EU adopts regulation permitting airlines to charge for hand luggage

The EU’s Committee of Conciliation approved on 15 June a text that lets airlines charge for carry‑on baggage, provided the cost is reflected in the base fare. The European Parliament will vote on the final wording in July, and the rule is set to take effect in 2027. Passengers who travel without a hand‑luggage item will receive a discount, while personal items such as small bags and laptops remain free.

Airline groups, including the Association of European Airlines (ALA), welcome the clarification but argue the fee should remain optional. Consumer organisations such as Facua and the OCU label the measure a “fraudulent surcharge” and warn that standard ticket prices could rise, citing an average extra cost of about €56 per trip. Spain has been a vocal opponent, having imposed fines of nearly €179 million on Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian and Volotea for similar charges, though the penalties are under a temporary suspension and the European Commission has opened an infringement procedure against Spain for blocking the fees.

The regulation aims to increase boarding efficiency and allow airlines to offer lower base prices for passengers who travel without baggage, while standardising how hand‑luggage fees are presented to consumers across the EU.