Airlines will be allowed to charge passengers for bringing trolley bags into the cabin under changes to EU passenger rights, after the European Council approved the controversial move on Thursday.
They have introduced new rules for hand luggage, allowing carriers to impose fees for larger cabin bags placed in overhead lockers. Only smaller personal items such as backpacks or handbags measuring up to 40x30x15cm will be accepted free of charge.
The Airline Association (ALA) has welcomed the changes, saying they provide much-needed clarity on baggage fees and will help cut down on the number of legal disputes between passengers and airlines.
They said, “This ends the legal uncertainty and inconsistent rulings we’ve seen across Spain.”
The new rules also narrow the definition of free hand luggage, limiting it to bags that can be stored under the seat in front, meaning anything larger will now come with an additional cost.
Spain, Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal voted against the changes, warning the move could mean passengers end up paying extra for almost any cabin bag. The Spanish government criticised the new rules as “too restrictive.”
The update doesn’t stop at baggage. It also shifts the goalposts on compensation for delayed flights. The current threshold of three hours has been raised to between four and six hours, depending on flight distance.
The payout amounts have also been reduced, with passengers entitled to €300 for shorter flights and €500 for longer ones, provided the delay crosses the new time limits.
Despite the Council’s backing, the changes are not final. The proposals now head to the European Parliament, where MEPs can approve, reject, or push for amendments before the rules come into effect.
