AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee put forward a new law to allow two carry-on items free as standard.
If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker – as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm.
Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021.
However, the likes of British Airways and Jet2.com already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs.
But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses – with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed.
A transport source spoke to the i newspaper after the EU committee voted to introduce the standardised allowance.
Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage.
The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July.
The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU’s proposals on air passenger rights reforms.
“We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.”
Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags.
Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: “The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don’t.”
Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won’t be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space.
A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers.
Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won’t be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space.
A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers.
Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules – but these did not change.
Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Europe’s biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: “We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board.
“We’re working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven’t reached an agreement with them yet.”
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Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you
Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in.
EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers.
But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward.
Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges.
And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits.
These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair’s revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair’s ancillary revenues were worth £884million.
Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags.
They also point out many airlines won’t be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags.
But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing.
Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out.
