Low-cost airlines are anxious about “Free cabin baggage”, as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are championing this concept in Strasbourg this week. Lawmakers voted in favour of a resolution that demands airlines eliminate fees for “reasonable” carry-on luggage and establish consistent size rules for cabin bags.
Spanish Renew MEP Jordi Cañas emphasized that consumer rights cannot be commoditized and criticized carriers for their “abusive practices against European citizens’ rights.” The resolution, stemming from a vote in the Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, urges airlines to adhere to a 2014 EU Court of Justice ruling asserting that passengers should not be charged for cabin bags of “reasonable” size and weight as they are an essential aspect of air travel.
Steven Berger from consumer organization Beuc described the current situation as “absurd” for passengers, citing examples of being charged for carry-on luggage on the return leg after flying out with the same bag for free. Inconsistencies in hand luggage size and weight regulations among airlines can be particularly problematic for passengers travelling on multi-leg trips with different carriers.
Airlines argue that they already provide at least one small bag for free to carry personal items. The industry group Airlines for Europe warned that a “one-size-fits-all policy” could reduce passenger flexibility, impact air travel costs and convenience, and is impractical due to variations in aircraft configurations.
The resolution still requires support from the Commission and EU countries, with the Commission currently examining the issue as part of an impact assessment on the Air Services Regulation. However, this assessment has been ongoing since 2019. The Commission cautioned against potential “unintended consequences” of specifying a standard minimum size and weight for carry-on luggage, suggesting it might increase costs for passengers.
In August, Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation into low-cost carriers over hand luggage fees and additional charges, highlighting how these airlines can advertise competitive prices while ultimately burdening passengers with extra costs. The common perception is that low-cost carriers offer rock-bottom fares but make up the difference through fees for various services, including luggage and snacks.
Notably, Ryanair once contemplated charging passengers to use the restroom, with its CEO Michael O’Leary suggesting it could reduce unnecessary toilet visits and passenger frustration on board.
