Low-cost carriers in the EU are required to make carry-on luggage free

The European Union, after more than ten years of negotiations, has agreed on new rules for the protection of air passengers. One of the main innovations will be mandatory free carry-on luggage for all passengers, including customers of budget airlines. The new regulations also maintain the right to compensation for flight delays. This was reported by Euronews.

What will change for low-cost passengers

According to the new rules, airlines will no longer be able to charge a separate fee for standard carry-on luggage.

The price of the ticket will necessarily include:

• one personal item sized up to 40×30×15 cm;
• a small suitcase or backpack to be placed in the cabin of the aircraft.

Additional charges for carry-on luggage have become one of the main sources of income for budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet in recent years.

The new requirements will come into effect in 2027.

Compensations for flight delays remain

The European Parliament has also managed to preserve compensations for passengers in the event of flight delays.

As before, the right to payment will arise in case of a delay of three hours or more.

The new rules clarify the amount of compensation:

• 300 euros for flights over 3500 km;
• 600 euros if the delay exceeds four hours or if the flight is canceled.

The EU emphasizes that this will help maintain a high level of passenger rights protection.

How new rules will affect ticket prices

Industry representatives have already warned that free carry-on luggage could lead to an increase in base fares.

At the same time, European legislators have obliged airlines to display the full ticket price including carry-on luggage during the booking process.

However, carriers will be able to offer cheaper tickets to passengers who voluntarily opt out of carrying luggage in the cabin.

What this means for Ukrainians

The new rules will apply to all airlines operating within the territory of the European Union.

For Ukrainians who frequently use flights of European low-cost carriers during travels or flights from neighboring EU countries, this means reduced additional costs for carry-on luggage and more transparent pricing of tickets.

It is worth noting that Ryanair is under investigation for charging for the seating of children next to parents.