EU lawmakers took decisive steps toward guaranteeing passengers free carry-on luggage rights, with the transport committee approving an amendment mandating airlines permit cabin baggage weighing up to 7 kg without additional fees, according to Politico.
The measure, passed on Tuesday, forms part of broader legislation strengthening air passenger rights and now advances to negotiations with EU governments. If adopted, travellers could carry one bag weighing 7 kg and meeting dimensional limits (100cm combined length/width/height) plus a small personal item under the seat at no extra cost.
Carrier lobby groups immediately condemned the move, warning of inevitable ticket price hikes. “What’s next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket?” questioned Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines for Europe (A4E). She argued that Parliament should “let travellers decide what services they pay for”.
Meanwhile, low-cost operators face particular disruption to their business models. Ryanair, for example, derived €4.7bn of €13.95bn revenue from ancillary fees including baggage charges. A4E further cautioned that aircraft cabins lack physical capacity for “one trolley bag per passenger”, predicting boarding delays and space shortages.
The amendment, spearheaded by Socialist MEP Matteo Ricci, draws legitimacy from a 2014 Court of Justice ruling affirming hand luggage as a “necessary aspect” of passenger transport.
Consumer advocates hailed the committee’s “unequivocal position”. Steven Berger of the European Consumer Organisation stated it satisfies “a fundamental consumer expectation” to bring both personal items and cabin bags without fees. Crucially, the text permits airlines to redirect bags to the hold only if dimensions or aircraft specifications raise security concerns.
The proposal now enters trilogue talks, with Spain already signalling support.
