UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
The EU are due to discuss the new law next month
PACK IT IN UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
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.
Advertisement
5
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, is reported to be considering the proposals
Credit: Alamy
5
New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag
Credit: Getty
5
But the new rules could drive up air fares for passengers
Credit: Alamy
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.'
Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too
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.'
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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."
While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free.
Advertisement
Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p.
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.
5
Potential new rules could mean all passengers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard
Credit: Alamy
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
39 minutes ago
- Reuters
EU plans to add carbon credits to new climate goal, document shows
BRUSSELS, June 28 (Reuters) - The European Commission is set to propose counting carbon credits bought from other countries towards the European Union's 2040 climate target, a Commission document seen by Reuters showed. The Commission is due to propose a legally binding EU climate target for 2040 on July 2. The EU executive had initially planned a 90% net emissions cut, against 1990 levels, but in recent months has sought to make this goal more flexible, in response to pushback from governments including Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic, concerned about the cost. An internal Commission summary of the upcoming proposal, seen by Reuters, said the EU would be able to use "high-quality international credits" from a U.N.-backed carbon credits market to meet 3% of the emissions cuts towards the 2040 goal. The document said the credits would be phased in from 2036, and that additional EU legislation would later set out the origin and quality criteria that the credits must meet, and details of how they would be purchased. The move would in effect ease the emissions cuts - and the investments required - from European industries needed to hit the 90% emissions-cutting target. For the share of the target met by credits, the EU would buy "credits" from projects that reduce CO2 emissions abroad - for example, forest restoration in Brazil - rather than reducing emissions in Europe. Proponents say these credits are a crucial way to raise funds for CO2-cutting projects in developing nations. But recent scandals have shown some credit-generating projects did not deliver the climate benefits they claimed. The document said the Commission will add other flexibilities to the 90% target, as Brussels attempts to contain resistance from governments struggling to fund the green transition alongside priorities including defence, and industries who say ambitious environmental regulations hurt their competitiveness. These include integrating credits from projects that remove CO2 from the atmosphere into the EU's carbon market so that European industries can buy these credits to offset some of their own emissions, the document said. The draft would also give countries more flexibility on which sectors in their economy do the heavy lifting to meet the 2040 goal, "to support the achievement of targets in a cost-effective way". A Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the upcoming proposal, which could still change before it is published next week. EU countries and the European Parliament must negotiate the final target and could amend what the Commission proposes.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Hours left to save on luxury Virgin Holidays to Mexico
Save more money for cocktails on the beach with up to £300 off Virgin Atlantic Holidays Virgin Atlantic Holidays is offering up to £300 per booking on all new package holiday bookings. Holidaymakers should act quickly though as the deal ends at 23:59 on Monday, June 30. With a choice of standard or partner hotels to choose from holidaymakers who stay and play for longer will make the biggest savings. For package spends of £3,500 or more, travallers save £100 per booking at standard hotels or £150 at partner hotels for stays of 7–10 nights. For stays of 11–16 nights, the savings increase to £200 per booking at standard hotels and £300 at partner hotels. The offer applies to travel between Sunday October 19, 2025 and Sunday April 19, 2026. To qualify, bookings must include a minimum of 7 nights and a minimum spend of £3,500. With sizeable discounts available a dream trip to Mexico could be within reach. A popular holiday destination for British travellers the all-inclusive resorts are known for their five-star ratings and extensive facilities. