EU Mandates Inclusion of Cabin Bags in Standard Ticket Prices by 2027
New regulations aim to increase transparency and eliminate surprise fees for carry-on luggage on flights within the EU.
The European Union will implement new rules in October 2027 that require airlines to include the cost of a standard cabin bag within the base ticket price, a move designed to enhance fare transparency and prevent unexpected charges.
Under the forthcoming regulations, airlines will be obligated to permit passengers to bring one personal item, such as a handbag or small backpack, into the cabin at no additional cost. Furthermore, the price displayed at the outset of the booking process must include an allowance for a piece of hand baggage. Passengers who opt to travel without hand luggage will have the option to select a lower fare later in the booking process.
The European Parliament has stated that the new rules will come into effect on October 23, 2027. The permitted overhead cabin bag will be subject to a size limit of 100cm in combined dimensions and a maximum weight of 7kg, contingent on available space in the aircraft cabin.
These regulations apply to flights operating between two EU airports, flights departing from the EU, or flights operated by an EU-based airline. This means that carriers may implement different policies for flights originating from outside the EU.
An aviation expert noted that the changes are not a complete removal of cabin baggage charges but rather a mandate for transparency. Previously, the cost of a personal item and cabin bag were often unbundled from the headline fare, leading to difficulty for passengers in comparing the true cost of flights across different airlines. The new rules guarantee the right to a free personal item and require the initial displayed fare to reflect the cost of carrying hand luggage.
This EU initiative follows recent actions by the UK government, which announced its intention to eliminate amendment fees on flight bookings and end charges for parents to sit next to their children on planes. The specifics of how these EU rules will affect journeys involving both EU and non-EU sectors for British travelers are still subject to clarification due to the UK's departure from the European Union.