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Travellers will soon be able to fly with a free item of hand luggage under a major change to air passenger rights in the European Union.
In June, a provisional agreement on new air passenger rights rules was approved by European Parliament and Council negotiators – the first revision since 2004.
The European Parliament said: “The new rules now include the right to carry on board, without additional fee, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack.”
This is in addition to the one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of the passenger or have maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm.
It also means that airlines must advertise ticket prices that include luggage from the beginning of the booking process, rather than offer it as a “hidden” extra later.
The act was officially signed by both Council and Parliament last month and was published in the EU’s Official Journal on 2 October.
“Operating air carriers shall, subject to the capacity of the aircraft cabin, permit passengers to carry a piece of hand baggage into the cabin”, it said.
The European Parliament confirmed that the changes are expected to come into force from 23 October 2027.
The ruling will entitle passengers to a free personal item – which fits under the seat in front – plus one cabin bag, weighing up to 7kg and having the combined dimensions of 100cm.
The European Council added: “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 agreed that airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who choose voluntarily to travel without hand luggage.”
However, UK travellers should be aware that they may still have to pay hand luggage fees on the outward leg of their journey.
As the UK is no longer a member of the EU, airlines including easyJet and British Airways may only need to follow the rules on return flights into the country covered by EU passenger rights regulations.
Read more: A pilot explains why airlines have become so strict on luggage weight limits