After years of negotiations, the EU has stopped short of guaranteeing free cabin luggage for all air travelers. Spain opposed the final deal, arguing it leaves consumers exposed to extra fees. Airlines retain flexibility to charge for hand luggage.
Passengers hoping for a guaranteed right to bring a free cabin suitcase on European flights will have to keep waiting. After thirteen years of negotiations, the European Union has approved a new air passenger rights reform that does not explicitly require airlines to allow a free carry-on bag for every traveler. Spain, which had pushed for stronger consumer protections, voted against the agreement, citing concerns that the new rules fall short of what passengers need.
The Spanish government had made the inclusion of a free cabin suitcase a central demand in the talks. However, the final text only obliges airlines to let passengers bring one personal item into the cabin at no extra cost. The right to a larger piece of hand luggage, such as a trolley, remains conditional on available space in the aircraft cabin. This means airlines can continue to offer cheaper fares for those traveling without a suitcase and charge more for those who want to bring one on board.
What Changes for Passengers
Under the new rules, travelers are entitled to a free personal item in the cabin, but the inclusion of a cabin suitcase is not guaranteed. Airlines retain the ability to set different prices depending on whether a passenger brings a trolley or not. For most travelers, this means little will change: bringing a cabin suitcase may still increase the cost of a ticket, and the practice of charging for hand luggage is likely to continue.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs expressed disappointment at the outcome, describing the reform as less ambitious than hoped. Officials argue that free cabin luggage should be recognized as a fundamental passenger right, not left to the discretion of airlines.
Ongoing Fines for Airlines
The reform comes in the wake of significant fines imposed by Spanish authorities on several airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, Easyjet, Norwegian, and Volotea, for charging extra fees for cabin luggage. The total penalties amount to €179 million, with Ryanair facing the largest single fine of €107 million. According to the Ministry, these cases are still moving forward and will ultimately be decided by the European Court of Justice. The fines were issued under the current regulations, so the new EU rules will not affect their legal standing.
Other Passenger Rights Strengthened
While the reform does not deliver on free cabin luggage, it does introduce new protections for travelers. If ratified, airlines will be prohibited from charging for seat selection when passengers are traveling with children or dependents. Additional fees for printing boarding passes at the airport or correcting minor errors in reservations will also be banned.
The compensation system for flight delays remains in place, with passengers entitled to between €250 and €600 for delays of three hours or more, depending on the distance and length of the delay. Travelers are advised to check ticket conditions carefully to understand what luggage is included before booking.
The new regulation will take effect across all EU member states once ratified by the European Parliament, without the need for separate national laws.
As the debate over cabin luggage fees continues, the outcome highlights the challenge of balancing consumer rights with airline business models in Europe. For now, passengers should remain vigilant about what is included in their fare and be prepared for continued variation in luggage policies across airlines.
