Free hand luggage is coming to Europe, but there’s a catch for UK travellers

If you’re a seasoned traveller — especially on short-haul European flights — you’ll likely have tried myriad luggage hacks to avoid paying extortionate airline fees.

From the neck pillow trick, which consists of stuffing your U-shaped pillow with clothing, to using a duty-free carrier bag to sneak extra stuff, there are some innovative ways to bypass the limits.

However, certain passengers may not need to get creative for much longer.

After 13 years of negotiations, the EU has reached an agreement that will allow hand luggage on board free of charge. 

Here’s everything we know so far about the ruling, which is set to come into action in 2027.

What is the agreement?

The proposal, which is part of an agreement between the European Council and European Parliament, will allow travellers to take carry-on luggage measuring 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, with no extra fee.

This is as well as the usual under-the-seat rucksack allowance.

In a statement announcing the news, the Council of the EU said that ‘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.’

In a nutshell, this means airlines must include both the small personal item and the larger carry-on bag in their standard ticket price.

It has also been agreed that airlines may offer cheaper tickets to passengers who voluntarily choose to travel without hand luggage.

This landmark ruling is the first time airline passengers’ rights have been updated in Europe since 2004.

That was when Regulation EU261 — a European Union law establishing minimum rights for air passengers, guaranteeing compensation, refunds, and assistance in cases of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding — was passed.

But like all good things, there’s a catch.

Despite the UK adopting EU261 after Brexit, it has not been updated here yet.

To get to the bottom of what this means for Brits travelling across Europe next summer, Metro spoke with Rhys Jones, Aviation Editor at Head for Points.

Who does this amendment apply to?

‘Passengers flying on EU airlines will be able to take advantage of [the change] in both directions,’ says Rhys.

However, he warns that non-EU airlines — such as Jet2 or easyJet — would only be bound by these regulations on flights from the EU back to the UK.

For example, you could get free hand luggage on an easyJet, Jet2, or BA flight from Mallorca or similar, but not when departing the UK.

That is, unless the UK enacts similar legislation.

Additionally, Rhys says that British Airways, despite being owned by Spanish holding company International Airlines Group, is also considered a UK airline as its operating licence is issued by the UK.

‘Whilst the original 2004 EU264 legislation was copied to UK law as part of Brexit, this does not automatically mean that future amendments in the EU are adopted,’ he adds.

Rather, ‘it would be up to the Civil Aviation Authority to make any future changes to UK law, not the EU.’

Which airlines will be affected?

Rhys says that from 2027, ultra-low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air will be affected the most.

This is because they do not include trolley bags in their lowest fares.

‘Affected airlines will now need to show a default price that includes a cabin trolley bag, although passengers will be able to opt out during the process for an additional saving,’ Rhys reiterates.

‘This will make it easier to compare to full-service airlines such as British Airways and Air France, where trolley bags are included in the fare.’

What have the airlines said about the ruling?

Consumer groups have argued that charging for cabin bags is illegal, especially via practices followed by low-cost airlines, and that air travellers should have the right to claim compensation linked to delays.

However, some airlines have been rushing to charge for cabin baggage in recent months, citing financial losses due to soaring jet fuel prices linked to disruptions in the Middle East.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has been pretty vocal about this new agreement, calling it ‘gobbledygook.’

The Irish businessman criticised the regulations, which he said ‘require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.’

He added that the latest EU261 rulings are ‘more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council,’ adding that over 50% of Ryanair customers choose fares that exclude a second cabin bag.

He said the regulations were discouraging EU airlines from advertising their lowest fares.

O’Leary also argued that they make EU travel less competitive.

Of course, it makes sense that the Irish carrier would have a problem with the agreement. In 2024, Ryanair made €4.7 billion from charging extra fees, which included baggage costs.

What other passenger rights have been updated?

‘The amended regulations clarify various topics that have been contentious with airlines since they were first introduced in 2004, which should help make it clearer for both passengers and airlines,’ Rhys says.

For example, airlines now have to electronically inform passengers within 96 hours if they are eligible for delay compensation.

Elsewhere, the claiming process has been made easier with a 30-day window for airlines to either pay up or decline the request.

What has not changed are your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

‘Depending on the length of your flight, passengers can still claim €250, €400 or €600, if the flight is delayed by three hours or more.’

MORE: Mum charged with manslaughter after brothers, 4 and 2, died in car in 40°C heat

MORE: Eurostar trains cancelled this week amid heatwave — full list of journeys no longer running

MORE: My plane was struck by lightning — here’s everything that happens