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Heaven is an adult-only hotel that offers five-star accommodation, a choice of three restaurants, a selection of water sports and access to the exclusive Rock Spa. The brand new Eden Pool is the hub of the luxurious oasis surrounded by entertainment and cocktails and there is also access to a private beach. Guests who love the water never need to leave it with a choice of swim-up suites also available. Alternatively, the Moon Palace Nizuc in Cancun is an upscale hotel with world-class dining, luxury interiors, endless swimming pools and an opulent spa. As one of the most well-known resorts in the region, it is also home to its very own water park with slides, a kids' club and an extensive program of entertainment. For families, the Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya is a fun-filled resort overlooking a private beach. It has multiple restaurants, bars, entertainment, and a kids' club with weekly campout adventures. The AVA Resort Cancun boasts ocean views, a man-made lagoon, 17 restaurants, live theatre shows, and its very own nightclub. Ahead of the holiday season, there are other discounts and deals to be found. Jet2, for example, is offering up to £400 off summer holidays, with an extra £60 off breaks in June and July using the code SAVE60. The Jet2 sale comes to an end at 11:59 on Wednesday, July 2, but until then savings can be made on holidays to Spain, Turkey, Portugal and more. Elsewhere, On The Beach has slashed prices on a range of summer holidays. With up to 20% off selected hotels, the online travel agent offers good value holidays with comfortable accommodation and all-inclusive breaks at resorts across Europe and beyond. Travellers looking to explore the world for less are also turning to travel subscriptions like Secret Flight Club. The deals service sends out curated alerts for deeply discounted and "secret" airfares. Secret Flight Club lets travellers sign up for a free trial, which lasts for seven days. This gives them a chance to see the kinds of flight deals they offer before deciding if want to join as a paid member. Many members save money on flights with the average saving of 81% or around £143 on a return ticket, though some deals offer bigger discounts. The idea is to make it easier to find cheap flights without spending lots of time searching online. After the trial period, membership starts at £36 per year, which works out at £3 a month. Members receive emails with discounted flight deals that the club finds using their technology, departing from UK airports to all around the world. Some of the best deals at the time of writing include return flights from UK to Osaka, Japan from £459, one-stop flights to Brazil from £452 and short haul hops to Vienna from £51. Holidaymakers who have already booked through Virgin Atlantic Holidays have left thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot. One traveller said: "Love Virgin. Been to Mexico and Vegas with Virgin and can't fault them." A guest who stayed at the Moon Palace Nizuc was very impressed, saying: "Definitely the best service I have ever received staying at a resort. I love to go here with my family and spend quality time. I absolutely recommended it!" Another who stayed at the Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya said: " This was a great resort. The resort is beautiful and inside a gated community. The staff were excellent and would go the extra mile for anything you need. Once in a lifetime stay. I would definitely visit this resort again." Not all travellers were quite so impressed with their Mexican holiday. One left a three-star review that said: "We booked a holiday to Mexico. The Virgin Holiday rep who visited the hotel was about as energetic as a hibernating bear. Overall, decent way to vacation but they could up their game somewhat." But another guest who stayed at the AVA Resort Cancun had a much better time, saying: " The hotel is fantastic. The food is super delicious, the pools are amazing, the nightlife is very entertaining, and you don't get bored. "
Times
an hour ago
- Times
EU wants free hand luggage. Here's how it could hit flight prices
With his wheelie bag in tow, Peter Bellew strode towards the gate at Munich airport to board his easyJet flight, bound for Gatwick, in the spring of this year. 'You'll need to pay to bring that onboard, Sir,' said a member of the dispatch team, pointing to the cabin luggage. The remark elicited a wry smile as the passenger handed over his credit card. Little did the airport employee realise it, but as easyJet's chief operating officer from 2019 to 2022, Bellew was the very man who introduced such fees in the first place. Baggage charges are big business for budget airlines such as easyJet. Last year, the Luton-based carrier raked in £2.5 billion in 'ancillary revenues' — just over a quarter of its overall takings. But if the EU gets its way, this vital income stream may come to an end. • I'm sick of squabbles about overhead lockers. This is how to behave Politicians in Brussels are pressing ahead with reforms to give passengers the right to travel with a cabin bag weighing up to 7kg free of charge, in addition to a smaller item that can fit under the seat. Other changes include giving under-12s, or those travelling with disabled passengers, the right to pick a seat next to their accompanying traveller, also free of charge. Last Tuesday, MEPs on the European parliament's transport and tourism committee passed the changes, voting 38-2 in favour. The European parliament now has three months to consider the new laws, after which they will be adopted, if politicians do nothing. Alternatively, they can be adopted, rejected, or amendments proposed. On the face of it, this seems good news for consumers. A cabin bag can cost from £6 to £60 on Ryanair, depending on the flight and when you buy your ticket. At easyJet, the charge is £5.99 to £48, and on Wizz Air it varies from as little as £13 to as much as £140. These fees would, in effect, be outlawed if Brussels legislators get their way — although the EU is proposing that they apply to wheelie bags with dimensions that add up to no more than 100cm, which is smaller than the maximum size allowed by all three budget carriers. For airlines, the reforms could be devastating. Cabin baggage fees have grown to become a big part of the add-ons charged by low-cost carriers — often to the chagrin of their customers. At Wizz, ancillary income represents nearly half — about 45 per cent — of total revenues. Ancillaries at Ryanair equate to 34 per cent of the top line, and 26 per cent