EU moves toward standardizing hand luggage rules
The move has exposed divisions within the aviation industry, with EasyJet retaining its more generous baggage allowance of 45 x 36 x 20 cm.
The European Union Court of Justice ruled that passengers cannot be charged extra for cabin bags, as long as the bags meet reasonable weight and size limits and comply with safety regulations.
In response to the ruling, Airlines for Europe (A4E), the region’s largest airline trade group, which includes Ryanair, TAP and easyJet, announced that its members will adopt a standard size for under-seat bags: 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
The goal is to eliminate hidden fees, improve transparency, and ease confusion for passengers switching between carriers with differing policies.
Lingering divisions
However, the move has exposed divisions within the aviation industry.
EasyJet, for example, has said it will retain its more generous baggage allowance of 45 x 36 x 20 cm and a maximum weight of 15 kg.
“This measure clarifies the minimum size of baggage for any A4E airline, but we will maintain our existing policy,” the company stated.
Industry observers, like Miguel Quintas from Portugal’s National Association of Travel Agencies, note that “even airlines themselves can’t agree,” and stress the need for policies that meet real consumer needs.
The issue gained further momentum after a June 5 agreement by EU transport ministers backing stronger passenger rights, including clearer communication on luggage limits.
But the broader goal of guaranteeing two free carry-on items per passenger, one under-seat bag and one larger cabin bag (up to 100 cm total and 7 kg), remains uncertain.
European Parliament vote
On June 24, the European Parliament’s transport committee endorsed the proposal, but it must still clear several legislative hurdles.
The measure requires support from the European Parliament’s plenary, the European Commission, and the Council of the EU, where opposition from national governments remains a significant obstacle.
Most EU governments, with the exception of a few like Spain, have not backed a full ban on cabin bag fees.
Spain, which fined several low-cost carriers in 2023, including Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet, for “abusive” baggage fees, continues to champion reform. However, those fines are now under appeal in Spanish courts.
Airlines and their lobby groups argue that banning baggage fees would limit consumer choice and reduce flexibility.
A4E has criticised the proposal, warning it could lead to higher base fares.
For instance, Ryanair reported that nearly one-third of its €13.95 billion in revenue for the year ending March 2025 came from ancillary charges, including baggage fees.
For now, while the A4E standard may bring clarity to minimum under-seat baggage sizes, the broader reform of EU passenger rights, including guaranteed free cabin luggage, remains in the hands of ongoing negotiations among European institutions.
Passengers may still face inconsistency until a final agreement is reached.
The rules are sometimes enforced, and sometimes not, which I find very unfair. I'm the traveller who has the absolutely standard sized wheelie-bag 55 x 40 x 25 cm and underseat bag 40 x 30 x 15 cm, and I'm always infuriated when others are allowed on with bags 50% bigger! I'd welcome more *enforced* standardization.