European Union lawmakers have recently voted in favor of a proposal that grants air passengers the right to bring a personal item into the cabin and a piece of hand luggage weighing up to seven kilograms free of charge. This decision, emphasized by Matteo Ricci, the vice-president of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism and the bill’s lead sponsor, is heralded as a step toward fairer and more transparent travel options. The proposal aims to clarify that free hand luggage is a fundamental right, reducing the imposition of unjustified fees on travelers. In conjunction with earlier reforms proposed by the European Commission, this initiative seeks to enhance passenger rights and improve associated regulations.
According to the new stipulations, passengers traveling within the EU will be allowed to bring both a personal bag, such as a handbag or rucksack, alongside a larger hand luggage item onboard without incurring extra fees. The personal item cannot exceed dimensions of 40x30x15 centimeters, while the hand luggage can be a maximum of 100 centimeters in size and weigh no more than 7 kilograms. Importantly, airlines will not be permitted to charge passengers additional fees for these items. This ruling stems from a long-standing decree by the European Court of Justice that established the requirement for hand luggage not to incur surcharges, provided it meets certain safety and size criteria.
While the reforms represent progress for passengers, industry representatives such as Airlines for Europe (A4E) have cautioned that they might lead to increased overall airfares as airlines adjust their pricing strategies. A spokesperson for A4E highlighted concerns that the added regulations could limit consumer choice regarding what services to pay for, complicating what has traditionally been a straightforward option for budget-conscious travelers. Critics argue that the proposed changes could diminish flexibility and affordability, particularly affecting those who travel light.
In addition to the hand luggage reforms, the EU’s 2023 proposal seeks to enhance protections for vulnerable travelers, including ensuring that children under 12 are seated next to accompanying adults at no extra charge. Moreover, it aims to provide better support for passengers with reduced mobility by allowing an accompanying person to travel free of charge and introducing compensation rights concerning mobility equipment loss or assistance animal injury. These measures reveal an intention to create a more inclusive travel environment for all passengers.
The proposed regulations also establish clarity regarding the responsibilities of intermediaries involved in travel bookings. MEPs demand that ticket vendors transparently outline the total cost of flights, including any fees, during the booking process. They proposed that the reimbursement process for cancellations or delays should not exceed 14 days; if intermediaries delay, airlines would be responsible for completing reimbursements within seven days. These proposals aim to streamline the process for passengers seeking refunds, further enhancing consumer rights in air travel.
Next steps include a vote by the full EU parliament, where changes could still be made before the proposals are negotiated and approved by member states. The ongoing discussions on these recommendations demonstrate a commitment to improving passenger rights while navigating the complexities of the aviation market. As these changes continue to develop, travelers may soon experience more equitable and transparent air travel conditions.
