EU to Allow Free Cabin Baggage Item Starting October 2027 Under New Rules
From 23 October 2027, EU air travelers will be entitled to carry one free personal item plus a cabin bag weighing up to 7kg.
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Travellers flying within the European Union will soon be able to bring a free item of hand luggage on board under newly revised air passenger rights rules, set to take effect on 23 October 2027. This change marks the first significant update to EU air travel regulations since 2004 and aims to increase transparency and passenger convenience.
Details of the New Cabin Baggage Allowance
The European Parliament and Council have agreed that passengers will be entitled to carry one free personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, alongside one cabin bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger and have maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 centimeters. The cabin bag allowance permits a piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7 kilograms with combined dimensions totaling 100 centimeters.
The European Parliament emphasized: “The new rules now include the right to carry on board, without additional fee, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack.” The European Council added that “operating air carriers shall, subject to the capacity of the aircraft cabin, permit passengers to carry a piece of hand baggage into the cabin.”
Price Transparency and Ticket Advertising Changes
In addition to luggage allowances, the new rules require airlines to advertise ticket prices that include luggage from the start of the booking process. This aims to eliminate hidden fees and make it easier for travelers to compare fares across airlines. The European Council stated: “To create price transparency, air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines.”
Negotiators also agreed airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who voluntarily choose to travel without hand luggage, allowing for more flexible fare options.
When the Rules Take Effect
The agreement was provisionally approved by the European Parliament and Council negotiators in June and was officially signed last month. It was published in the EU’s Official Journal on 2 October. The new regulations are expected to come into force from 23 October 2027, giving airlines and passengers ample time to prepare for the changes.
Impact on UK Travelers
UK travelers should be aware that these new EU baggage rights may not fully apply to flights departing from the UK. Since the UK is no longer an EU member, airlines like easyJet and British Airways might only be required to follow the rules on return flights into the EU. This means UK passengers may still face hand luggage fees on outbound flights.
These changes represent a major shift in air travel policies within the EU, designed to simplify baggage rules and enhance passenger rights.
Travelers should start preparing for these new allowances and pricing transparency when booking flights within the EU from late October 2027 onwards.
