From October 23, 2027, updated luggage transportation rules will come into effect in the EU. Passengers will be able to take one small personal item into the cabin without an extra charge, while a larger suitcase may require a fee. This is reported by Ausnews. Earlier, Inkorr reported on preliminary agreements regarding free carry-on luggage for airline passengers.
What hand luggage will be allowed for free
Without an additional charge, a passenger will be able to take one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack. It must fit under the seat in front of them, and its dimensions should not exceed 40 × 30 × 15 centimeters.
This rule does not mean that any cabin suitcase will be free. The carrier may charge for a larger item of hand luggage. At the same time, airlines must show the ticket price including the cost of such luggage before the booking process begins.
When planning a trip, passengers still need to check the terms of their fare. For example, baggage requirements for airlines may vary depending on the aircraft type and the carrier's rules.
When will the new EU rules come into effect
The regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 2, 2026. The new requirements will start to be applied a year and 20 days later, that is, from October 23, 2027.
Until that date, the current airline rules will remain in effect. Before purchasing a ticket, it is advisable to determine what luggage is included in the fare, what restrictions are set for size and weight, and how much an additional suitcase costs. Such conditions are different, including for Ryanair's baggage rules.