport, provided that its weight and dimensions meet reasonable requirements and comply with the relevant safety regulations.

Case C-487/12, Court of Justice of the European Union

It urges countries to enforce a ruling on hand luggage made by the European Court of Justice back in 2014. EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to offer a solution, says the resolution.

MEPs argue that new legislation could also address other hidden costs like seat fees. The plan still needs support from the European Commission and EU countries. If the resolution is adopted, the EU Commission will then deal with the issue.

The Commission says the issue is “currently being examined” as part of an impact assessment on the Air Services Regulation, which manages a range of issues involving the industry. But that assessment has been in the works since 2019.

Do you think this resolution will pass and be widely implemented in the EU? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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