at easyJet. The three airlines are now raking in £8.5 billion from add-ons annually. This was not always the case, however. In 1999, Ryanair customers were spending an average of €7.48 on ancillaries, compared with €23.57 (£20.15) nowadays — a threefold increase. Publicly available figures for Wizz go back to 2014: per-passenger spending on add-ons has risen from €25.40 then to €37.08 now. Charging for bags at easyJet is a newer phenomenon, brought in by Bellew in 2021, with passengers spending an average of £27.39 on ancillaries. Airlines argue that these measures have allowed them to keep headline fares down. And the numbers appear to support this. Average per-passenger fare income on Ryanair was €52.52 in 1999 and is now €46.10. Wizz fares have also fallen, from €47.39 to €46.01 between 2014 and now. This is why airlines argue that the EU reforms will backfire on travellers. • How airline fees have turned baggage into billions 'It's actually going to be more damaging for consumers,' said Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air's chief corporate and ESG officer. 'Fares are going to be driven up because we're going to have to price fares to include the price of the luggage.' Robert Boyle, a former British Airways executive and now an independent analyst, agreed that the main effect of the EU's proposed changes would be to drive up headline fares. But he empathised with Brussels' ambition. 'It is hard not to have some sympathy from a passenger point of view,' he said. 'It is mostly a trick to generate a low headline price with almost everyone paying for the carry-on in practice — or, to put it another way, a bait-and-switch commercial strategy. 'A few people who are willing and able to travel without cabin bags will end up being forced to pay a higher price.' However, easyJet is not convinced. It reckons 40 per cent of its customers travel only using the under-seat bag, for instance. Meanwhile, IATA, the global airlines trade body, said 'consumer research tells us that the majority of travellers want to pay the lowest price possible'. Spiralling fares are just one potential consequence of the EU reforms. Another is that flight punctuality could deteriorate as turnarounds — the change-over period when a plane lands and is prepared for its next flight — are slowed down. 'Before wheelie bags were rationed, low-cost airlines suffered chaotic turnarounds,' said Andrew Lobbenberg, transport analyst at Barclays. 'Carry-on bags were being moved at the last minute, creating slow turnarounds, delays and dissatisfied passengers. 'Turnarounds would [also] become more challenging as the aircraft do not have enough overhead bin space for all passengers to bring wheelie bags on board,' he added. Evidence from easyJet appears to corroborate this. Before the airline began charging for cabin bags in 2021, handling luggage that could not fit in overhead compartments because they were full was one of the main causes of delays. Since then, cabin baggage-related delays in offloading passengers are understood to have fallen by 94 per cent. There is also aviation's carbon footprint to consider. With all passengers empowered to bring two items of luggage on board, aircraft weights would rise, leading to additional fuel consumption and greater carbon emissions. • Hand luggage: Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways policies explained A final complexity is that Brussels' reforms, should they come into force, would not necessarily apply to all flights. The current proposals affect EU and non-EU registered airlines that fly out of the European bloc. But they would apply only to EU-registered aircraft flying into the EU. This means that the rules would not apply to domestic UK flights or to flights from the UK, for example, into the EU. Passengers would benefit from the free cabin bag rule on their return to Britain, however. It is ripe for confusion. The prospect of the changes — and the fallout from them — has raised the hackles of Willie Walsh, the former British Airways boss who now heads IATA. 'When regulators meddle in commercial or operational issues they don't understand, they usually get it wrong. If EU parliamentarians insist on regulating where regulation is not needed, they should be prepared to take responsibility for its negative consequences,' he said. The saving grace, as with so many EU reforms, is that progress on passenger air travel rights is likely to be glacially slow. The changes to baggage regulations are a late addition to a wider overhaul of passenger compensation — known as EU261 — that has been in the works since 2013. In addition, the move would contradict existing European laws that give airlines the freedom to set their own pricing. This, industry leaders say, leaves the door open to a protracted legal challenge. Furthermore, the proposals would need to be ratified by individual member states. The complexities around this were highlighted when Spain suspended its own proposals to outlaw cabin baggage fees late last Thursday. Experts are split as to why the EU proposals have not hit the share prices of major listed budget airlines. Lobbenberg said: 'The market has not reacted clearly to this issue, I think, because it is highly unclear what comes next. While consumer organisations are pushing hard to outlaw wheelie bag fees, the member states agreed to allow them.' But another senior industry executive said: 'I think that with all the geopolitical tensions, and associated increases in oil prices, these proposals have just been missed.' Whatever the reason, for now, airlines are monitoring the situation carefully — not to mention grumpily. 'What's next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket?' said Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of trade body Airlines for Europe.
