If there’s one skill many of us have honed over the years, it’s definitely the art of packing our bags while defying the laws of physics to fit everything into our carry-on luggage. Yet, the start of our vacations could be much less stressful if we didn’t have to rush past the check-in counter, holding our breath and praying to the travel gods that there won’t be any problems with our carry-on luggage. Imagine how much nicer it would be to board the plane with ease, knowing you’re not breaking any rules and aren’t risking a hefty last-minute fee.
What’s changed regarding the cost of luggage
After more than a decade of negotiations, the European Council and the European Parliament have officially signed an agreement to introduce new rules on carry-on luggage and the handling of compensation for delays. The new regulations will take effect in 2027. Be aware, however, that carry-on luggage won’t magically become “free.” In reality, the core of the new law is price transparency. You won’t stop paying for your carry-on, but you’ll no longer have to pay for it separately as an extra at checkout, added to the cost of your ticket.
Here’s what the new rules entail
All passengers will have the right to bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kilograms into the cabin, plus a small personal bag to stow under the seat. Airlines will be required to include the cost of this allowance in the ticket price from the very moment you view it. The advertised price will be the actual price. Since airlines (especially low-cost carriers) will no longer be able to highlight a super-cheap ticket only to raise the price at checkout by adding baggage fees, it’s very likely that base flight prices will increase to absorb these changes.
The European Union’s goal is to make travel expenses more predictable, fair, and transparent for consumers. These new rules on carry-on luggage are part of a much broader package designed to strengthen passenger rights. The new regulations will also change the way airlines handle complaints, making the process clearer and fairer—including a ban on charging extra fees to seat parents next to their children under the age of 14.
