Effective October 23, 2027, the new EU Regulation 2026/2202 will take effect, introducing a major reform of air passenger rights in Europe.
The New Baggage Rules
Passengers will have the guaranteed right to bring a small “personal item” (such as a purse or a small backpack) on board at no additional cost. The personal item must measure no more than 40x30x15 cm or, alternatively, be able to fit comfortably under the seat in front of them.
It’s important to note that the regulation does not require airlines to offer larger carry-on bags (the classic overhead compartment trolley) for free. Airlines may continue to set their own policies, charge extra fees for bulky luggage, and offer cheaper tickets to those who travel light.
Starting from the very first screen of the booking process, airlines and comparison websites must display, by default, the fare that includes the carry-on allowance, making it easier to compare actual prices and avoiding hidden costs at checkout.
If, for safety reasons, due to lack of space in the overhead bins, or because of a change in aircraft, the carry-on bag must be checked into the cargo hold, the airline may not charge the passenger any fees.
The new regulation, published in the Official Gazette in early October 2026, also introduces additional protections for Italian and European travelers regarding complaints, refunds, delays, and cancellations. It will be possible to correct a name error on the ticket at least once free of charge (at least 48 hours before departure); it will no longer be mandatory to download the airline’s app to obtain a boarding pass (a free paper copy can be obtained at the airport); and airlines will not be able to deny boarding on the return flight to passengers who did not use the outbound leg (the “no-show” clause).
The exception for flights from the United Kingdom
Since the United Kingdom is not part of the EU, the new rules apply based on the departure location and the airline, not the passenger’s nationality. Flights departing from an airport in the European Union will always be covered. However, for flights departing from Great Britain, airlines (especially British ones) may adopt different policies. Flights departing from the United Kingdom but operated by an EU airline will likely fall under the new protections. It is essential to check the baggage allowance for each individual leg of the trip.
